Page 62 of Strawberry Cake

“Yes. Would you like me to makeyoufeel better now?”

She turned and threw her hair over her shoulder. “Yes, with a massage please.”

He kneaded into her shoulders and spoiled her until she tipped her head back and grinned up at him.

“I would love to cook together tonight. Unless you had other plans?”

“I’ll cook with you and then try to get some work done while you relax and read.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

They met her parents for a brunch not far from Hope’s childhood home. She was greeted with open arms and lots of fuss from her mom, while her dad introduced himself with astrong handshake. “It’s nice to meet you, Decan. I’m Jacob and that woman suffocating our daughter is my wife, Adeline.”

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

They found a spot and Hope was commanded to tell her mother all about the vacation and if she liked Decan’s family. “It was so gorgeous and the views were so stunning. Oh, and I went golfing!”

Jacob raised his eyebrow at that. “How many people did you knock out with the club?”

“No one!” Hope defended, trying to look as innocent as possible.

Decan interjected. “My dad quickly learned to keep his distance.”

“Don’t tattletale on me!”

He took her hand in his and kissed the back of her fingers. “They said you did wonderfully.”

She laughed. “Yeah, and secretly hoped it was my last time joining them.”

Hope’s parents were wonderful and though they asked about him, they did it in the most respectful way possible. They truly wanted to get to know him. When everyone leaned back with their stomachs stuffed, Jacob excused himself and once he was out of earshot Hope giggled.

“That’s him paying for us so we don’t fight over the bill.”

“Wait, what? No!” Decan protested but he couldn’t have stopped Jacob if he wanted to. “Why didn’t you say so?”

Adeline leaned closer with a wink. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he’s distracted next time. Take it as his way of saying he approves.”

As they made their way to the cars, Adeline guided Hope in the opposite direction, explaining that she had some books for Hope that she’d found in a sale.

Jacob stayed behind and judging by his posture, Decan knew that the books were nothing but a ruse.

“Hope seems very happy to have found you.”

“I couldn’t be more blessed to have her.”

“Will you take care of her?”

“Always. I’m not saying it’ll always go smoothly, but communication is key, and I think we can handle it.”

“Ah, yes. Every couple goes through rough patches, but it always made me and her mother stronger. And made me appreciate the bed after having slept on the couch.” He added the last part with a bright grin and a dreamy gaze towards his wife. “You two will do just fine.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Jacob gave him a wink and then headed over to his wife and daughter to help them carry the books while Decan opened his trunk to load them up.

Driving off, Hope had her hand back on his neck while waving at her parents with the other. “You did so well, baby. They loved you.”

“We should get our parents together soon too.”

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