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We sat around the dining table as Connie served us. I promised her a nice bonus in her next check if she stuck around until after dinner. I knew she would have done it even if I hadn’t offered the bonus.
“So, how long have you two been together?” Theodore asked.
“Three—”
“Two—” I stopped and looked at Willa. “My God. You’re right. It has been three years already.” I smiled. “I lose track of time so fast because every day I see her, it feels like I’m meeting her for the first time. Doesn’t it, sweetheart?” I took hold of her hand and brought it to my lips.
“Yes, it certainly does. I feel like we just met a week ago.” She smiled.
“That warms my heart,” Theodore said, placing his hand on his chest.
“How did you two meet? I love cute meet stories,” Lucy said.
“I know you love to tell this story, sweetheart, so you go ahead,” I said.
“Thank you, Damien. Well,” she picked up her wine glass. “We met three years ago in Las Vegas. I was standing by the pool at the hotel when three boys ran by, and one of them accidentally knocked me into the pool. Damien saw the whole thing, rushed over, and helped me out. We got to talking, and it was love at first sight.” A smile crossed her lips.
“Ugh,” Lucy said, resting her hand over her heart. “That is so romantic. Is that why you wanted to get married in Las Vegas?”
“Yes! That’s the exact reason. Vegas will always hold a special place in my heart. After all, it’s the place where I met my handsome husband, who completely changed my life.”
“Oh, stop, sweetheart. You completely changed my life.” I felt we were taking this a little too far.
Lucy’s phone rang. Glancing at it, she stood from her chair. “Please excuse me for a moment. This is my daughter calling.” She stepped out of the dining room, and Theodore shook his head.
“I hope everything is okay,” I said.
“I wish it were. My daughter is going through a breakup, and she’s not handling it very well.”
“Oh no. I’m so sorry. How old is she?” Willa asked.
“She just turned twenty-nine. She moved out of his place and back into ours. Is she okay?” he asked Lucy when she returned to the table.
“Not really. I told her we’d talk when we get home.” She sighed.
“Your husband told us about the breakup, and I have something that could help her feel better. Give me your address, and I’ll send it tomorrow,” Willa said, grabbing her phone.
I furrowed my brows. What the hell was she doing?
“That is too kind of you, Willa.” Lucy reached over and placed her hand on Willa’s. “But all she needs is time.”
“Yes, I agree. But she also needs a little pick-me-up, and I can help with that. Address, please.” She held her phone in her hand.
Lucy rattled off their address as Willa typed away at her phone.
“So, how long until little Blackwoods are running around this place?” Theodore asked, smiling.
“Uh—”
Willa reached over and grabbed my hand.
“We’ve actually already started trying.” A bright grin crossed her face. “Fingers crossed for next month.” She held up both hands with her fingers crossed. I could see Uncle Kroy staring at me from the corner of my eye.
“How many children are you planning on having?” Uncle Kroy asked.
“Four.” Willa smiled, and my stomach clenched. “I’ve always wanted a big family.”
“Four?” Theodore asked. “I think four is perfect. We stopped at four and had no intentions of having any more. Then Michael came along and surprised us.”