Page 15 of The Engagement
“You’re beautiful,” he says. “You’re smart as hell. You’re kind and empathetic. You’re loving and affectionate. And you love my daughter like she’s your own.”
“She’syourdaughter, and that makes her mine, too. Speaking of Haley, don’t forget we’re having lunch with her today to celebrate.” I hold up my hand and flash my pretty new ring. “And I invited Philip to join us, and he accepted.”
Mack shakes his head. “Of course he did.” His sarcasm is thick.
I swat his arm playfully. “Be nice! He’ll be here at eleven-thirty.”
Mack lifts me off his lap and sets me back on my lounger. “We should grab some breakfast. It’s my turn to cook. What sounds good to you?”
“French toast?” Mack makes the best French toast.
He leans down to kiss me, tasting of peppermint toothpaste. “I’m on it.”
* * *
Haley arrives a few minutes early. Her mom and stepdad drop her off at our apartment building on their way out to runerrands. She’s sitting with me on the sofa in our living room,oohingandahhingover my ring.
“I’m so happy for you guys,” Haley says. She hugs me. “Dad, you did a great job on the ring.”
Mack is sitting in the recliner watching some kind of sports news program on TV, volume muted. Lizzie is lying on the back of his chair. “Thanks, but I had a little help.”
Haley laughs. “Come on, Dad. Give yourself some credit. It’s perfect.”
When there’s a quiet knock on our door, Mack gets up to answer it.
Haley shoots me an eager grin. She’s always so excited to see Philip.
Mack stands at the open door, having a quiet conversation with Philip that seems to be going on a bit too long.
“Where are your manners, Mack?” I say. “Invite him in.”
Reluctantly, Mack stands back and motions for Philip to enter.
Philip’s gaze goes right to Haley, and his face lights up. “Hi, Hale.”
“Hey,” she answers. Her soft cheeks flush as she gives him a little wave. “I’m glad you could come.”
“I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to see you, babe,” he says. “Not for the world.”
I catch sight of Mack, standing behind Philip, rolling his eyes at me once more. I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing. Thank goodness Haley is too wrapped up in Philip to notice what her dad is up to.
Now that we’re all here, we head downstairs to the lobby and exit out the revolving front door. There are plenty of nice restaurants in The Gold Coast, our neighborhood, and since it’s such a nice day, we decide to walk. It’ll surely be easier than trying to park in downtown Chicago.
“So, where to, honey?” Mack asks me.
Since we’re celebrating our engagement, he thought I should pick the restaurant.
“How about Gibson’s?” It’s a popular steakhouse on Rush Street, not far from us.
Mack and I head off in the direction of the restaurant, walking hand in hand. Haley and Philip follow sedately behind us. Before long, there’s about half a block between us and the happy young couple. Mack keeps glancing back as if to make sure they haven’t ditched us.
I elbow him. “Relax, Mack. She’s not going to get lost on the way to the restaurant.”
Haley and Philip are hanging back just far enough that they can have a private conversation without us overhearing. It’s rare that they even get to see each other without an audience, so I’m sure they’re enjoying a little bit of privacy.
“Do you know who Philip reminds me of?” I ask Mack. “Not just physically. I’m referring to his character traits.”
Mack eyes me warily as if he suspects it’s a trick question. “Who?”
