girl so much!”
With a little squeal of delight Addison scrambled to her feet and ran over to her parents. “I didn’t know you were coming!”
“We wanted it to be a surprise,” her father explained, and gave her a huge hug, lifting her up and spinning her around like when she was a child.
“Mom!” Addison turned to her mother and hugged her in a dancing circle. “Look at you and Dad—so tan! Did you enjoy Hawaii?”
“Your dad had to drag me from work but I’m so glad he did. We had a wonderful, relaxing time.” She leaned over and snaked her arm around his waist. “Just what we needed.”
“This is awesome that you’re here!” Addison nearly jumped up and down with excitement. “I can’t believe it! What do you think? Do you like it?” Addison grabbed her mother’s hand. “Do you?”
She tilted her head to the side and laughed. “No, I don’t like it, Addison. I love it! Give us a grand tour!”
Her father pointed to his camera. “Do you mind if I take pictures?”
Addison shook her head, bubbling over with excitement. “No, of course not. Just make sure you send them to me.” She led them through the shop, chattering on about every detail. Her parents gushed at everything, making her nearly burst with pride. She stopped at the display of jewelry. “These pieces were made by Nicolina, Uncle Mitch’s wife.”
“Oh, simply beautiful. I’m very impressed. You know how I adore unique jewelry.”
“Her shop is in Wedding Row too. You should go see it. How long are you here for?”
Her mother pulled a face. “Oh, sweetie, just for tonight, I’m afraid. I have to speak at a conference tomorrow in Nashville, so we rented a car and we’re planning on driving there in the morning.”
Addison raised her eyebrows. “We?”
“Yes, I promised your dad that if he would travel with me more often I’d cut back and stay home more often.” She looked up at him. “After Hawaii we decided that we liked traveling and spending time together.”
He chuckled. “Well, now, Mel. Imagine that.”
Her mother smiled up at him. “I do think absence has made my heart grow fonder.”
His answer was to lean down and give her a quick kiss.
“You guys are so cute.” Addison’s heart swelled. Seeing the rekindled love in her parents’ eyes gave her a surge of hope. She’d known that her mother’s busy work schedule was taking a toll on their marriage. “So the Hawaii trip did the trick? At least
“Have you heard from the little twerp?” her mother wanted to know.
“Mel . . .”
“Sorry. I just . . . Oh, never mind.”
“Not a peep,” Addison answered. “I’m not even sure if his reality show is actually going to happen.”
“I sure hope not,” her father grumbled. “People should pick up a good book instead of watching that crap.”
“Dad, I couldn’t agree more. Not only that, but Garret is actually a talented musician. He could do so much more with his life. But that’s no longer my worry,” Addison said, and then changed the subject. “Why don’t you go upstairs and check out my loft apartment? It has a river view.”
“I’d rather see it with you,” her mother answered. “Why don’t we come back later and have appetizers? I’ll bring them. We want to head over and see the stadium and track down Mitch for lunch. How late are you open, sweetie?”
“Only until five tonight. My hours will get longer when business picks up.”
“Well, then, let’s do appetizers and then go out to dinner,” her mother suggested. “Don’t you agree, Paul?”
He nodded. “I’ll call Mitch and see if he and Nicolina can join us. I’m sure Mia will want to come too.”
“Sounds good!” Addison said. “I’m beyond excited to see you both.” She walked them to the door and did another happy dance, but then paused. Should she invite Reid? Would asking him to meet her parents be too forward? And what would her parents think about her already seeing someone new?
Addison walked over and sat down in the big chair where Reid had massaged her feet. She couldn’t walk past it without thinking of him.
“Hey there, Addie. Why are you looking so glum?”
Addison looked up to see Mia walking toward her. “Do I look sad?”
Mia sat down on the ottoman. “Well, more like pensive. Dad just called and said that your parents are in town.”
“You just missed them.”
“Well, then, why the sad puppy-dog face? Aren’t you glad to see them?”
“Yes, I’m super-pumped! Mom always did like surprises. What brings you here?”
“Oh, I have someone interested in a wedding. I could have called but I wanted to get out of the office for a little bit. After losing in extra innings last night both Noah and Ty were grumpy.”
“ I still haven’t used the tickets that Reid and I won. I’ve been meaning to do that.”
Mia reached inside her purse. “Here’s a schedule.”
“Hey, bring me a stack and I’ll put them on the front counter.”
“Super idea. I’ll do that. Speaking of cutie-pie Reid, how are things going? Does your pensive mood have anything to do with him?”
Addison shifted in the seat and nodded slowly. “I can’t make up my mind whether to invite him to appetizers and dinner tonight.”
“Why? Because you think it will freak Reid out?”
Addison played with the fringe on a throw pillow. “Yes, maybe, and my mom and dad might think I’ve gone off my rocker, already seeing someone.”
Mia reached over and gave Addison a shove. “Would you just listen to yourself?”
“What do you mean?”
“Let me ask you something. Do you want Reid there tonight?”
Addison nodded. “Yes,” she answered softly.
“Then don’t worry whether Reid will get freaked-out. If he does then you know where you stand with him right now. Knowing is so much better than wondering. And as for your parents? You need to remember to please yourself, not everyone else.”
“I know . . . I
“Life just doesn’t work that way. Look, and remember this: If your parents do voice concern or even disapproval, it’s out of love so don’t get mad at them. But ultimately, it’s your choice.”
“How’d you get so smart?”
Mia sighed through her grin. “Made lots of mistakes and cared about all the wrong stuff. Like having a closet full of shoes. Because my dad showed his love for me by buying me gifts I thought that things—possessions—made me happy. In the end, Addison, all we want is each other.” She started fanning her face. “Oh boy, this is going to make me cry!” She swiped at a tear.
Addison leaned over to give her cousin a hug. “I’ve missed you so much. Thanks for being here for me.”
“Hey, Reid might not give you the answer you want, and Uncle Paul and Aunt Mel might balk a little bit, but they are two of the most nonjudgmental people I know.”
“Why is love so scary? It feels like I’m jumping off of a cliff.”
“Because it means so much to us. But sometimes you just have to go for it. Like Cam says, you have to swing for the fences if you want to hit a homerun, but that also means you’ll strike out.”
“I’m sooo damn tired of striking out.”
Mia stood up and acted as if she were holding a baseball bat. “You just have to keep swinging!” She swished her arms through the air and put a hand to her forehead and pretended like she were watching the flight of the ball. “Would you look at that? Homerun!”
Addison giggled. “You’ve been spending way too much time at the baseball park.”
