Page 72 of The Dare

I think what she means is she expected her folks to be angry because of the age gap.

She thought her mother would be mad because she didn’t go straight home with Suzanna.

Either way, Natasha seems to be the only one even close to upset right now. Her confusion is obvious, she never expected her parents to take the news of us together so well and I have to say I never expected this either.

All I can do is comfort her.

“Are youreallyhappy for Michael and me? Or is it only because you never thought anyone would be interested in me?” she finally asks her parents.

Her mom and dad look troubled and are quick to remind her of a few things.

“We love you, sweetie,” her mom says. Her dad nods at her mom’s every word.

“We just want you to be happy. Nobody said you’d never find anyone, exceptyou…” she says with a little shrug.

“We’re glad to have you, Michael,” Renee says honestly. We all turn at the sound of the front door opening before I can say a word.

It’s Suzanna.

I figure her face will turn sour once she sets eyes on me, but she actually smiles wide, excited as she makes a beeline for her best friend.

“I couldn’t not tell,” she gushes. “Sorry... But it’s just too romantic, isn’t it?” she continues, almost nudging me out of the way so she can hug her bestie.

“Where’s Patrick?” I hear Natasha ask, and she explains rapidly.

“He’s got a job interview, so I dropped him off. Sorry if I had to tell some white lies to get you both over here… But it was the only way,” she laughs.

“Youlied?” Natasha asks accusingly, but I lean in, eager to hear more.

“We came back early, but only because neither of you would answer your phones,” Renee says in a slightly stern tone.

Natasha’s dad flushes as he agrees. “We didn’t realize howbusyboth of you girls were,” he murmurs, reminding Renee quietly they could have had some extra time themselves if it wasn’t for ‘all that driving’ he had to do to get back in such a hurry.

“Patrick quit the train, but only once he knew he had a shoe in with this interview… we’re gonna get a place of our own and move in together,” Suze beams. “And it’s all thanks to Michael here,” she says.

Natasha sighs.

“I can’t take all the credit,” I shrug. “I only advised a young man that if he wanted what he saw, he’d never have it unless he went for it. All in,” I tell her, looking at Natasha the whole time before I stroke the hair back from her face.

“That goes for older guys too,” I add, smiling and leaning over to kiss her.

There’s a loud “aww” from everyone, and even Natasha finally relents, returning my kiss and gripping my face with both hands.

It started as a dare, but after one kiss on the train, the rest was history.

And as for everyone else? I guess Renee’s right.

It really was a romance train after all, and not the ghost train it looked like at first glance.

I guess when it’s meant to be it will happen.

Love will always find a way.

“So, is Montana too far north?” I ask Natasha again, glad when she shakes her head, laughing softly before kissing me again.

“Anywhere you go, I go,” she reminds me. I place a knowing hand on her belly.

“Wego,” I correct her, sensing she’ll be eating for two from now on if my instincts are anything to go by.