Page 86 of The Backup Groom

I wanted more of that. Daily.

In fact, the more time I spent with her, the crazier I was about her.

She became quiet, so I looked over, surprised at what I saw.

“Are you blushing?” I asked.

“No!” she said. “Well . . . maybe a little.”

I grinned. “Dang, you’re so darn cute. And no, I will not tell my parents about your inheritance, or any of that. They don’t even know we’re engaged, and thatissomething important they need to know, obviously. Surprise, Mom and Dad!” I chuckled. “But they’re going to love you. I know that much.”

She smiled. “I hope so.”

When we finally arrived and I drove up my parents’ driveway, Amber said, “Wow, beautiful place. I love all the trees and flowers.”

I was so used to how my parents lived that I’d taken it for granted, I guess. I glanced up at the white clapboard house with dark green shutters. Wisteria grew on both sides of the porch, and the tail end of the blooming flowers really did look beautiful.

Mom most definitely had a green thumb. Everything she touched blossomed with love.

“This is nothing,” I said. “Wait until you see the backyard.”

My parents lived in a modest, three-bedroom house, but the property was huge, full of just about every flower and plant imaginable. As soon as I’d arrive at their place, a sense of peace and tranquility would always overcome me. I needed to make a better effort to visit more often. I had a feeling that would definitely happen with Amber in my life.

“Knock, knock!” After pushing open the front door, I stepped inside with Amber. I turned and whispered to her, “It’s always good to announce we’re here. That way, we don’t catch them in the middle of anything inappropriate.” I chuckled, thinking of Stella and Dean’s game on the beach. “I’m kidding.” I wrinkled my nose. “Sort of.”

“There they are!” my mom said, approaching with a big smile.

She was barefoot, wearing her usual long, floral maxi dress, peace sign earrings, clunky jewelry on both arms, and flowers in her long, wild, curly hair.

“Hi, Mom.” I kissed her on the cheek and moved in for one of the best mom-hugs a child could ever ask for. “I’ve missed you.” I inhaled her citrus perfume; it always reminded me of home.

“I’ve missed you too, son.” She squeezed my cheek in between her index finger and thumb, and wiggled it. “Why don’t you come over more often?”

“Maybe because you’re always trying to disfigure my face,” I said, rubbing my cheek and chuckling. “And you live in the sticks, not around the corner. But enough about that; Mom, this is Amber.”

“So nice to meet you, Mrs. Scott.” Amber handed her the flowers. “These are for you.”

“Aren’t you the sweetest? I love daisies, thank you.” She set them off to the side. “Call me Eileen, and get over here and give me a hug, you gorgeous thing.” My mom stepped closer to her and practically smothered Amber with a hug. “Follow me.” My mom stuck her nose into the bouquet. “I should put these in water. Ryan is cookin’ up something special in the kitchen, and it smells just about done, if my nose is any judge.”

Amber and I followed my mom toward the smell of what I hoped was pasta sauce.

When we entered the kitchen, my dad was tasting a spoonful of something from the pot on the stove. “Oooh, this is good.” He grinned, covered the pot, and set the spoon down.

He wore his usual baggy jeans, a faded Led Zeppelin T-shirt, a maroon bandana to keep his long hair in place and out of the food, and his favorite mocha, two-strap Birkenstock sandals.

“Scotty, my boy! I’m cooking your favorite pasta. Rock on!”

I grinned. “Rock on, Dad.”

That was our little saying we’d been using since I was a kid.

He came over and hugged me, then clapped me on the back a few times and squeezed my shoulders. “It’s so good to see you, son.”

“You too, Pop.” I turned to introduce Amber, but it was too late.

“And who is this sublime creature?” my dad said. “Scotty, you hit the jackpot.”

“I’m Amber,” she said, smiling. She moved in for a hug, which thrilled my dad. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”