Page 98 of Consummation

“My uncle’s somewhat of a connoisseur,” I say. “He’s got an amazing collection.”

Thomas takes another sip. “Wow. So smooth.”

I’m about to tell Thomas I’ve actually got a bottle of this exact stuff for him at my house—the bottle Kat wouldn’t let me give to him a week ago—but in light of what I’m about to ask the guy, I refrain. Now’s definitely not the time to make Kat’s father think I’m trying to buy his affection.

I take a deep breath. “I wanted to talk to you both privately,” I say. I look over my shoulder to make sure Kat’s not nearby andquickly spot her on the dance floor, still whooping it up. “I want you to know I love your daughter—she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Louise makes an adorable face.

“And now that I’ve met the two of you and your incredible family, I’m realizing what marriage and family can be.” I take a deep breath. “So, what I’m trying to say is I’m planning to ask Kat to marry me and I’m hoping you’ll give me your blessing.”

Kat’s mom throws her arms around my neck, exactly the way Kat always does, and kisses me on the cheek. “Of course, you have our blessing, Josh. Oh my gosh, we’re thrilled. Absolutelythrilled.”

When she pulls away from me, she’s got tears in her eyes.

I look at Thomas, hoping for a similar reaction, but he’s stoic.

There’s a short beat that feels like an eternity.

Finally, Thomas lifts his Scotch in the air, inviting me to clink his glass, which I gratefully do. “Welcome to the Morgan family, Josh,” he says calmly. “We’re thrilled to have you.”

I let out a huge sigh of relief. “Oh, thank God,” I say, laughing.

Kat’s mom giggles—and, suddenly, it’s clear to me she’s pretty damned tipsy.

“So when are you gonna ask her?” Louise asks, leaning into my face and batting her eyelashes. “Andhoware you gonna ask her, hmm? What you got up your sleeve, Joshy-baby?”

I chuckle. “Um. I don’t know yet. I’ve got to get a ring first, make a plan. I’ll do it as soon as possible after we get back from our trip—I won’t have time to get a ring before we leave.”

“When do you leave?”

“Tomorrow night.”

“Oh. Well, if you need help shopping for a ring when you get back, I’d be happy to go with you,” Louise says. “I know Kat’s taste like the back of my hand.”

“Thank you, Lou. I’ll definitely take you up on that. We can make a day of it. I’ll take you to a nice lunch, too.” I motion to her champagne flute. “With plenty of champagne.”

Louise squeals—oh yeah, she’s definitely looped—and leans forward excitedly. “From now on, you can call me Mom if you want, honey. I mean you don’t have to, of course, but you can. Or Momma? Or, hey, maybe Momma Lou?” She giggles again.

“Momma Lou?” Thomas asks, incredulous. “Louise, Josh isn’t gonna call youMomma Lou.Do you think you run a soup kitchen in the South, for cryin’ out loud?”

Kat’s Mom throws her head back and laughs like a dude. “Sorry. I was thinking about what I want the baby to call me and I thought maybe Gramma Lou? Wouldn’t that beadorable? So then I guess my mind just wandered to Momma Lou.” She takes a swig of her champagne, giggling happily to herself. “Gramma Lou—isn’t that darling? Or maybe Grammy Lou?” She sighs. “Gah. I can’t wait.”

“Slow down, Gramma Lou,” Thomas says, rolling his eyes. “You’re spinning out of control, honey. First things first—let the boy ask her.”

Louise laughs heartily. “Well, anyway,” she says, poking her fingertip into the top of my hand. “The point is, Josh, as far as I’m concerned, I just now birthed my fifth son.” She guzzles down the rest of her champagne.

“Louise.”

Louise giggles. “Oh, Josh knows what I mean. All I’m saying is Josh is now one of my sons, every bit as much as the others. That’s all I meant. What’s your full name, honey?”

“Joshua William Faraday.”

“Joshua William,” Louise says reverently. She makes a trumpet sound. “Doo doo doo doo! Birth announcement! The Morgan Family has just adopted a fifth son. There’s Colby Edwin, Ryan Ulysses, Keane Elijah, David Jackson, and nowJoshua William. You’re now officially a member of the Morgan family, honey. Welcome.”

Thomas rolls his eyes. “Maybe slow down on the champagne, honey.”

Louise giggles and waves him off. “Oh, you’ll benefit later, old man, so hush up.” She puts her hand on my forearm. “We couldn’t be more thrilled, Josh.”

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