Page 95 of The Rebel

I smiled at my best friend, grateful for the change of subject.

“Well, clearly I didn’t heed your advice. Things just escalated. I thought being at the office would be weird, but it’s not. And he spoils me.”

“I’m liking the sound of him more and more.”

“When you called to tell me about Dad, Anthony came into my office. He practically burst in and took over, you know? He dealt with plane tickets and everything.”

“I like a man who takes charge. He seems good for you.”

I smiled brightly and put a hand on my chest. “I think so too.”

“Have you met his family? Or just the grandmothers?”

“I do see most of the brothers at the office, and I even met the grandfathers. Funny story…”

I told her about our escapade on the bayou, and she couldn’t stop laughing. It’s funny now, but the embarrassment I’d felt at the time wasn’t far from my memory.

“I would’ve paid good money to see that. Are they like Isabeau and Celine?” she asked.

“Not exactly, but I can see why they’ve been happily married for years. They fit together.”

She pouted. “I’ve missed you. You should call me more often.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I’ve had a lot on my mind, and…” I bit my lip. “And I wasn’t sure how you’d react with…” I nodded back to the house. Plus, I wanted to make sure things were solid with Anthony before I alerted her to how quickly things had progressed with him.

“Daisy, you’ll always have my support. You know that.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I should’ve called you.”

We talked a bit more about her and Kevin. Still no pregnancy, but they were trying. Kevin put his foot down on the second-bedroom idea, so Annelise bought some sort of machine that helped with his snoring.

“Now, do you think we should go back to the kitchen and see how those two are faring?”

“You read my mind,” I replied, and we headed back to the main house.

Mom and Anthony were laughing as we entered the kitchen.

“What are you two chatting about?” I asked.

“Oh, it’s a secret,” Mom said, winking. Anthony was simply grinning.

So, that’s how he was playing it, huh? I had to find out what these two were up to. But on second thought, why should I? Mom was happy and visibly more relaxed. And Anthony seemed happy as well.

I wanted to pinch myself. I still couldn’t believe he’d flown here to be with me and my family. That’s something a boyfriend would do… something a fiancé would do.

Someone you loved.

Oh my.

“All right, everything’s in the oven. Not much for us to do here in the kitchen. I’m going to take a snack to your dad,” Mom said.

“He’s awake! Great, I want to see him,” I stated.

“Can I come with you?” Annelise asked. “I want to check up on him too.”

“Sure. But I think it might be a bit much if we all go. How about Annelise and I go first, and after she leaves, you spend time with your dad, Daisy.”

I nodded. “Sure.”