Page 104 of Here & Now

“You rarely tell me about someone you’re seeing. She must be special.”

“She is.”

“Well then, I’ll tell your dad you’re busy this weekend, and we can visit you another time.”

“Sorry, Mom.”

“Don’t be. I expected this to happen someday, and I’m glad there’s someone special in your life.”

His mom had never hounded him about getting married or having children, seemingly accepting that he was too free-spirited to settle down. After hearing how happy she sounded, he was glad he’d told her about Bree.

“I hope I get a chance to meet her.”

“I hope so too.” If she only knew how much.

“I’ll let you get back to work, and we’ll talk more later.”

“Okay. Tell Dad I said hi and we’ll go fishing soon.”

“Love you, son.”

“Love you too.”

He hung up the phone and stood there for a moment, trying to get his bearings. His mom was right. He hadn’t told her about any one woman because there hadn’t been anyone special until now. Now he wanted his parents to meet Bree, and he was positive they’d love her as much as he did.

Love. The word kept popping up, but instead of scaring him, it invigorated and motivated him. He couldn’t feel this way and keep it to himself any longer. His feelings were so close to the surface that he simply had to release them. He wanted the whole world to know that he was in love, but first, he needed to start with the woman herself.

Armed with a renewed sense of urgency, he scrolled to her number on his phone and pressed send. He wasn’t going to tell her something this important over the phone, but he’d start by asking her out to dinner tonight.

Her phone rang several times until it switched to voice mail. He smiled when he heard her sweet voice asking the caller to please leave a message.

“Hello, gorgeous. I’m calling to ask you to dinner tonight. I was just joking about you making it. Anyway, give me a call and let me know.” He almost added, I love you, but quickly amended it to, “Hope you’re having a good day.”

He slipped the phone into his pocket and went back into the shop with a sappy smile on his face. He couldn’t wait to see her later, and he hoped she felt the same way.