Page 24 of Mic Drop

Does she know what’s on my mind? She seems so even keeled. How can she be, when I’m careening out of control? I glance at her, her gray gaze trained on me. Better spit it out now.

“Would you give your permission for me to ask your daughter to marry me? I’m not sure when, but I need to know you’ll be happy with this decision.” I consider my selling attributes as if they were UC merch. My palm covers my heart. “I have a steady job, a good paycheck, and the biggest plus of all—I love her, and she loves me.” What more can I add?

“You travel all the time, and her work is here.”

“Good point.” How can I make her understand the depth of my feelings? “I can quit the band. Or she can come with us and help out when there are any injuries.” I remember Jeb’s waxing poetic abouthow she’s handling the crew’s back problems. “There’s a need for physical therapy on tour. Or we can be together whenever we possibly can. Any which way, we’ll make it work.” I clear my throat. “I’ll make it work.”

“You two haven’t known each other long.”

“We’ve known each other for years if you count the time when she was with Darren.” Not the best idea to mention a former, dead boyfriend when asking for the woman’s hand in marriage from her dying mother. “I know for a fact she’s it for me. I love her. I’ll do anything to make her happy. I promise.”

“Have you discussed this with your own mother?”

My head shakes. “No. We’re not close. In truth, she’s not a caring or loving individual, like you are.” I stare at my knees.

Her mother regards me from her chair. I try not to fidget under her scrutiny. When my last nerve is pulled tight, she says, “I would be honored to welcome you into the family, Bennett. You’ve proven yourself honorable. You love my daughter. What more could I ask of you?”

My entire body goes lax when I receive her blessing. Somehow, she probably was the easier Westfield to crack. “Thank you, Faith. I’ll endeavor to live up to your trust in me every single day.”

“Of that I have no doubt.”

Jenna breaks the mood by bringing a tray into the living room, giving her mother a mug before passing one to me. I sip the calming hot beverage, allowing the tea to soothe my fractured nerves. I need to figure out how to ask Jenna to marry me. Before then, though, I need to help her come to grips with her mother’s situation.

The two chatter about the weather and a new store opening up on Main Street, while I ponder what I can do to help the woman I love come to terms with an awful but inevitable result. I’m pulled from my musings by the ping of a text. The Swiss doctor will be meeting with us in an hour. Now to remove Jenna from her mother’s house so we can take this meeting in private. And I can try to help her come to grips with the end result.

A few minutes later, I finish my tea. “Ladies, I’m beyond thrilled I got to spend this afternoon with you both. Unfortunately, duty calls, and I need to get ready to fly to my next gig.”

“Such a short visit,” Faith notes.

“I would do anything for your daughter.” Standing, we share an unspoken pact regarding her monumental agreement to let me have Jenna’s hand. I bring my empty mug into the kitchen, placing it in the dishwasher.

A giggle floats from behind me. “If only your fans could see you now. The great and mighty Bennett Hardy filling a lowly dishwasher.”

The door clicks shut as I hip check it, then spin to lean my ass against the door. “They’d probably enjoy me kissing the living daylights out of my girlfriend against it more.” I open my arms, into which she steps.

“I would too.” She kisses my lips, but ends our contact way too soon. “Ma’s waiting to say goodbye.”

I play with her hair. “Come with me to Secluded Rest. Luke arranged the Zoom meeting with a Swiss doctor shortly.”

“Oh.”

I tug her in close. “Stick with me, Sweetheart. I’ll make sure you get everything you need.” Even if it’s not what she wants.

We return to the living room. “Ma,” Jenna begins. “Will you be all right if I go with Bennett to his house? He needs to grab his gear before getting on the plane to his next big concert.” She smiles at me. “He is a world-famous rock star, you know.”

“I might have heard rumors,” Faith quips. I’m finding it hard to believe this vibrant woman is sick. Maybe the new doctor will tell us we have the wrong diagnosis. “You two should go. I’ll be fine here. Plus, Kara’s going to stop by when she gets off work later.”

I approach her chair and kiss her forehead. Her skin feels a bit less resilient under my lips. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Her hand grabs mine and tugs me toward her. “Keep her safe.”

“I will.” I stand to my full height and watch as Jenna kisses her mother.

We walk out of the house and Jenna exhales. “I can’t believe what’s happening. She seems so healthy. Don’t you think she looks good?”

I don’t want to give her false hope. Yet, I can’t find it in myself to crush her. “Let’s see what the Swiss doctor has to say, all right?”

“Yeah.”

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