Page 91 of Make the Play

That’s exactly what we do. It’s difficult not to let my excitement show, and I might just be paranoid, but I feel like I have more of Landry’s attention than usual. I ignore it and play the game until it’s late enough that I can make my excuses to leave.

An entire weekend with my girl, I can’t fucking wait.

“This is where I grew up,” I tell Corie as I park my truck in my parents’ driveway.

“I love it.”

“My dad built it.”

“That’s awesome.” She smiles, taking in the view from the passenger seat. “So.” She turns to face me. “How are we doing this?”

“Doing what?”

“This. Am I your plus one to keep the other ladies away, or am I…?” Her voice trails off.

“You’re mine,” I tell her. “I want them to know that.”

“You want to tell your family about us?” I can hear the shock in her voice.

“I do. We can trust them. This is a very small wedding. We don’t have to worry about the media or anything else, for that matter.”

“But we didn’t tell them that night in the suite.”

“It’s not going to matter. Trust me on this?”

She worries her bottom lip but eventually nods. “Okay.”

My face splits into a grin. “Okay.” Leaning over the console, I kiss her softly. “Leave our bags. I’ll get them later. Let’s go say hello.” I’ve never been more excited in my life to visit my family, knowing it’s with my girl by my side. “Stay there. I’ll get your door.” I don’t give her time to argue before grabbing my keys and phone to shove them into my pocket as I round the truck to open her door.

“This is silly.” She chuckles.

I laugh. “This is perfect,” I whisper against her lips before lifting her out of the truck and placing her on her feet. Closing the door, I entwine our fingers and lead her into the house. “I’m home!” I call out.

“In the living room!” Mom calls back.

With Corie’s hand in mine, I lead her toward the living room. “Hey.” I smile at my parents. It’s just the two of them right now.

“Corie!” Mom jumps off the couch and rushes to pull my girl into a hug. “We’re so glad you could join us.”

“Thank you for having me,” Corie replies kindly.

“Let her breathe, sweet girl.” My dad laughs.

“Stop.” Mom grins as she releases Corie, only for Dad to pull her into a hug. “Good to see you again, Corie.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Ridge and Kendall,” he tells her. “We’re not formal around here.”

She nods, and I’m fucking happy she’s here. I lift our joined hands and kiss her knuckles, telling them without saying the words that she’s mine. “Where’s Everly and Emma?” I ask them.

“Everly is staying at her place tonight with Matt, and Emma is out with friends.”

“Isn’t that bad luck or something?” I ask my parents. “Seeing the bride before the big day?”

Dad shrugs. “They’ll be here later for dinner with the rest of the family. It’s what your sister wanted, and that’s what she’s getting. They can make their own traditions.”

“Oh, Corie, you’ll get to meet everyone.”

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