“Talen, that’s beautiful.” Tears trailed down her cheeks. She made her decision. She would put herself, heart and soul, into loving Talen and the child within her. If it didn’t work, then so be it. At least she tried.
He stood, lifting Cassie with him, then set her on the recliner as he got down on one knee in front of her.
“Cassie, I know we haven’t had the usual dating ritual you want, but I know I will always love you. And I hope you’ll give yourself the chance to fall in love with me. Cassandra Grimaldi, will you be my mate, my wife?”
She threw her arms around him, tears free flowing. “Yes, Talen. I will give myself the chance to love you more than I already do.”
Talen kissed his mate quickly. “Let’s go see Gerri and tell her.”
“Okay, but can we eat first. I’m starving.”
THIRTY
“Well, shit, you’re right.” Cassie paced the floor in Gerri’s apartment. “My dad is going to flip out. Like really shit an Easter egg.”
“Cassie, your father can’t be that bad,” Gerri started. “I’m so glad you loved Aurora. I knew you would and you will be happy there.” She cleared her throat. “As far as your dad, you’re a grown adult, capable of making your own decisions.”
“I know, but still.”
Talen walked into the room, tugging the dress shirt under his new suit. “How can humans wear this stuff?”
Both Gerri and Cassie laughed then squealed. “Talen, you look dashing in a suit and tie.”
Cassie winked at him. “Yeah, hot as hell if you ask me.”
He pulled on his shirt collar. “Hot is right.”
Cassie grabbed his arm. “Stop whining. Dad will respect you more if you talk the talk. If you’re on his level, then everything will be better.”
A few hours later, Cassie pushed the doorbell of her father’s house. She remembered the concern in her father’s voice when she called him earlier asking if she and another could have dinner with them tonight.
Now as she thought about it, that was the first time she’d ever asked to visit. All other times she had to be invited before thinking about coming. No wonder her dad was worried.
Estrella answered the door and ushered them into the den. Cassie’s father turned from the built-in bar, drink in hand. “Cassie, my girl.” He gave her a hug then stepped back to wait for introductions.
“Dad, this is Talen Arctos. He and I are engaged.” Her dad reached out an arm to shake Talen’s hand. Talen stared at the hand as Cassie realized Talen wasn’t aware of Earth’s handshake custom.
Fortunately, Talen mimicked the action, lifting his hand next to her dad’s. Her father grabbed his hand and shook. This was going to be a long night.
A second later, Ivy waltzed in with a huge grin and winked at Cassie.
She had discussed Talen with Ivy and Ivan and both met her new mate already. It was weird calling him her mate, but it was true.
Ivy had mentioned asking Gerri about her services and hopefully visiting Aurora to see about getting her own man and checking up on Cassie. The thoughtful look on Gerri’s face told Cassie the matchmaker was already on the job.
They took seats on leather sofas that cost more than her apartment. And as Cassie expected, Victoria waited for the right time for her dramatic entrance. Everyone stood. “Oh, who do we have here, Cassie. A co-worker, perhaps?”
Cassie read between the lines. Victoria was saying Talen was too good-looking to be a boyfriend for her overweight, grungy self. He had to be someone else. Ivy lifted a perfect brow, waiting for Cassie to tear Victoria a new one, but she would behave even if it killed her. She didn’t really want to hurt her father’s feelings.
“Actually, Victoria, this is my fiancé, Talen. He is the CEO of his organization, not exactly a co-worker.” She flashed a smug smile at her father’s wife.
“I see.” Victoria stretched out a hand and Talen did the same. They all sat again, in an awkward silence. Cassie felt like throwing-up. She wasn’t sure if it was nerves or the baby. Shit. She hated being this way. This wasn’t like her to cower in a tough situation. Her father raised her better than that.
She cleared her throat. “How much longer until dinner is ready?”
“We decided on steaks tonight, so it will be a bit before everything is ready. Can I get you a snack? Of course, with me being pregnant,” she made “kissy lips” at Cassie’s father, which made her want to puke more, “I feel like I’m eating all the time.” She giggled and practically wrapped herself around her dad’s side.
And fate hated Cassie even more because she’d gained at least thirty pounds while Victoria looked exactly the same except for a slight bump on her abdomen.