Page 84 of The Backup Groom

“The judgment will get here in time—have some faith,” Dean said. “But if you tell her now, after you already agreed to marry her, you will not only ruin the moment, you’ll ruin everything. She will drop you so fast you won’t know which way is up. Is that what you want?”

I turned to Dean. “Of course not. I want Amber—nothing else.”

Dean squeezed my shoulder. “Then trust me. Don’t say a word. It’s better to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission. Amber’s a compassionate, understanding person. She would forgive you. I guarantee it. And, in case you didn’t notice, she loves you!” He clapped me on the back. “Now, come on. Your fiancée is waiting over there to give you more kisses.”

“Who am I to deny her the chance?” I joked, feeling a little better about the situation.

Dean was at least right about one thing, I had to have faith that everything would work out, and that I would get that decree in time.

I couldn’t help grinning at the thought of having a fiancée. Yes, I’d had one before, but this felt different. This time, I didn’t have thoughts of wondering if I was doing the right thing, like with Tiffany. Every fiber of my being believed in me and Amber as a couple.

Our kiss convinced me even more.

Dean put his arm around my shoulder as we walked back. “I’m rooting for you.”

“Thanks, buddy. I appreciate that more than you know.”

“Everything okay?” Amber asked when we returned.

“Absolutely.” I grinned. “I’m going to marry an amazing woman. All will be right with the world.”

“I agree,” she said, playfully bumping hips with me.

“We need to get serious with the wedding planning now,” Stella said. “How about we get together Saturday night for drinks and brainstorming?”

“Unfortunately, I can’t Saturday night. I’m having dinner with my parents,” I said, then reached for Amber’s hand. “You should join me. I want them to meet you.”

“I’d love to,” she said.

“Oh, boy.” Dean leaned forward and laughed. “This ought to be good.”

“Why?” Amber asked.

“No comment,” he said. “You’ll just have to see for yourself.”

“What am I missing here?” she said.

“Don’t listen to him,” I said. “My parents are absolutely normal people. Well, mostly . . .”

“Normal. Right.” Dean chuckled.

“Okay . . . should I be afraid?” Amber said.

I waved it off. “It’ll be fine. Really. And hopefully I can meet your parents as well.”

“I would love for you to meet them, but that’s probably a little more complicated,” Amber said. “They live in Alaska. It’s a long story, but they moved there ten years ago because my dad had to relocate for his job. They ended up divorcing two years later, but both decided to stay there, living separate lives, of course. I actually don’t get to see them very often. I love them to death and miss them, but they kind of do their own thing, which I’ve accepted.”

“As long as they are happy, that’s what matters most,” I said.

“I agree,” she said, squeezing my hand. “But I’m still thinking about your parents. Dean made it sound like I should fear them. Should I run for the hills?”

I kissed her hand. “Seriously—they’re going to love you. And you are going to love them. I guarantee it.”

At least, that was my hope.

If my parents didn’t scare Amber away, nothing would.

ChapterEighteen