Page 16 of Five Midnight Moment
Valencia’s parents shared a speaking glance that wasn’t lost on her.
“How about I get us some dessert?” her mother asked, nearly jumping up from the chair. “Valencia, you can help me.”
Norma Townsend’s soft tone didn’t fool Valencia one bit, and she knew her help wasn’t optional. Dwayne seemed to sense the same thing and gave Valencia’s hand a reassuring squeeze. She, reluctantly, got up and followed her mother into the kitchen. Valencia spoke before her mother could say anything. “Yes, I know I shouldn’t have gotten involved with my boss, but it wasn’t something either of us planned. It just happened.”
“How long did it take for you two to…stop being professional?”
“Two weeks,” she mumbled.
“Hmph. Two weeks?”
Oh, brother. Here we go.Valencia steeled herself for the lecture she knew was coming.
A grin played around her mother’s mouth. “I can see why. It might’ve justhappenedto me, too, if I were in your place. And it would’ve taken me far less than two weeks.”
Her mouth fell open. That was the last thing she expected her mother to say. “Mom?”
“What? I wasn’t always this old. Just ask your father,” she added with a sly wink.
They burst out laughing. Reason number two-hundred and fifty why she loved her mother.
* * *
Dwayne had no illusions about the hasty exit Mrs. Townsend made, and the look on her husband’s face confirmed it.
“Most companies frown on those types of relationships,” Mr. Townsend said.
No beating around the bush here. Just straight to the point.“True, and mine does, as well. However, your daughter is an amazing woman and as hard as we tried to keep things professional, it didn’t work. I fell for her the first time we talked.”
“What exactly does that mean?”
“It means I love her and I don’t plan to let any policy dictate our relationship. I know you’re concerned, but I promise that this won’t affect her job in any way. Anyone who has something negative to say will have to go through me.” He’d already started to amend the policy to read that employees may date and develop friendships and relationships with other employees—both inside and outside of the workplace—as long as those relationships don't have anegative impact on their work or the work of others.
The older man scrutinized Dwayne. “You really care about my daughter.”
“I want to marry her…with your permission, of course.” Dwayne’s father would be proud of him for remembering the lessons he’d taught Dwayne and Dwight about women and relationships. And he hoped Mr. Townsend didn’t have any objections because he planned to ask Valencia to be his wife, regardless.
Mr. Townsend leaned forward and clasped his hands. “You’ve been dating Valencia for only four months. You think that’s enough time to decide on marriage?”
“Absolutely. This is not something I take lightly, Mr. Townsend. As I said before, I love Valencia and I will protect and care for her for as long as I draw breath.”
He scrutinized Dwayne a long moment, then finally nodded. “Then you have my blessing, son.”
Dwayne released a deep breath. “Thank you. I plan to propose to her tomorrow at my parent’s house and I would like for you and Mrs. Townsend to be there.”
He lifted a brow. “So soon?”
“I want to start the new year off right.”
“I see. Well, if your parents don’t mind.”
“They won’t mind at all.” Or at least they wouldn’t once Dwayne called tonight to let them know. His mother was going to be ecstatic, since she’d been trying to marry him and his brother off for the past few years.
“Then we’ll be there.”
He gave Mr. Townsend the address and time. “Can you wait until we leave to tell Mrs. Townsend? I want it to be a surprise.”
“The way my wife is, I’m probably going to wait until I’m pulling up in your parent’s driveway before I say anything. That way, she won’t have time to let anything slip,” Mr. Townsend said with a laugh.
