My father rumbled with laughter. “You always have been quick on your feet.”
“That’s a testament to my hours of being prodded by old boys like you during Sunday afternoon scotch tastings.” Trace didn’t miss a beat, and he was so calm with my parents. It was the first morning with Bill and Francie that didn’t make me want to crawl under the table and hide.
“Very impressive, Trace,” my mother prattled. “Do you want a family?”
“Mother!” My jaw hit the table. Just when I started to get comfortable, leave it to my mother to drop a bomb in our laps.
“No, it’s fine. I have nothing to hide. With the right woman, yes, I would like to settle down and start a family. Work’s been getting in the way of that though.” Trace continued to hold my hand as I started to shake a little.
Maybe I’m not ready for all this.
“We know how that is,” my mom remarked. “Our son, Jon, is having the same problem.”
“It’s tough to have a demanding career and a family life, but you’ll find a balance with an understanding woman.” My father’s eyebrow rose at me as a warning to not mess this match up. I knew his glares all too well. It was the same one he’d given me when I told him I was going to break up with my college boyfriend for not understanding my passion for photography.
“Well, this has been lovely, but I do need to head into the office.” Trace shoved away from the table, waving to my parents. “Sawyer, you were going to go over the plans you had to shoot pictures for our company’s website, right? Follow me to the office?” He shot me a little wink.
I caught on and played along. “Oh, that’s right. I guess I have to run too.”
“It was so nice meeting you, Trace. Don’t be a stranger,” my mother called out as she waved from her seat.
“Oh, trust me, I won’t, not as long as this one can stand my company.”
I skipped behind him as we made our way to our cars.
“You were brilliant. I am demanding that you come with me every Monday from now on.” I threw my arms around his neck, shamelessly kissing him while I knew my mother was peering out the window.
Trace sat on the hood of his car, pulling my hips to his. “I am leaving for Canada tonight and won’t be home until the wedding. We’re working on a merger and they need me there for it.”
My jubilance washed away into melancholy. “Three weeks?”
He kissed my nose. “I’ll call and text, but yeah. I know it’s a little early to assume this, but I want to continue things where we leave off when I get home.”
“I think you’re worth the wait.” I sighed, resting my head on his shoulder.
“That feeling is very much mutual.”