SHAPES UNSPOKEN

-29-

HAPPY READING 🥰

Annabelle Innis

I walk outside and find my father and Sean talking on the patio. The late afternoon light falls across them, and I pause for a moment before stepping closer.

I've never seen my dad take to someone the way he has taken to Sean.

Earlier, when Sean walked off to the dining room, my father pulled me into a hug and whispered that I had chosen wisely and that he was proud of the woman I'm becoming. I had to release the breath I'd been holding.

For a moment I truly thought something had gone wrong-that Dad had found something he didn't like and was ready to tear Sean apart with questions.

Instead, he approved.

I'm relieved... and unbelievably happy that my family has taken a liking to Sean.

Sean Britto is a charmer. Somehow, within a few hours, he has my entire family wrapped around his finger.

That is no small feat.

My father is usually a tough man to please. Being a lawyer, that sharp instinct of his kicks in quickly. He studies people closely-your answers, your posture, even your hesitation. Within minutes he decides whether you're someone worth trusting... or someone to keep far away.

Arizona and Ariel have had plenty of suitors over the years, but my father has chased some of them off with a baseball bat before they even got comfortable in the living room.

Which is why I was hesitant to bring Sean home.

Especially because of the divorce.

But Sean... Sean is an incredible man.

Cindy made the biggest mistake of her life walking away from him.

And thanks to her mistake, I now have a hot, handsome, confident, incredibly sexy, and well-groomed man all to myself.

I smile to myself at the thought.

Now there is only one thing left to do.

Tell him the big news.

The thought makes my stomach twist with nerves.

Maybe I should tell him now... or maybe I should surprise him.

When Sean and my father notice me approaching, my father pats Sean on the shoulder before standing.

"I'll leave you two to it," he says, walking back toward the house.

Sean watches him go before turning back to me.

I smile.

"You ready?" I ask. "Is Steph still at Jinette's?"

He nods. "He's spending the weekend there."

He takes my hand and leads me toward his car. When we reach it, I lean against the door while he stands in front of me.

I tilt my head up and smile.

"So... my parents like you."

A smug smile spreads across his face.

"No surprise there," he says confidently. "I told you mothers like me."

I roll my eyes playfully.

"So full of yourself, Mr. Britto."

"I want to kiss you so badly right now," he murmurs, "but if I'm guessing correctly... your mother is watching us."

I lean slightly around him and peek toward the house.