Jana typed the last sentence of her novel—at least what she thought was the last sentence. She could hardly believe she’d finished writing another book. Closing her laptop, she leaned her head back on the pillows she’d stacked up on the couch. Then, slowly, the exhilaration took over. She was done. Truly done. Well, except for revisions. But she’d gotten this far.
She sent Knox a text, because if anyone should know, it was him. He’d asked about her book every day, and she’d even read more chapters to him.
Finished writing last chapter!
His reply came a few minutes later. You’re amazing. Read it to me tonight.
She smiled, her heart doing a somersault. I don’t know, maybe. I might need to let it sit for a few days.
I can be persuasive.
Jana laughed. I’ll think about it…
The clock on her laptop told her she only had an hour to get ready before Knox came to pick her up. They were going to dinner… at his parents’ house. And… Holt, Macie, and Ruby would be there, too.
Knox had wanted this event to happen for a couple of weeks, but Jana had always made up an excuse. Knox hadn’t been fooled, but he was apparently the most patient man on the planet. So when he’d called her that morning, bright and early, which was her favorite time to talk to him—his morning voice was to die for—Jana had finally consented.
It was time to grow up.
Face their future together.
If she was going to marry Knox Prosper, which she was wholeheartedly planning on, she needed to become a part of his family. And that meant his daughter’s life, too, which by extension meant having a conciliatory relationship with his ex-wife. There was no getting around her, since Macie was married to Holt. It wasn’t like they’d cross paths only once in a while, and Prosper was too small of a town to keep their distance.
Jana set her laptop aside and rose from the couch. What did one wear to a dinner with one’s future in-laws and boyfriend’s ex? A blouse and jeans? A dress?
Her phone rang, and Jana wasn’t sure if this was the worst timing in the world or the best, but Barb’s number lit up the screen. Jana decided to answer, because she really did need girlfriend advice. She hadn’t told Barb how far things had progressed with Knox, but she knew they were dating, which brought on enough speculation, anyway.
“Hey, you up for Racoons tonight?”
“Can’t,” Jana said. “Knox is coming into town.” They both knew that Knox refused to enter the bar scene any longer. This was just one thing that Jana was proud of him for. He knew his limits, and he also knew not to even test himself.
“Ooo,” Barb said. “Things getting serious, hon?”
“I don’t know,” Jana said, reluctant to spill everything. “We’re, uh, going to his parents’ for dinner.” Might as well tell her now, because Barb would likely find out from Knox’s mom, Heidi, or even Macie. The three were all friends. Which was kind of funny, since Holt Prosper was one of the many men Barb had had a crush on. Come to think of it, that number likely included Knox, too.
“Shut the front door,” Barb exclaimed. “Knox Prosper is taking you to a family dinner?”
“That’s right.” Jana headed down the hallway to her bedroom.
“Jana!”
“What?” she said, a smile sneaking onto her face.
“You little vixen,” Barb said. “You’ve been holding back, hon, and I want all the details.”
Jana laughed. “Sorry, I’ll never give you all the details.”
Barb groaned. “Fair enough. But tell me as much as you can. I’m dying with curiosity here.”
“Tell you what,” Jana said. “Help me choose an outfit, and I’ll tell you some details. But you have to swear to keep them private. Don’t even tell Patsy.”
“Cross my beating heart,” Barb said in an eager tone.
Jana switched the phone call to Facetime and showed Barb some outfit options.
“I’m assuming Macie and Holt will be there?” Barb said through the phone.
“Yep.”