Page 106 of Tough as Steele

“Now that’s more like it.” Mimi smiled. “I’m feeling very sentimental tonight, and I just wanted to say how much I care for you and how I love having you as part of my family. I really do think of you as a grandson, and I hope you think of me in a similar way.”

“I never had a grandmother, and I’m glad to have you in my life in that role.”

She squeezed his hand and let go. “Londyn talks so fondly of her family and how they get together every week for dinner. I wondered if we might do the same thing. Not in conflict with their gatherings, as I am assuming you are attending them now, but another night. Maybe I’ll even cook the meal.”

“No offense,” Nate said. “But do you know how to cook?”

Mimi tossed back her head of silvery hair and laughed from deep within her stomach. “Fair question. I used to spend time with our cook when I was little, but as an adult I haven’t done much. Perhaps I’ll just assist Cook.”

“My stomach thanks you for your common sense.” He laughed.

“Now that we have all of that settled, I wanted to reaffirm my decision on Charles. I know you want him to serve time for what he did, but that would hurt Clarice, and I won’t do that.” She shook her head. “What she sees in that man, I don’t know, but I did convince her to get her own bank account and keep their money separate. His salary is enough to support them, and he should have no need to touch her money.”

“I’m glad you were able to convince her to do that,” he said, wishing she’d gotten Clarice to take even more steps to protect herself.

“I think the embezzlement opened her eyes. Maybe not his, but heisgoing to Gamblers Anonymous. How much he’s embracing it, I don’t know, but I did tell him if I found out that he dipped into her money or tried to get access to the account, I would prosecute him for the theft. I think that should do for now, but promise me you’ll keep an eye on Clarice too.”

“Gladly.” He shook his head. “Why is it that such kindhearted women often end up with such rogues?”

“I’ve seen it happen often enough. I honestly think they believe they can change the men and save them. And who knows, maybe Clarice will succeed. I’ll continue to butt out and support her as long as he’s not abusive and she seems to be happy.”

Nate didn’t think Charles would change and hoped he didn’t go after Clarice’s money. If he did, Nate would have words with the guy in addition to holding Mimi accountable for promising to prosecute the cheating, stealing man.

“Now go.” Mimi made shooing motions with her hands. “Join Londyn and her family, then spring her special surprise.”

He couldn’t wait for the surprise, as it meant they would be alone, but when he’d planned it with Mimi, he didn’t know she was going to share her own surprise. “You should come with me.”

“Thank you, but I think they’ll be more at ease if I’m not there, and I want to join Clarice and Charles for our meal.”

He cast a glance at Clarice, who stood by a chocolate fountain waiting patiently for her mother. “Maybe I should stay with you then.”

Mimi’s shrewd gaze narrowed. “Are you getting cold feet on Londyn already?”

“No. Not at all. I’m just wanting to embrace our family too.”

“We can do that later. Take your place with Londyn now and have dinner with her.” She leaned closer. “In case you didn’t notice, she keeps looking over here, and I know she would be hurt if you didn’t join them.”

“I absolutely do not want to disappoint her. I’ll check on you later.” He kissed Mimi’s cheek and made a beeline through the partygoers toward the woman he’d come to love.

Londyn watched Nate stride in her direction and enjoyed every moment of it. He wore a black suit and a white collared shirt. The suit looked custom tailored and emphasized his broad shoulders and trim waist. And his nearly black hair gleamed in the lights and deepened the color of his eyes.

He met her gaze and locked on with a personal look that she loved. One that said,I’m glad to see you and want to see you forever.They hadn’t talked about that. The forever part. But it seemed to be hanging in the air around them. She was actually glad they didn’t speak of it. She still thought this wave of emotions had happened too soon, but man, it was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

Her mom assured her that time wasn’t a measure of a relationship, but understanding, caring, sharing, compassion, and a burning desire to be together measured the success of a relationship. She learned her mom and dad had gotten engaged after a month, and they’d been together ever since. They hadn’t married quickly. Gran and Grandad had overruled that, but still, they married within a year and have been happy for going on thirty-seven years.

Londyn could only hope for the same kind of relationship, and her mom and dad sure wouldn’t stand in the way. Even God hadn’t given her a reason not to proceed full speed ahead with Nate.

“Hi.” Nate gave her a soft smile and gently took her hand as if she were fragile when only a few weeks before, she’d held the switch for a bomb in the same hand.

“Hi.” She smiled back and clutched firmly onto his hand.

“I’m so proud of you, peanut,” her dad said.

“Dad,” Londyn said, and a blush crept up her face as Nate gave her a fond smile.

“Well, you are my peanut. Always will be.” Her dad held out his hand to Nate. “Thank you, young man.”

“Not that I’m not glad to shake your hand”—Nate did—“but what are you thanking me for.”

---