Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63004 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63004 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
“No. I don’t think so. Was he clingy? Did he not allow her to do the things she loved to do? Is your father that way?”
Ladd laughed. “God, no. My father would give his right arm if it meant keeping my mother happy. He’s supported her in everything she’s ever wanted to do. Like when she first wanted to learn how to quilt, and she took this class in town. They were making a Christmas quilt, and Mom was in heaven. She loved going. It was once a week, and that meant she wouldn’t be here to cook dinner, which she fretted about because that’s the kind of mom she is. My father told her not to be silly. To go to class and have fun.”
Ladd grinned. “She’d haul her dang sewing machine with her, and I can remember David and me waving her goodbye. Mike and Jason were really young at the time. Dad would load all four of us into the truck and head into town as soon as she was gone. There was a hamburger place that had the best shakes, and Dad would let us order anything we wanted. David ordered a hamburger one time, and asked if he could have fries and onion rings. My father just laughed and said yes. And I ordered three different shakes one week just because I wanted to taste them all.”
He was smiling fondly at the memory, and I felt a pang of jealousy. What must it have been like to grow up with a mother and father who loved you and wanted to make you happy at all costs?
“Did you drink all three milkshakes?”
“Heck no,” he said with a chuckle. “I didn’t like the strawberry, so Dad drank it. David and Jason split the banana shake. My favorite was the chocolate, and since that day, I’ve never ordered anything other than chocolate.”
“To me, it sounds like it’s a good thing your father loves your mother so deeply.”
Ladd nodded. “I think it is. But I also know if anything were to ever happen to her, his life would be turned upside down. I’ve heard him tell her that if she wasn’t in his life, he wouldn’t want to go on.” He lifted his head, and our gazes met. “I think that’s what Lilith meant by loving someone too much. That the thought of them not being with you makes you not want to live.”
“Are you trying to scare me off, Mr. Wilde?”
His expression turned serious. “Not at all, Viv. But I suppose I have some idea of how they felt. The moment I saw you, I knew I wanted you to be mine for the rest of my life.”
I blinked back joyful tears. “Is this your way of asking me to marry you?”
Tossing his head back, he laughed before giving me a look. “Trust me, when I ask you to marry me, it’ll be a hell of a lot better than starting with a crazy story about my family in the guest bedroom.”
My heart tripped at his words. When I ask you to marry me.
A light knock on the door had us both looking over to see Nellie standing there. “The boys are home and they’re dying to meet Vivianne. I thought we might have a game night if you’re not too tired.”
“Game night sounds great,” Ladd said as he walked over and kissed her on the cheek. “Viv is putting some things away, and then we’ll be down.”
“Take your time,” Nellie said. “The boys are grabbing a quick bite.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
I closed my suitcase and slid it under the bed. After taking another look around the beautiful room that would be mine for the next week, I turned to Ladd. He was back to leaning against the doorjamb and looking so handsome it made my heart feel as if it swelled in my chest. Was I really this lucky to have a man like Ladd Wilde love me?
“Guess that’s it. I’m all unpacked.”
“Are you ready to meet the rest of the family?”
Smiling, I nodded. “I can’t wait to meet your brothers.”
“Just a warning. They’re going to fall instantly in love with you.”
“Got it.”
He held out his hand for mine. “One more warning.”
“What is it?”
“Game night in the Wilde household can sometimes get a bit crazy.”
“I want crazy. I want happiness and love and all the crazy to surround me while we’re here.”
A slight look of worry passed over his face. “Viv, if there are any words to explain what game night is like…happiness and love are not in there.”
My brows raised. “What words would you use?”
An evil smile grew across his face. “I think I’ll let you decide for yourself.”
“Oh dear,” I whispered as he guided me out of the bedroom to head downstairs.
Ladd
Vivianne stood in the living room with a surprised expression on her face. She looked around at the others, then focused on me.