Page 21 of Dangerous Encore
Pipertoo.
"You… You don't like Ethan." I wipe my eyes. "I know you try, but I can tell. And that'sokay,but—"
"That's not it. I love Ethan. He makes you happy, and that's all I've wantedforyou."
"Hedoes."
Mom looks me in the eyes. "I just worry. He's away all the time. And I see the way that wears on you. Last Sunday, when we met for dinner, you were barely there. You looked like your heart was about tobreak."
I can't exactlydenythat.
"No marriage is perfect. There's always compromise. I can't begin to tell you how many things your father does that drive me out of my mind. But I always know he'll be there. I worry about you nothavingthat."
I nod. Iworrytoo.
"It's your life, sweetie. And it's your marriage. And your wedding. You're the only one who knows what you want. I do love Ethan. And I know you don't need it, but you have every bit of my approval. You couldn't find abetterguy."
I nod. "Can you tell him that?" Ethan is still under the impression my parents hate him. Not that I can blame him for worrying the rest of my family disapproves.Theydo.
"Okay." Mom rubs my shoulder. "You know I only want the worldforyou."
"Ido."
"You want a minutealone?"
Inod.
Mom smiles and motions to the den. "I'll make sure Piper and Kelsey stay entertained." She moves into theotherroom.
I press my back against the wall and suck in deep breaths. My eyes are getting red, but my makeup is still perfect. My dress is stillgorgeous.
I'm still an angel sentfromhell.
Which is exactly how Ilikeit.
I appreciate the moment to my thoughts. But I don't want to be alonerightnow.
I want to be withEthan.
I find my phone in my purse and Icallhim.
