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“Well, that’s what Damien said hours after we met, and I woke up married to him.” Willa grinned.
“Don’t worry. I already told him marriage is off the table unless the ring is custom.” Daisy smiled.
I could see the fright in the poor kid’s eyes. He probably thought she was joking, but this was Daisy, and trust me, she wasn’t.
I leaned forward. “What are your intentions with my daughter?” I asked.
“Um…we were going to get virgin mojitos,” Leo nervously said.
“Is that code?” Willa cocked her head at Daisy.
“Oh my God, calm down. Look at him. He’s cute, harmless, and he listens to me when I talk about skincare. That’s rare, Mom. Even Dad shuts down when you mention wrinkle cream.”
“She also told me her five-year plan,” Leo said.
“Just so you know, Leo. She has different versions of that plan.” I smirked.
“But she showed me the PowerPoint on her phone,” he said.
“And you’re still around, why?” Willa asked.
“MOM!” Daisy shouted, turned, and pulled Leo behind her like a celebrity in a power suit.
“HOLD IT!” Willa commanded. They stopped and turned around. “Damien, go frisk him for drugs.”
“Willa?” My eyes widened.
“Do it! Now! Remember what happened to us when we were here.”
“You do it.”
“I’m a woman. That would be weird, and like I was molesting him or something. Go on!”
I held up my finger and called him over. Standing up, I patted him down. “I apologize for this. The women in this family are?—”
“It’s okay, Mr. Blackwood. I get it. I would do the same if I were a father.”
“No drugs.” I looked at Willa.
“Enough trauma, parents,” Daisy said. “We’re going to get virgin mojitos now and find a therapist for Leo since you just scarred him for life.”
“I don’t know whether to be impressed by that boy or terrified.” I glanced at Willa.
“She is our daughter.”
“He did call you Mrs. Blackwood, not ma’am. That kid is already three steps into our family.” I smirked.
“She’ll marry him at twenty-two. I’m calling it right now.”
“If he sticks around that long, I’ll be impressed and welcome him with open arms.” I grinned.
* * *
Three Years Later
Damien
It started at brunch, at the country club. Willa was sipping her second mimosa while I cut into my eggs Benedict. It was just the two of us and Leo, Daisy’s boyfriend for the last three years.