Page 44 of Believing in You

Knowing that made him feel as if he was finally going to have the life he once imagined for himself, and he loved that it would include Nyla.

All things considered, Nyla was pleased at how the afternoon was going. She hadn’t planned to introduce Harrison to her family yet, but he seemed to be enjoying himself. He was currently in the living room hanging out with her father, brother, and her nephew watching sports.

Lunch had been great, and though her mother hadn’t embarrassed her too much, she still managed to ask Harrison how he felt about children. When he responded with—I love kids and would like to have at least two—Nyla was sure her mother fell in love with him.

“I thought you were lying about dating someone, and Harrison is gorgeous!” Dorian whisper shouted as they cleaned up the kitchen. Their mother, Essence, and Cree had disappeared to the B & B, leaving the two of them to take care of the dishes.

No way was Nyla going to admit to lying days ago, especially since her dating Harrison ended up not being a lie. Her problemwas trying to act normal and not like some giddy teenager with a new boyfriend.

She told Dorian how they met and what a grump he’d been. Jamie had been right. It was fate that had brought her and Harrison together. What were the chances of her meeting the man of her dreams while working a temp job?

One story led to others, and before long, she and Dorian were laughing about the snowball fight. The more she shared, the more Nyla couldn’t wait to make more fun memories with Harrison.

Cree strolled into the kitchen just as they finished loading the dishwasher and wiping down the counters.

“Dee, can you leave for a minute so I can talk to Nyla?”

Dorian glanced between the two of them. “Why? What’s going on?”

Nyla wasn’t sure either, but the seriousness in Cree’s tone told her whatever her sister had to say, she wasn’t going to like it.

“It’s private, can you just give us a minute?” Cree said with more authority.

Dorian tossed the dish towel on the counter. “Fine, but Nyla’s just going to tell me whatever you two talk about anyway.”

The moment she left the room, Cree asked, “How well do you know Harrison Grant?”

Nyla knew immediately that her sister had figured out where she knew him from.

“I know him well enough,” Nyla said firmly, looking at her sister and daring her to say the wrong thing.

Granted, part of Harrison’s story could probably be found online, though Nyla hadn’t checked. But she had no intention of discussing his personal life with anyone, not even her family. If he wanted to tell them anything, that was up to him. They wouldn’t hear it from her.

Cree narrowed her eyes. “You know he spent time in prison for something he didn’t do?”

“Yes,” Nyla said firmly, hoping her sister would take the hint that this was not the time or place for this conversation.

“And you knoweverything?” Cree asked skeptically. “You know about his dysfunctional family, specifically his brother and mother?”

“Yes,” Nyla ground out and crossed her arms over her chest, then tapped her foot impatiently, determined not to make this into a lengthy conversation.

Silence pulsed between them before her sister said, “Okay, I just wanted to make sure you knew who you were involved with.”

“I know who Harrison is.”

Cree nodded. “Good, and for the record, he seems like a nice guy. I wish you two well.” With that, she turned and walked out as quietly as she’d entered.

Nyla released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. They all would eventually know some portion of Harrison’s story, but she had no doubt that they’d grow to care about him as much as she did.

“Oh good. You’re alone,” her mother said as she breezed into the kitchen with a sly smile on her face. “Let’s talk weddings.”

Nyla burst out laughing. “Mom! Let’s not!”

Her mother laughed and wrapped her arms around Nyla. “I’m just kidding, honey. I’m glad you brought Harrison by. He’s a sweetheart. Make sure you bring him around often. I have a feeling he could benefit from our type of love.”

“Aww, Mom.” Nyla returned her hug, feeling an overwhelming sense of rightness. “You’re the best, but I’ll only agree to that if you promise not to hound us about grandkids.”

Virginia tsked. “I’m not making any promises, but I’ll try.”

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