Page 46 of Summer Kisses

"He'll figure it out."

Mom's forehead creased. "I'm worried Oakley won't let us see the baby or she'll restrict his visitation."

"We'll fight for him if we have to." We had plenty of money to take her to court. "But right now it seems like she wants them to be a family."

Mom sighed. "It seems like she isn't happy with anything Dalton does. It's never enough."

"I'm getting the same impression. She let Dalton move in without giving her a ring, but she’s still talking about having a big wedding before the baby comes, and he doesn't want to spend on a wedding with a baby on the way."

"Dalton's always been responsible."

Did she think I was? "He'll figure it out, and we'll be here for him when he does."

"I'm glad you're so confident about that situation, because I have a bad feeling about it." Then she sighed again, staring out the window at everyone playing in the pool. "This is what I always wanted, a big happy family. Everyone's pairing off to start a family of their own."

She was going to be upset when Hazel and I broke up.

"When we transfer the company over to you boys, it will be in good hands. And we can relax in our old age and travel more."

"I want that for you."

Mom nodded. "I just need to see you boys settled first."

"Coop and Shep don't seem to want to settle down any time soon."

Mom dried her hands on a towel. "I have a feeling life will force those two to slow down and take stock of their lives. The right people will come into their lives, and they'll have no choice but to fall for them."

"You have a better vision than I do." I couldn't see my middle brothers settling down with anyone any time soon. I wouldn't be surprised if they were perpetually single.

"Mothers can see things their kids can't."

"Is that right?"

"I don't know if that's a saying, but it should be. Or maybe I want it so badly for them, I'm manifesting it for them."

"Yeah, maybe." I wish she could manifest happiness for me and Hazel. Because I was falling more deeply into her every day, and I still wasn't sure where she stood.

"You treat Hazel right. She's a great woman."

"Of course I will."

Mom sighed. "I can't believe my youngest boy is getting married."

I panicked slightly because that wasn't true. Did our families expect us to get married soon? The engagement party was to show my higher-ups that I was serious about Hazel. It wasn't necessary for us to get married. Or at least, I hoped not. I didn't want to take the charade that far.

Hazel wandered inside with a towel wrapped around her body and her hair dripping down her back. "I was wondering where you got to."

I looped my arm loosely around her lower back. "I was talking to Mom."

"I was just saying how happy I am for you two. You're the perfect addition for our family."

Hazel's posture was stiff, probably because we were lying to her. "Thank you, Joy. I'm happy to be considered part of your family."

"Have you decided where you'll get married?"

"I'd love to get married on the beach," Hazel said without any hesitation.

"In one of those ballrooms on the water or toes in the sand?" Mom asked, moving the watermelon bowl in her direction.

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