Page 55 of Cinnamon Strudel
“Is it just nerves or do you have a bad feeling about it?” Manuel pressed.
Morgan shook his head and took the cloth offered to dry his lap. “No bad feelings. They all seem so sweet. They sent me a video of their home to make sure I can find my way around.” There was silence for a moment that he couldn’t stand. “Whatever silent conversation you fuckers are having, spit it out.”
Shit,he really was on edge, wasn’t he?
Finally, Jack showed him some mercy. “Your brothers are just staring at each other, but for what it’s worth, I think that video was a wonderful sign. And unless Ruby is drastically different from her family, you have nothing to worry about.”
“I’m a fucking blind dude, who can barely pick up a glass he spilled.” Morgan cringed as soon as the words came out of his mouth. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
“Let me just speakforyour brothers while they remember how to use their words. Yes, you are blind, but very much independent. Who cares about some spilled water when you can make their daughter happy. And from what I was told, Ruby seems head over heels for you.”
“We barely know each other. We’re still in the honeymoon phase.”
Alexander finally found his voice. “Have you two talked about how you feel?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m sure she also told you not to worry about it.”
“You have the bank account to make up for it,” Manuel offered with his signature train of thought—money could fix anything.
Morgan scrubbed his hand over his face and let his head fall back.
“Look, everyone is nervous meeting the significant other’s family,” Jack added. “I was worried about meeting you guys as well.”
Morgan lifted a brow. “The big old lumberjack isn’t as tough as he looks.”
“More like a giant teddy bear,” Jack confirmed with a light laugh.
“So, you’re saying I’m overreacting?”
Alexander chuckled. “A tiny bit.”
“Did you get her something for Christmas?” Manuel continued.
“How couldn’t I? She’s obsessed with it. She’s getting some festive earrings.” And a boudoir photoshoot, but he was not about to tell his brothers that.
“Seems like you have it all under control,” Alexander said, trying to soothe him further.
The conversation switched to New Year’s Eve then, and the change in subject only relaxed Morgan more. Jack was throwing a party with his friends and had invited them to join as well.
After brunch, Morgan walked back home and surprisingly, Manuel offered to join him. “Need me to drive you?”
He shook his head and commanded Blue to find his way home. “I’ll take an Uber.”
“There really is no need to worry.”
“Part of me knows that, because… Well, it’sher.”
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
“Since when are you so sensible?”
Manuel chuckled and patted his shoulder. “Since seeing you so worried. You’re usually the composed one and I guess I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
“I’m sure once all of this is done and over with, I’ll be scolding myself for being so scared.”
Manuel stayed until he was changed, then made sure he got into the Uber. He texted Ruby, who’s reply only kickstarted his heart more. The driver was kind enough to park right by the walkway, saying that someone with an excited grin was already waiting at the door.
