CHAPTER Twenty-Six

  Ryland

  Gracie and I were on one sofa, she snuggled into my side, and my arm wrapped around her. My mother sat on the other sofa, with a glass of wine. Tonight has gone better than I ever imagined. The two of them have hit it off well. I could feel my mom watching me. I turned to her, and she smiled brightly at me, winking. I know that is my mother's way of saying ‘you have a good one there, don’t mess it up’. I smiled back and nodded.

  My mom turned back to the movie, and I reached down, kissing the top of Gracie’s head. She looked up at me, flashing her beautiful smile at me, and that was enough to make my heart soar. I was in deep. I pecked her lips quickly, she giggled, and we turned back to the movie.

  Gracie had not mentioned anything else about staying here, and we haven’t brought it up again. I don’t want her to feel pressured with it, but I was hoping she would say yes.