Page 112 of Meet Dare

“Mom, Dad, this is Cassandra.”

I hold out my hand. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

His mom ignores my hand and engulfs me in a hug. “I’ve waited forever for you,” she mumbles as she rocks me back and forth.

“Mom, can you stop squeezing my girlfriend to death?”

She grasps my shoulders as she studies me. Tears well in her eyes. “Thank you.”

“Um…” I glance up at Cedar. “There’s no reason to thank me?”

“I thought… We thought…” She promptly bursts into tears. Her husband draws her into his arms.

“There, there, dear. We discussed this.”

Mr. Hansley smiles at me. “I’m sorry. She’s a bit sensitive.”

“Sensitive!” she shrieks as she shoves him away. “Don’t you dare say I’m sensitive. I thought we’d lost our boy and now he’s back and he’s in love. And isn’t she lovely?”

I place my hand over my mouth to cover my smile at her manic behavior.

“I’m Raven and this is Brooks.” She pats her husband on his stomach. “Or, you can call us Mom and Dad if you prefer.”

“Mom,” Cedar grumbles.

She wags his finger at him. “No. You’re not allowed to say anything.” She grasps my hands. “I’m sorry about what happened to your parents. If you need anything, anything at all, I’m only a phone call away.”

Now, I’m the one with tears welling in her eyes. I blink and force those traitorous emotions back inside. “Thank you, Mrs. Hansley.”

“Raven.”

“Thank you, Raven.”

“Dinner is served,” Lilac announces.

“You’re not supposed to interrupt people when they’re having emotional moments,” Beckett scolds.

Her brow furrows. “Is this a rule? I’ve never heard of it before.”

He sighs. “I’ll explain later,” he says as he leads her to the dining area.

I, for one, am glad she interrupted us. If she hadn’t, I’d probably end up bawling my eyes out with Cedar’s mom. Notexactly the kind of introduction to my boyfriend’s parents I want.

I frown when I notice the extra spot at the table once everyone is seated.

“Are you expecting someone else?”

“Don’t get mad,” Beckett responds, which is a guarantee I’m going to lose my mind at whatever the answer is.

The door bangs shut. “I’m here. Sorry I’m late.”

“What is she doing here?” I hiss at Beckett.

“She’s your sister.”

“I’m not the one who needs a reminder.”

I’m not the one who abandoned this family for two years and only showed up when access to my trust fund was cut off.

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