Page 74 of Unexpected Love

“I know, but I do. Plus, I need to get ready for work.” This time when I push at his chest, there’s a bit more force behind it.

“All right.” He sighs, releasing his hold on me. “My parents are hosting a family dinner at the farm this evening. Last one before Asher heads back to school for the semester,” Gage tells me as he sits at the foot of the bed, pulling on a pair of socks.

“Okay, I'm sure Quinn and Declan wouldn't mind hanging out, or I can go to Murphy's anyway and keep Walt company,” I tell him while digging through my bag for the outfit I packed for today.

“Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to join us.”

I freeze, jeans in one hand and my sweater in the other. My back is turned to Gage, but I feel his heat come up behind me.

“You don’t have to. I know it’s kind of fast, but you’ve already met my parents, and I’d like you to meet my siblings.”

I place my things on top of my bag and slowly turn to face him. There’s nothing but sincerity in his eyes. I know how muchhe wants me to be there, but I also know he’ll respect it if I tell him I’m not ready. The thing that shocks me is that I am ready. He’s right. I’ve already met his parents, and I absolutely love them.

I can see why Gage is the way he is. His mother is caring and attentive while being so incredibly strong and independent. But she doesn’t let that independence stop her from leaning on Nick. And Nick is funny and genuine and so freaking warm and observant. I could see his love for Laura clear as day every time he looked at her that night at Murphy’s.

There wasn’t a single second I felt uncomfortable with them. They made me feel like I was part of them from the moment they sat at the bar.

I reach up to cup his cheeks in my hands, pulling him down to me. “I’d love to go to dinner with you,” I tell him before placing a chaste kiss to his lips.

“You sure?” His eyes search mine, looking for a hint of hesitation.

“I’m positive. Plus, after all this snow? I just know the farm will be beautiful.”

He laughs and pulls me in for a tight hug. One hand cupping the back of my head and the other against my back while he buries his head in the crook of my neck, placing a kiss where my neck and shoulder meet.

This feeling right here—the happiness and contentment—is something I never thought I could feel in the abundance I do at this moment. I don’t want to give it up or let anything or anyone ruin it—even my parents and Brian. I want to hold onto this feeling—to protect it.

“So you just left?”Abbey laughs as she wipes down the counter.

“Well, yeah.” I laugh along with her. “Why sit through a date you know isn’t going anywhere?”

The bell above the door sounds, cutting off Abbey’s response. When I turn to greet the newcomer, the smile on my face falls instantly.

I spin back to Abbey, whispering, “Call Gage.”

I’m honestly surprised it took him so long to find me. I thought he and my parents would show up the day after they checked in to The Ashford Lodge, but it’s been three days since I saw his face.

I want to say I was able to forget about him over those three days, but unfortunately, that would be a lie. No matter how much Gage or I try, my parents and Brian are constantly on my mind. I can’t stop trying to figure out why they’re still here or what they could possibly want from me.

“What?” Abbey asks in confusion.

Grabbing her wrist from across the counter, I say more firmly, “Call Gage.” I wish I had time to explain, but I don’t.

“Ava,” Brian says as he stops in front of me.

There’s a charming smile on his face as he leans forward, trying to kiss my cheek. I don’t step away from him—I won’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me cower—but I turn my head so he kisses air instead.

“You shouldn’t be here,” I tell him. I’m surprised my voice is as even as it is, but I’m grateful. I refuse to let him see the fear I feel coursing through me.

“Darling, that’s no way to speak to your fiancé.” The smile is still plastered to his lips, but I see the anger in his eyes.

I hear Abbey shift behind me and can only hope she’s doing what I asked. I should have told her about my parents and Brian. It’s not safe for me to keep this secret—not with the three of them in town.

“You’re not my fiancé. Why won’t you recognize that?” I seethe.

“Ava,” he grits, trying to keep his cool in front of Abbey. “Maybe we could go somewhere else to talk?”

“No, I want you to leave. I have nothing to say to you.”

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