Page 96 of Pickled
“That’s some serious karma,” Ace said, reaching for a dinner roll from the bread basket. “Wasn’t Chelsea the one who kicked the ball onto your court?”
“Never proved it,” I replied. Although we all knew the truth.
“Justice served.” Gideon’s thumb traced circles on my bare shoulder. “Speaking of drama, how are things with your family situation, Goldie?”
She dabbed her lips with her linen napkin. “Dad and Mel got engaged last week.”
“What?” Ace nearly choked on his water. “You didn’t tell me!”
“I’m telling you now. They’re getting married next spring, and they want us to help plan the wedding.” Her smile seemed genuine. “Turns out I was right about them being perfect together. Once I gave them my blessing, they couldn’t contain themselves anymore.”
“So the family drama is officially over?” I asked.
“Completely resolved. Mel’s going to be my stepmother, which should be weird but actually feels perfect. And Dad’s happier than I’ve ever seen him. Oh my God.” Goldie’s attentionsuddenly shifted to something over my shoulder, her face lighting up like Christmas morning. “Ace, look!”
They both bolted from the table, rushing toward the putting green, where a fluffy malamute puppy was wreaking havoc, chasing golf balls and tugging on the putting members’ pants.
“Can I go see the puppy too?” Olive started to push her chair out.
“Sure, sweetheart.”
But Gideon’s hand on her arm stopped her. “Before you go, I wanted to ask your mom something important.”
Olive’s grin told me she was already in on whatever was happening. My pulse quickened.
“I’ve been thinking about my house. It’s big and empty, and I’m tired of staring at white walls. I need life in that house.” His gold-flecked brown eyes found mine. “I need you and Olive there.”
The words hung between us. The club buzzed with Saturday afternoon energy, but everything faded around us.
“Are you asking us to move in with you?”
“I’m asking both of you to make it our home. Olive gets her own room, her own bathroom, space for all her sports gear. There’s the pool, room for sleepovers…” His thumb brushed across my knuckles. “I want to wake up with you every morning, not just most mornings.”
My throat tightened with emotion. “What about the cats? C.C. and Pussy will hate each other.”
“We’ll figure it out. Worst-case scenario, we have the most expensive pet segregation system in Florida.”
“I should probably ask Olive what she thinks.” Though her excited bouncing told me everything I needed to know.
“He already asked me, Mom!” She could barely contain herself. “I said yes!”
Gideon smiled and leaned down to kiss me, his lips warm and sure against mine.
Ace and Goldie returned with the puppy squirming in Goldie’s arms, both of them grinning like idiots.
“Did you ask her?” Goldie demanded.
“I did.” I replied. Piper still hadn’t said yes, only Olive. “What do you say Pipes?”
Dimples dented her rosy cheeks. “Yes, Gideon. Olive and I would love to move in with you.”
“She said yes.”
“Finally! You two are perfect together.” She scratched behind the puppy’s ears. “And Gideon, please let Piper add some color to that sterile house of yours.”
A year ago, I’d been scrubbing toilets and dreading each new day. Now, I had my dream job, was halfway through my degree, and was about to move in with a man who made me feel like the luckiest woman alive.
“Can I paint?” I asked.
