Page 67 of Waiting For A Girl Like You
“That’s what I just said,” Liam insisted as Bernie led the way to where they had parked the cars. “Isn’t that what I said?”
Jamison tried to follow as her father and Liam’s parents led Liam away, but Simone grabbed her arm, stopping her in place.
“Not so fast.”
Holding Jamison by the shoulders, Simone attempted to level her with a motherly stare. It reminded Rowan of how Annabeth would try to do the same with him, but instead of being adorable, Simone remained her usual terrifying self.
“Are you okay?”
Jamison’s bottom lip trembled, and she nodded, making Simone cluck her tongue. It amazed Rowan how she could always convey the smallest of messages by the mere clucking of her tongue. That little sound held a variety of emotions, from issuing a warning to casting judgment, depending on the situation.
“You can tell us,” Simone pressed. “It’s better to fall apart with Rowan and me than to do it in front of Liam when he’s so out of his head. Seeing you upset would set him off.”
Rowan schooled his features, keeping a straight face as he waited to hear what Jamison had to say. However, on the inside, he was flying. Simone was including him in this private moment, like she trusted him.
Like he was part of the family.
Convincing Annabeth to trust in the strength of their relationship was one thing. But winning over Simone? That was a different beast entirely.
Jamison sniffed, watching the canine units wrestle with their leashes. “He scared me.”
“Men tend to do that,” Simone said, pulling her into a hug. “It’s so aggravating.”
Rowan remained silent, knowing he wasn’t meant to comment. Tears streamed down Jamison’s cheeks as she rested her head on Simone’s shoulder, and he gave her a quiet, sympathetic smile. She rarely showed her vulnerable side—no Fairweather ever did—and seeing her break open not only in front of him but also in front of at least fifty other people meant that what had gone down had done much more than scare her.
“I told him not to go. I begged him, and he went anyway,” Jamison babbled. “Why does he always have to just jump headfirst into the fray? Why does he always have to act like Superman?”
“Because Liam is Superman.” Simone smoothed her hand across Jamison’s back. “He’s not like us. He’s brave, and he does what’s right. I remember that first day he walked through our door and how you could just tell he was the type that would be good for us. You and Annabeth were too busy checking him out to notice, but I did. I noticed. That’s when I decided to shove him in your path.”
Jamison let out a watery laugh. “I love that you always take credit for us being together.”
“It’s true, isn’t it?” Simone lifted her chin, daring her to deny it. “Are you questioning my genius?”
“Never.”
Ahead, Liam’s legs wobbled again, and Ben and Dr. Cohen did an awkward little dance to keep him upright without yanking the stitches. Bernie trailed after them, flapping her hands in mild panic.
“Oh shit,” Jamison hissed and released Simone. “I better go help.”
They watched as she ran off, and after a beat, Rowan spoke. “You’re a good mom.”
It was maybe a weird thing to say, especially since Jamison wasn’t Simone’s daughter by blood. But it felt like something she needed to hear.
“I’ve had plenty of practice.” Simone hooked her arm around his as they started toward the cars together. “I’ll be a good mother-in-law, too.”
Rowan nearly tripped but caught himself.
If she was giving him an opening, he wasn’t about to let it pass. “That’s because you’re not just a good mom. You’re a fierce one.”
Simone leaned on him as they crossed the uneven ground. “You don’t have to be so grandiose when flattering me, Rowan.”
“Oh, but Ido,” he teased her with a grin. “I’m a man of style. Being grandiose is kind of my thing.”
She snorted. “That’s why my baby loves you. You do everything with your whole heart.”
“When it comes to Annabeth? Always and forever.” He looked down at her with full sincerity, not wanting to miss his mark. “And I mean forever, Simone.”
“You scare her.”
