Page 88 of More Than a Good Friend

For Dag, I acted like I wasn’t worried about Mom’s reaction, but I was because I really thought she didn’t like him. And this whole time she’s been silently rooting for us?

When they walk inside, I don’t even pretend I wasn’t eavesdropping.

Mom smiles. “Don’t just stand there. Let’s go eat.”

Dag sniffs the air. “The steaks smell ready to me.”

As he walks toward the kitchen, I pull Mom aside. “It’s new. It’s different. I like him a lot, but I’m not sure where it will go.”

She fusses with my hair. “Don’t worry about what’s coming. He’s been your good friend for a very long time. Now he’s more than a good friend. Enjoy it.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

* * *

Wrapped in a blanket,I snuggle closer to Dag. The weather is chilly, but that doesn’t stop us from stretching out in the bed of his pickup.

With my head on his chest, I listen to the rhythm of his heart beating, and he runs his fingers through my hair.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you, but it comes with a whole bunch of warnings.”

Nearly certain that isn’t his lead-in to a proposal, I pat his chest. “Ask me.”

“My mom is hosting Thanksgiving this year. My brother and his girlfriend will be there. My aunt, uncle, and cousins will be there too. And I wondered if you wanted to come with me.”

“I’d like that.”

“But—this is the part with the warnings—I’ve never brought a girlfriend home before. So people will make a big deal about it. My mom was on her best behavior when we went out to dinner a couple of months back, but I guarantee she’ll bring up grandchildren. And it will be awkward. And...” He sighs and goes quiet for several seconds. “You’re going to hear stories.”

“I’ve known you a long time, Dag. I doubt any of their stories will surprise me.”

He groans. “Please just keep in mind that I’m not that person anymore.”

I tilt my head and press a kiss to his cheek. “I know. But I was crazy about you even back then.”

A chuckle rumbles in his chest. “Sometimes I wonder which of us was dumber.”

Before I can think of an apt retort, his lips meet mine, and I know with all my heart that we deserve each other.

Maybe one day, I’ll admit I kept leaving earrings in his truck on purpose.

CHAPTER32

DAG

It’s Christmas Eve, and Goldie and I are with her family. The smell of tamales fills the house, and Mrs. Flores is in the kitchen making rice.

I need to get Mr. Flores alone, but I haven’t figured out a good excuse.

In the kitchen, I press a kiss to the top of Goldie’s head. “Y’all need anything? I can run to the store.”

She shakes her head as she stirs the queso. “I think we’re good.”

I glance at her mom, hoping for a different answer.

Mrs. Flores furrows her brow, then shrugs. “Can’t think of anything.”

“Ice.” Mr. Flores jingles his keys. “We always need more ice. Want to ride along, Dag?”