Page 95 of The Rules We Broke
“Who would call you about me?”
“Let’s just say it sounds like you and that Jackson boy put on quite a show last night at Macie’s.”
My jaw tightened. Of course, the gossip grapevine was thriving. I was an adult—we weren’t putting on a show. Was it my fault that a few hand-holding moments and one kiss turned into breaking news in Kaysville?
Aunt Lu caught the storm brewing on my face and smirked.
“I hope you don’t believe that,” I said.
“So the Jackson boy doesn’t want to marry you, and you weren’t being affectionate?”
I exhaled through my nose. “Yes,thatpart’s true. But we weren’t performing. The whole town finds us fascinating, apparently, and it’s exhausting. We can’t even go out without people staring or whispering. It’s ridiculous.”
She reached for the remote but didn’t press play. “Calm down, sugar.” Her voice was soft. Amused.
I reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry. I’m just . . . stressed today.”
“Why’s that?”
I bit my lip, the truth heavy on my tongue. “I’m having dinner with Brady’s parents.”
She gripped my hand and pursed her lips.
“I know,” was all I could say.
“I don’t like it, Ella Lu.”
“Do you think I do? But I promised Brady. He loves me and I love him, and we want to get married. But I can’t do that until I know our families won’t tear us apart again.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Ella Lu, who do you think arranged your meeting with him?”
“Aunt Lu, I’m not blaming you or accusing you of anything. I know you’ll support me. I know that’s a sacrifice you’re willing to make for my happiness. And I can’t express how much that means to me. I just want everyone to be happy. I can’t stand the thought of causing discord in our families.”
“Ella Lu, you could never do anything that would keep me away from you. You’re my girl, and we’re forever. As for being happy about that boy and you, that’s a tall order. I know he makes you happy, but I can’t forget all the sadness he and his family caused you these last ten years. Someday, you’ll understand what it’s like for a momma to watch her daughter be in pain and not be able to make it better.”
“But you did figure out how to make it better.”
She gave me a dry look. “So, you’re saying I can only blame myself for bringing that boy into our family.”
I laughed. “That works for me.”
I didn’t spend too much longer with her, but I think we left things on a good note. I needed to get some personal Christmas shopping done, and I wanted to look my best tonight. I still didn’t know what to get Brady. I mean, I knew what he wanted, but I didn’t know if that would happen by Christmas. My aunt still seemed determined to call him “that Jackson boy,” and who knew what tonight would bring?
I didn’t get any good ideas of what to get Brady as I perused the stores, but I picked out the perfect gift for Benjamin and Kendra. I got them a romantic getaway package, including hotel and spa accommodations at a swanky hotel downtown, and I would throw in a weekend of babysitting. I also picked out a few items for my Aunt Lu and added several new outfits to my Alabama wardrobe. Then I rushed home to get ready.
I curled my hair into soft waves and pulled it up, leaving just enough loose strands to frame my face. I wore tailored jeans that hugged my curves—Aunt Lu probably wouldn’t approve, but Brady definitely would. I paired them with a crisp white blouse and a fitted black jacket that cinched perfectly at the waist. Red jewelry and ruby red pumps completed the look. Bold, playful, and just the right amount of rebellious.
I had ten minutes to spare. Or so I thought.
The doorbell rang as I reached the stairs.
I opened the door to find Brady—ever handsome—holding a large bouquet of pink roses—my favorite. He paused to take me in, gaze roaming like he was soaking me up.
“All I can say is—wow.”
He shifted the flowers to his left hand, then pulled me close with his right and kissed me softly.
“You look amazing,” he said.
