Page 52 of Dreaming

“I have no need to be kept, Cedric. Nor would I ever entertain such a thing. Exchanging gifts for sex is not in my nature.”

“Hmm. Maybe you’ll be my wife then. I lost my Clara a decade ago and I’m a fool on my own. Sometimes, a man needs a woman to save him from himself.”

She stared up at him for a long moment in silence. “You’ve rapidly progressed through dinner, dancing, kissing, groping, staying the night together, a sordid affair, and marriage. My head is quite spinning.”

“Just the way I want you.” He tilted his head. “Allow me to sweep you off your feet.”

“I’m a bit old for sweeping…”

“Nonsense. A woman your age will appreciate it more than a younger woman. Dennis?” He didn’t look away from Nellie’s face.

“Yeah, Dad?”

“Don’t wait up. I’ll take excellent care of Nellie.” He looked over his shoulder. “Nia darling, having you around will class up the place. Welcome to the family, pretty girl.” Placing Nellie’s hand on his arm, he asked, “Shall we?”

The poor woman had been ambushed and was about to be kidnapped. Nia made no move to save her mom, so Dennis kept his mouth shut.

Nodding, Nellie said softly, “Alright.”

“I love an adventurous woman.”

A minute later, the front door closed behind them.

Nia looked at Dennis at the same instant he looked at her. Then they both cracked up laughing.

They quickly put the groceries away and Nia moved the flowers to the center of the island.

He made her a bowl of fruit salad, something he could always get her to eat.

She picked at it and kept feeding him bites. “My poor mother. I think she was waiting for me to rescue her.”

“Dad is outrageous, forward, and often inappropriate but he’s a good man and your mother is safe in his care.”

“Obviously.” She wrapped her arms around him. “You’re his son.” The words made his heart clench with emotion. “The best man.”

Tilting her chin up, he asked, “What kind of wedding do you want, Nia?”

“Simple. Just us and our parents.”

“Really? What was your first wedding like?”

“Courthouse.”

“You should let me spoil you. I know your mother would plan the entire thing.”

Staring at him for a long moment, she asked, “She wants me to have a big wedding?”

“Like an itch under her skin.” It made her laugh. “Seriously, she was in tears talking about flowers and invitations.”

Tugging her lower lip between her teeth, she whispered, “It’s not Mom, is it?”

He picked her up and set her on the counter so they were eye to eye. “She promised to take the blame.” Nia grinned. “I want to show you off to everyone. I want every person I know, every person you know, to be there. Just sickening love songs and feeding you cake and drunk speeches.”

“Who would be your best man?”

“My cousin, TJ. Short for Tennison Junior.” He stroked a strand of her hair between his fingers. “Who would you pick as your maid of honor?”

“Ten years ago, I would have said my sister.”

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