Page 58 of Where She Is
“He has.” The pure delight in her tone is clear. “Are you all moved in?”
“Not quite, although there isn’t a lot to unpack. I travel light.”
I love Diana Grant. She is the type of person who instantly puts you at ease, very much like my mum. I have a slight pang of homesickness while we talk until she distracts my thoughts with a certain Australian.
“Hannah, I have to tell you, Daniel is the happiest I’ve seen him in a long time. He’s had a rough ride for the last few years. I’m so glad he met you.”
“Me too, Diana.” My heart swells beyond belief at her words. I’ve never had any sort of relationship with a boyfriend’s mum before. It feels good to know she approves.
“Listen, I appreciate you’ve only just moved to your new home, but please promise to visit in the next few weeks.”
I’m not prepared for the question and my immediate thoughts turn to dealing with her irrational daughter-in-law.
“I’ll need to check with Daniel.” I’m sure Diana can sense my concern. She isn’t stupid, and she saw with her own eyes how Freya was with me.
“I understand. Have a chat and see what you both think.”
I don’t hear him walk through the door, and his voice startles me. “Hannah, that’s everything for—” Daniel stops in his tracks and Jack pulls up just behind as they bring in the last of my cases. I silently mouth, “It’s your mum. Do you want to talk to her?”
He shakes his head and mouths back, “Not now, I’ll call her later.” I nod then finish speaking to Diana. “Okay, so I’ll ask Daniel to get back to you about that as soon as we sort something out.”
“Perfect,” she says with so much optimism. “I’ll leave it with you.”
The few boxes I own are neatly stacked in the hall, and Jack has disappeared. He does that. I’m getting to understand him better and I know I can trust him. Just like I trust the gorgeous Australian who leans against the kitchen units. His outstretched arms welcome me into his warm embrace. The feel of his large hands as they slide around my waist and pull me against his lean body, warms my soul. “Good chat with my mum?”
“Very. She was wondering how we’re getting on with the move.”
He gives me one of his incredible broad smiles. “And I hope you told her how fantastic your new housemate is?”
“Actually, I told her how he could be a real pain in the arse.”
“Is that right?” With that, he has me curled up in a ball and finds my ticklish spots in a nanosecond. I can’t catch my breath while laughing at the same time. This is the Daniel I love. The playful, relaxed, regular version.
I’ve unpacked my clothes, my toiletries have found a shelf in the bathroom cabinet and I have a couple of family photos placed inthe lounge. We’re about to tuck into a Chinese takeaway for two when I suddenly remember his mother’s phone call.
“I forgot to say, your mum asked if we wanted to visit the farm soon.”
Daniel rubs his fingers over his furrowed eyebrows, “Really?”
“What’s the problem? Don’t you want to go?”
He scowls slightly, “It’s not that. I’m not sure if it’s a good idea. What have you told her?”
“I haven’t. I said I would speak to you first, and you’d call her back.”
“Right,” he nods. “Well, we don’t have to commit to a date yet so let’s just think about it.”
His set eyes lock with mine. I don’t want to argue with him. This is not how this special day should end. Although our last visit didn’t go well, we ought to go for his parent’s sake, but how to convince him. “I’d like to give her some idea. It seems rude not to.”
He sighs, “Mum is not the problem and you know it.”
He is obviously talking about Freya. I can understand if he’d rather keep us apart as she clearly doesn’t like me. Having said that, now Daniel and I are officially living together, she’s got to get used to it.
“Daniel, I don’t think we should let anything stop us. We have to live our lives as we want and not let anyone get in the way.”
Our now smiling eyes make contact and this time, I lose myself in his hazel pools for a moment. I love his intense focus, his beautiful thick dark hair, and his strong jawline. I just love him.
“I want you all to myself,” he says with the sexiest smile. My bits are on fire and I can’t wait to get this conversation done so I can straddle him, right here in our home.
