Reagan and I are out to dinner at Acadia with my parents while Remy’s babysitting Dawson with Aimee.

“Oh, sweetheart. We’ll need to call Trump Tower, and there’s also the Adler Planetarium. This wedding is going to be the talk of Chicago.” My mother claps her hands together and turns to look at Reagan. “And you, my dear, are going to look breathtakingly beautiful in your wedding dress. Picture this.” She moves her hand from one side to another. “You’re walking down the aisle…” She pauses and asks, “Sweetheart, I feel foolish and embarrassed, but please tell me more about your family.”

Reagan places her wine glass down on the table, and a small smile’s on her face. “There’s not much to tell. I’m an only child, and I never knew my dad. My mom and I haven’t talked in a few weeks. She’s traveling so much now that she’s retired. My mother and I had a falling out a few years ago and are slowly mending our relationship.”

“I’m sorry, dear. That’s terrible. I do hope you and your mother mend things, and she’ll come to visit. Vincent and I would love to meet her.”

“We would, Reagan,” my father adds. “But whatever you do, please make sure it’s your decision and that you’re comfortable with it.”

“I know.” She nods. “Thank you so much. I’ll be sure to call my mom, and we’ll talk. But, for now, I’d love it if you came with me to these venues. Your opinion means so much to me.”

My dad and I stare at my mom, and I count to three before she begins to cry and tell Reagan she’s a blessing and the daughter she’s always wanted.

“You did well, son,” my dad says.

“Thank you,” I tell him. I take in the sight of the two women I love more than anything in this world.

“I forgot to mention! Your grandmother is coming to town tomorrow morning. She’ll be at the house by nine, so please be over by eight. Then, we can have a family breakfast and Grandma Nora can meet Reagan.”

“Sounds good, Mom. We’ll be there.”

The dinner goes well. There’s more discussion surrounding our wedding and the arrival of Grandma Nora. She’s…interesting but the best grandmother. My paternal grandparents passed away when I was young, and my maternal grandfather passed away three years ago. Grandma Nora is healthy as can be for a seventy-six year old. She’s full of life, and she has an outlook on life that’s inspiring.

Once my grandfather passed away, she sold her estate in Texas and traveled the world. During the winter months, she’s in Florida, managing her volunteer group and rescuing animals. Although she can’t do too much other than answer phone calls regarding strays and bathing the cats and dogs, she’s donated money to the rescue fund and made sure everything has been renovated.

The summer season has her doing normal two-week cruise, before stopping in Chicago afterward for a quick visit. Then she’ll head home to Florida to settle back in.

After dinner, we decide to spend the remainder of our evening at my place. Once we’re in bed and Reagan’s snuggled against my side, I turn toward her and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“When would you like to get married?” I ask.

“Tomorrow.” She laughs and throws back her head.

I’m watching her be carefree, and I fall more in love with this beautiful woman right before my eyes.

“I can make that happen.”

“No way. A quickie wedding means a pregnant bride, and I don’t want anyone making assumptions.”

I counter, “Would it be a bad thing for us to be pregnant?”

She blanches and sits up straighter on the bed, smoothing out the wrinkles on the blanket. I can see her mind going in circles with the way her brows kink together and her lips pout.

“It wouldn’t be bad, but it wouldn’t be ideal. If I’m being honest, as much as I’d like to have a baby with you and give Dawson a brother or sister, I want to be your wife and go on our own adventure of being a newlywed couple before we get pregnant. Once we’re married, there’s going to be so much to adjust to, like me becoming Dawson’s stepmother and dealing with Jennifer.”

A frown dips on my face. “About Jennifer. She’s in Europe for six months, and Dawson has no idea. To be honest, I don’t know if she’ll be back.”

“What do you mean?” she whispers as she covers her mouth.

The news about Jennifer leaving Chicago for Europe didn’t surprise me. Then, hearing that she’d leased out her apartment and wired her money to a European bank didn’t sit well with me. I’ve called her countless times with no response. Jason has tried reaching out as well with the same results. Jennifer and I have our differences. I can’t understand her decisions to leave Dawson.

“She’s gone. Someone’s leasing out her apartment, and she shut down her bank accounts. Her father and I can’t reach her. Tomorrow, I’m contacting her best friend, Wyn, to see if she knows anything.”

“Poor Dawson. Babe, you have to tell him.”

I sigh. “I know.” I have no idea how I’m going to break the news to my innocent six-year-old son and explain that his mother won’t be back for a while, if she’ll ever be back.

Reagan takes my hand and comforts me. I’m not sad that Jennifer’s gone, but I’m upset that my son won’t have his mother around.

My phone vibrates in my pocket and when I get it, I see it’s Jennifer and I excuse myself from Reagan.

“Jennifer.” I answer and hear the silence on the other end.

“Hi, Drew. Before you go off on me I just need to say this.”

“Okay.”

“I know you must think I’m selfish for leaving and you’re right. To be honest, I’m lost and I need to find myself. I know Dawson’s going to be in good hands with you and Reagan.” She sniffles and her breathing became rapid. “I…I…I’m sorry for everything, Drew. I love you so much and I love Dawson too, but we both know I’m not fit to be a mother right now.”

I shut my eyes and listen to her cry. “We love you too, Jennifer. You have to do what’s best for yourself and no, I don’t think you’re selfish. I think you’re lost and need guidance and I hope you find it. No matter what, you’re Dawson’s mother and Reagan and I will make sure he knows that.”

“Thank you, Drew. For everything. You might not hear from me for a little bit, but I’ll try to check in when I can.”

“Sounds good. Take care of yourself.”

“You too.”

When I disconnect the call, I simply look at the phone and hear someone walking in. I don’t have to look up to know it’s Reagan. She wraps her arms around my waist and rests her head on my back.

“Come on,” she says, “we’ll figure everything out in the morning.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, and turn around so we’re facing each other. “I don’t want to talk about Jennifer right now if that’s okay.”

“It’s truly okay. Whenever you’re ready.”

“No. It’s not that, sweetheart. I’d rather spend the rest of the night with you.”

She smiles. “I like the sound of that.”

“Good. After breakfast, don’t forget, you and Aimee have an appointment at Allure De Vie for massages, body treatment, and nails. Everything’s taken care of, so all you have to do is go there and relax. I want to make sure you’re relaxed. It’s going to be fairly big with many of our close family friends.”

“I can’t believe your parents are doing this for Fin.”

I smile. “He’s a great guy. Our families go way back. I hated that we lost touch for a period of time, but I’m glad he’ll be here in Chicago.”

“Aw, you and Remy will have another boy to add to your bromance.”

We’re both laughing as I hover over her body, taking both her arms and lifting them over her head. My lips nuzzle the crook of her neck, gently sucking and licking, taking in her sweet essence. Little moans leave her lips as my other hand touches her stomach and up to her breast.

“Drew,” she sighs.

“Still tired?”

“No. Please keep going.”

“Oh, I plan to. All night.”

* * *

It’s nice, being here with my family the next morning. Their chef has breakfast out on the patio overlooking the pool and yard. My mom’s garden is in full bloom, and I’m watching her with Reagan and Dawson.

“Drew.”

I turn around and see my grandma walking toward me with a big smile on her face.

“Hi, Grandma. How are you?” I ask as I bring her in my arms. “It’s good to see you.”

“You, too, darling.” She peeks over my side and then looks at me. “Is that Reagan? The Reagan.”

I nod.

“She’s beautiful, darling. So much better than Jennifer. Ugh. You upgraded and upgraded very well.”

I laugh. My grandmother’s extremely honest, and she has no filter. She says what’s on her mind without any regrets. If her words hurt your feelings, then she tells you to chin up and offers a piece of wisdom I thoroughly enjoy.

“I can’t agree more.”

She pats my cheek. “The love you share with her is evident. You’re protective of her and Dawson. That makes you a wonderful man. Remember, the road of love is not always easy. There will be bumps along the way. But always let your love guide you to any answers you seek. Love is a feeling so many want to experience and share. You’re lucky to have found it a second time.”

“Thank you, Grandma. Please come with me, so I can introduce you to her.”

“I’d like that very much.”