Page 14 of Dax (Big Hot Alphas 1)

The look of shock on her face deepens. “Is this some kind of joke?”

“It isn’t. I’m serious. I know it sounds absolutelynuts, but it’s true. And he’s in love with me, too.”

She just stares at me for several seconds. Then, wordlessly, she goes back to folding laundry.

“Mom?”

“I’m processing it, honey,” she says.

I swallow. “Okay.”

Several minutes of silence pass, with her continuing to fold laundry and me just sitting there watching her. She still doesn’t say anything to me as she carries a couple stacks of clothes into the walk-in closet.

When she comes back out, she finally looks me in the eye.

“I’m not going to pretend like I’m not still shocked,” she says. “But if the feelings you two have for each other are truly genuine…”

“They are,” I say.

“Then I’m happy for you, honey.”

“Thanks so much, Mom,” I say, getting up to give her a hug. It’s such a relief to have my mom’s approval.

But I also know that’s only half the battle.

I go downstairs and find my dad in the living room, watching some old movie on TV.

“Hey, Dad,” I say, sitting down next to him on the couch. “Got a second to talk?”

“Sounds serious,” he says.

I smile. “It is. But it’s a good kind of serious.”

Although he might not feel that way…

My dad mutes the TV and turns his full attention to me. As I knew it would be, it’s even harder breaking the news to him. But I get it out as fast as I can, telling him the same thing I just told my mom.

When he hears what I have to say, his expression changes in a way that makes my stomach drop.

“You trying to give your old man another heart attack?” he says.

“Dad. Don’t joke about that.”

He hefts out a sigh.

Before he can say anything more, my mom walks into the living room. She acts like she’s just come in to gather up the stray drinking glasses sitting around the room, but it’s blatantly obvious she’s really here to see how my dad is taking the news.

My dad’s eyes slide over to her. “I’m guessing Bailey already talked to you, Alice?”

My mom gathers up the last of the glasses. “She did. I’m happy for them, though, Ian. I really am.”

“Hm. Yeah. Well. Life sure is full of surprises.”

My mom laughs gently and shakes her head. “You’re acting like she’s moving to another country, Ian. Your daughter is inlove. It’s agoodthing, Bailey finding someone.”

My dad looks at me. “Were you looking for someone, Bailey?”

“Dad…” I say.

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