Page 67 of Imperfect Arrangement

“Like or love?” Nana challenges.

“We’re…getting there.”

“You fall in love first, and then you get married. It’s not the other way around, Lolo.” Mom’s voice is soft, but I don’t miss the hint of disapproval.

“These labels are coined by humans, Mom. I know how I feel about him and how he feels about me.” Before any of them can interrupt me, I add, “He gave me the most beautiful ring. It has a green sapphire because he knows I love nature. It has a feathered leaf band that symbolizes me and his daughter, Quill.” My heart settles a bit knowing I’m telling them some truth. “I didn’t like the man in the beginning because I didn’t know him enough. But now I see what an amazing man and father he is. And if it eases you, his daughter loves me like I’m some kind of princess.”

“He has a daughter?” Mom’s voice rises slightly.

Raymond stiffens beside me, but for once, I don’t worry. Nana can be crazy and Mom can be concerned, but they could never think a bad thing about a child, especially the one who loves me.

“He does. She’s the sweetest kid in the world.”

“Well,” Nana says after a pause, “then we should meet them. Come home for dinner tonight, you three.”

Crap. “Nana?—”

“No excuses, Willow. If he’s so good and you’re so in love, we’ll be happy. But we need to see for ourselves. So, you, him, and his daughter—tonight. Dinner at seven.”

She hangs up, and I stare at the phone, my stomach sinking.

Raymond lets out a low whistle. “It could’ve gone worse.”

I turn to him, incredulous. “Were you on the same call? You’re going to get roasted like a Thanksgiving turkey tonight.”

AN ENGAGEMENT OR A SECRET CULT?

WILLOW

Ipace back and forth across the room, mentally listing everything I need Nana to avoid tonight. Top of the list: nospecialtalks with Gramps. The last thing I want is for Raymond to think we’re a trio of crazy women. And then there’s Quill. Sweet, precious Quill. The idea of Nana’s wrath unfolding in front of her makes me physically cringe.

My fingers press into my temples as I scramble for a solution, trying to figure out how to steer this dinner away from total disaster.

“Alright, here’s the plan,” I announce, stopping mid-step. “We’ll tell them Quill has a last-minute school thing. Easy excuse. Agreed?”

I hold out my hand for a shake, but Raymond stares at it. Again! Seriously, what is this man’s deal with handshakes?

Then, like he’s reading my mind, the corner of his mouth quirks up in that maddening half smile. Finally, he reaches out. But instead of shaking my hand, he…holds it.

“Quill already has one overprotective parent, Willow. She doesn’t need another.”

My eyes snap to his, wide with shock. His expression mirrors mine, like evenhe’ssurprised at what came out of his mouth. I wait for him to backpedal, to explain. He doesn’t. Instead, he leans in with something else entirely.

“Her therapist said if I had my way, Quill never would’ve gone on that Ferris wheel. And then she wouldn’t have spoken to you. I’ve been thinking about that moment a lot. Maybe it’s my fear manifesting in her silence.”

His fingers tighten around mine, the movement so subtle I’m not even sure he realizes he’s doing it. And for the umpteenth time, I’m floored by this man who carries the reputation of The Shark but softens to something unrecognizable when it comes to his daughter.

“I’m not going to hold her back anymore,” he says, his voice quieter now. “Anyway, it’s not like she’s walking into a battlefield. She’s just visiting your family and we’ll be there with her.”

There it is again. We.

But what Raymond doesn’t understand is that Nana could put an army general to shame. If he thinks this is going to be a peaceful visit, he’s got another thing coming.

“Oh my God,” I mutter, rubbing my forehead. “I need to protect you both. Okay.” I exhale sharply, surrendering to the inevitable. “You should know one thing. Yes, she’s my grandmother, and I love her dearly, but there’s a strong chance she might actually be from another planet.”

Raymond chuckles, his deep voice vibrating in a way that makes me forget my nerves for a second. “Duly noted.”

* * *