Page 123 of Fake It For Love (Faux Love)
“And I did a background check to get your address,” I confessed.
“My goodness,” Maggie said. “We had no idea.”
His father laughed. “Son, I should warn you about women. When they get it in their mind to do something, it gets done. I swear they could hunt down a terrorist if they got it in their head to do so.”
“I wasn’t about to let him get away,” I said. “I love him. I love your son.”
“And I love Claire,” Ryan declared.
“And you’re getting married for real?” His mother looked hesitant.
“We are,” Ryan said.
I held my breath and waited for their reaction. His mom clapped her hands together. “Well then, I guess we have an engagement party to plan. When’s the wedding?”
“We haven’t set a date yet,” I said.
“We’re on our way to her parents to tell them the good news,” Ryan said.
His mother got to her feet. “Give me a hug,” she said. “We would be very proud to call you our daughter-in-law.”
Relief flooded me. We hugged and promised to be in touch soon to plan the engagement party before we headed for Geneva.
“That wasn’t so bad,” Ryan said.
“No, it wasn’t,” I replied.
“You were worried over nothing.”
“I was worried because I know they know about my dad,” I said. “I’ve heard the rumors. I know people don’t think highly of him or any of us.”
“My family will welcome you,” he promised. “They love and support me and that means you as well. If they didn’t, then that would be their loss. I love you. I’m going to marry you. We’re going to be together.”
“You’re very confident,” I said.
“Yes, I am and there is nothing that will change my mind.”
I gave him directions to my parents’ house. The striking difference between his family home and mine was dramatic. My family lived in a standard ranch-style home in an old suburb. It was average. It wasn’t terrible but it was a huge step down from where we had been.
“This is it,” I said.
“I don’t care about your family home,” he said. “You know the money doesn’t mean shit to me.”
“I know. It’s just—”
“No,” he said. “There is no shame to working hard for a living.”
We went to the door. Before I rang the bell, I turned to him. “They don’t know about you.”
He grinned. “Well, this will be fun.”
I rang the doorbell and held my breath. Mom answered the door and looked confused. “Claire?”
“Hi, Mom,” I said. “This is Ryan Jones. My fiancé.”
Her mouth dropped. “Oh.”
“Is Dad home?” I asked.
