Page 72 of Beyond the Cage

“What do you think he’s saying?” I ask Mom.

“Stop worrying.”

I wish Chels was here, but she’s at her parents’ hotel doing the same thing I am. As Mom opens a beer for Dad, I grab two bottles of water from the fridge.

“Water?”

“He’s training for an event. No alcohol.”

“He’s quite…large.” She raises a brow.

Yes…yes, he is. I mentally slap myself for the path my thoughts have taken and smile at my mom.

“He’s 6'2".”

“Mm hmm…you know what I meant, Miss Carter.”

“Mom!” I exclaim in mortification. “Wearenothaving this conversation.”

How embarrassing! She just chuckles and pours herself a glass of wine.

“Whatdoyou want to talk about?”

“You remember a few years ago…I asked you how you knew that Dad was ‘the one’?”

“Yes.”

“Do you remember what you said?”

“Of course. I said that he not only had my heart but I knew it was safe with him.”

“That’s how I feel about Cameron.”

“Oh, honey…” She wraps her arms around me and gently strokes my hair. “I’m so happy for you. I hope he knows how lucky he is to have you.”

“Thanks, Mommy.”

When we return to the men, they’re sitting on opposite ends of the couch watching TV.

“Everything okay?” I ask.

“Everything’s fine, honey. I believe Mr. Jackson and I have an understanding.”

I slump down on the arm of the couch next to Cameron and watch as they raise their bottles toward each other.

Thank you, Lord!

***

“You look gorgeous, sweetheart,” Mom remarks.

I stand in front of the full-length mirror and study my reflection. I have to agree. Thanks to my ‘allowance’, I not only bought my graduation dress but also Chelsea’s, and outfits for our moms. I twirl and watch as the high-low, chiffon skirt of my floral print dress swirls around me. I’m a mass of color in fuchsia, black, and red. The halter-top straps begin at a knot on my sternum and end in another at my back. Chels’ dress is similar to mine, but hers is a one-shoulder gown. I catch a glimpse of my mom and forget all about my reflection.

“Mom! You look hot!”

The black, A-line, halter dress fits her perfectly.

“After all the fuss that man of yours made over us, weshouldlook hot,” Chels interjects as she walks up behind Mom.