Page 153 of You Fall First
“Kendal. And … whoever,” I scramble to preserve Sayla’s secret. “Most of the women in my life are already married. Even Maren’s had to beat boyfriends off with a stick. Which is an even more questionable phrase than happy clams. But either way, they could all make beautiful children with their spouses someday. If they haven’t already.” I offer her an angelic smile. “Like you and Kendal did.”
My mom’s mouth quirks. “Nice save, Jo.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, Dex told us Sayla’s pregnant.” She beams at me, while slowly circling the kitchen table. “And we know you know, too.” She lowers herself into a chair. “Dad and I are thrilled for another grandbaby, of course. But Dex and Sayla aren’t here right now, and you are. So.” She props her elbows on the table and grins. “Let’s get back to you and your perfect date last night,” she says. “I want to hear everything.”
So I tell her.
I leave out the details of our kiss. My mom probably wants to hear about that as much as I wanted to walk in on her and my dad choosing happiness in this very spot.
Eww.
But that’s all, blessedly, in the past. What I have to look forward to now is a new job, a new apartment—just as soon as I can swing that—and a new boyfriend.
“So he’s your boyfriend now, is he?”
I catch myself. “I mean, yes. I think so? We haven’t used those exact words yet—boyfriend and girlfriend. But I like him so, so much.”
“And he makes you happy?” My mom pushes the napkins toward me, motioning to my lip, where I’ve got a blob of cream cheese.
I swipe at my mouth and ball the napkin up. “He sure does.”
“Good, because you are a wonderful and worthy woman, Jo.”
“Thanks. But stop being weird, please.”
“I’m not being weird.” She shrugs. “I’m just glad to see you aren’t settling.”
“Settling?”
“Your previous boyfriend was a bit of a settle.” She smirks. “I think we can both agree on that.”
“Yes, sure. But you weren’t in my shoes, Mom.” I blink at her. “Our whole family had been paired off for years. I watched you all find your happily ever afters, and I just wanted mine, you know?”
“I didn’t mean to upset you, sweetheart.”
“Oh, yeah?” I snark. “So why did you get all weird, then?”
“I’m sorry, Jo. You have such a big heart, Jo.” She reaches for my hand and squeezes. “And don’t quote me, but you’re probably the most loving of all my kids.”
“Yeah, well, a lot of good that did me.” I huff a breath. “My big loving heart’s the reason I was always the one falling first. Crush after crush after unrequited crush.”
She swats the comment away. “Your willingness to love is part of what makes you amazing. So honestly, who cares if you fall first?”
“I care.” I splay my hands. “I wanted somebody to pick me for once. And that’s exactly what Noah did.” A smile breaks across my face. “I am officially picked!”
The doorbell rings.
“Oh, that man.” My mother puffs out an amused sigh. “Your father went for a walk an hour ago. He probably locked himself out again.” She starts to rise.
“I’ll let Dad in,” I tell her, my smile widening. “After last night, I’ve got way too much energy to sit still.”
“Fine. But if he needs me, tell him I’m upstairs changing for the Farmer’s Market.”
“So sexy,” I deadpan.
As I head across the house to the foyer, I’m practically bouncing on socked feet. I throw open the door, prepared to tease my dad about forgetting his house keys, but Noah’s standing there instead.
