Hayley’s parents’ place is impressive. The house and grounds are huge. Hayley’s breathing deeply beside me. It shouldn’t be this hard for her, but I get it. As much as she says she doesn’t care, I hope her mum and dad like me, for her sake.

“You okay?” I ask as I stop outside the front of the house.

She shrugs. “Ready as I’ll ever be. Once they meet you, they’ll love you.” She says it, but there’s uncertainty in her tone.

“Whatever happens, I love you. That’s what matters.”

A smile spreads across her face. “I love you too. Nothing that happens this weekend is going to change that.”

“I know.”

She reaches for my hand and squeezes. “Come on, Doctor Drew. Let’s go get this over with.”

I lean over and brush her lips with mine. “I’d follow you anywhere, princess.”

We step out of the car, and I walk with her to the front door. This house just screams money, and I glance at Hayley. She’s so grounded despite all this, and it makes her all the more appealing to me. She couldn’t be fake if she tried.

“Mum, Dad, I’m here,” Hayley calls as we walk in the front door.

I suck in a breath as a tall brunette who Hayley strongly resembles comes toward us. We make eye contact and she looks as if she’s forcing a smile. Although Hayley warned me she might not be welcoming, I thought she’d be happier for her daughter.

“Hayley.” The smile warms as she lays eyes on her daughter, and the two embrace, with Hayley’s mother eying me with obvious suspicion over Hayley’s shoulder.

Hayley pulls back. “Mum, this is Drew. Drew, this is my mother, Sonya.”

Sonya nods and holds out a delicate hand with red-painted talons. I suppress my smile over the difference between the two women. One of the things I love about Hayley is that she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. It’s clear her mother hasn’t done so in years.

“I’m so pleased to meet you,” I say.

“You too.”

A tall, dark-haired man approaches, and the difference between him and Sonya is like night and day. This must be Hayley’s father. He has such a wide, genuine smile on his face when he sees his daughter.

“Dad.” Hayley wraps her arms around his waist, and he closes his eyes as he holds her tight.

“It’s so good to have you home, sweetheart.” He kisses the top of her head and shifts his gaze to me. “This must be Drew. I’m David.”

“Glad to meet you.” He lets go of Hayley as I hold out my hand, and he takes it with a firm grip. The firmness of the shake tells me he’s taking everything in. I’ve never hoped to make a good impression more in all my life.

“It’s nice to finally meet the man who’s swept my daughter off her feet.”

I grin. “It’s good to meet you, too.”

He slaps me on the back. “We’re just about to have some lunch. Come through and we’ll talk.”

As David and Sonya make their way farther into the house, Hayley and I trail behind. She grabs my hand and squeezes, and as I shoot a glance at her, all I see is adoration in her eyes.

I hope I don’t let her down.

* * *

Lunch is more relaxed than I anticipated. Sonya spends the whole time eyeing me up, and while I think it makes Hayley uncomfortable, I can handle it.

David’s the chatty one. He asks about my family, my work, and avoids the topic of my relationship with Hayley. I’m not sure if it’s intentional or not, but it means the time passes without any trouble. If only visiting my parents had been this easy.

“Let me show you around,” he says after lunch, and I look to Hayley. She nods and smiles, probably happy that the two men in her life are getting on well.

I lean over and peck her on the lips before standing. “That’d be great.”

He leads me out the back of the house. There’s what looks to be a small orchard on one side, and a swimming pool and tennis court on the other. It’s magnificent.

“You have a gorgeous property.”

David nods. “We’re very happy with it. It seems a bit empty at times without Hayley, but it’s home.” He looks wistful. “Sometimes I miss the little house we had when Hayley was born. Lots of good memories in that place.”

“Hayley told me how proud she is of you. Self-made man and all.”

He grins. “She used to spend hours sitting with me in the garage while I brewed beer. I’d create a recipe and she’d help measure out the ingredients.”

“That’s awesome.”

“It was.” He takes a deep breath. “So, you’re serious about my daughter?”

“Very. She’s everything to me.”

He nods. “She’s my only child, so you had better take good care of her.”

I smile. “I promise. I’ll do whatever it takes to make her happy.”

A wistful smile appears on his face. “I’m glad she seems to have found someone good. Her mother always had this idea that Hayley would marry someone she picked, but she forgets that wasn’t the way with us. I always wanted Hayley to follow in my footsteps in business, but she’s forging her own path, and I’m so proud of her.”

Licking my lips, I make a move that’ll either cancel all the work I’ve just done, or bring him and his daughter closer. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Can you tell her that?”

Her father’s eyebrows dip as he stares at me. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t mean to disrespect you, and I can see how much you love her, but she feels like she disappoints you. Both of you.”

He gulps. “Why would she think that?”

I shrug. “All I know is that she’s told me she thinks you’re disappointed that she’s ended up with the job she’s in, and living where she does.”

He hasn’t bitten my head off yet, and his strained facial expression tells me he’s racking his brain for anything he might have said to give her that idea. “Well, it’s true I was disappointed she didn’t study business, and she went through that horrible time when that patient died, but she’s happy now, and that’s all I ever wanted for her.”

My heart aches at the thought of Hayley and how hurt she’s been at the way her parents have acted in the past. “I don’t know if she understands that.”

He licks his lips. “Her mother is a whole other story. She loves Hayley, but Hayley wants to live her own life. Sonya sometimes can’t let go.”

I nod.

Smiling, he claps me on the back. “Thanks for your honesty. It confirms for me that Hayley’s found a good man.”

“I only hope I can give her everything she needs. The distance has been hard on her, but once she moves to Hamilton, I think she’ll be much more settled.”

His smile grows. “I didn’t know she was moving. That’s wonderful. It brings her that little bit closer to us.”

“She still wants to find a job before she resigns formally, but her boss knows she’s leaving. I’m happy for her to move and worry about the job later, but I’m sure you know how independent your daughter is.”

He chuckles, moving his hand to my shoulder and gripping it. “I sure do. You’re the first boyfriend she’s brought home in a very long time. I knew when she told us you were coming that it was serious.”

“I love your daughter a lot.”

Hayley and her mother are waiting at the door when we arrive back, and Hayley’s nervous smile gives way to a grin as she meets my gaze.

“I hear you’re moving to Hamilton,” David says as we approach.

Her cheeks pale. It’s clear he makes her nervous. I can only hope that my being honest with him will help bridge the gap between them. “Once I sort a few things out.”

He opens his arms and hugs her tight. “I’m looking forward to you being closer to home. When I travel on business, I can come and see you.”

“I’d like that,” she says softly as he kisses the top of her head. I smile as she closes her eyes, embraced by her father.

“You found a good man, sweetheart. Someone who loves you. I’m so happy for you.”

Her eyes open again, and she meets my gaze before shifting it to him. “Thanks, Dad. It means a lot.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

Tears prick her eyes, and she smiles.

“Oh, Hayley. Hamilton? That’s no better than that pokey little town you’re in now. You need to come home.”

Hayley reaches for my hand and squeezes. “Wherever Drew is. That’s home.”

“She’s happy, Sonya. We need to support that.”

Sonya’s eyes widen as her husband speaks. “I just want Hayley to make a good marriage. To be able to live a life where she’s not cleaning up after people.”

“I love my job, Mum, and I’ll find a good one in Hamilton.”

In that moment, it strikes me. Her mother is just like mine—bitchy because she can’t control everything. We need to keep them apart as much as possible.

“Mrs McCarthy, I can provide for Hayley, for both of us. In a year or so, I’ll be going into private practice, and I’ve already set things in motion to buy a house.” I wink at Hayley. “To buy us a home.”

Hayley reaches for my hand and squeezes.

“But Hayley said she’ll need to find a job.”

I grin. “Because it’s important to her. She needs a career just like I do.” Meeting Hayley’s gaze, I think I fall in love all over again at the expression on her face. “But I’ll always be there to catch her if she falls.”

“Like I said, Hayley, you’ve got a good one there.” David speaks up as Hayley leans over and brushes my lips with hers. I don’t care what anyone else thinks. She and I are going to spend the rest of our lives together. I’m positive of that.

“I know I do.” Hayley snuggles into me, happy and assured.

“Drew seems like a very nice person. I’m just not sure if he’s the right one for you.”

The second her mother speaks, I watch Hayley’s self-confidence shatter into a million pieces. She goes limp in my arms.

“Leave him alone, Sonya,” David says.

I squeeze her hand, and she takes a deep breath. “Hayley and I are both sure we’re right for each other. I’m not sure what I have to do to prove it to you, but Hayley will always come first.”

“She’s our only daughter. I’m allowed to be protective.”

“There’s protective and there’s overbearing. Right now, you’re being the latter.”

Hayley stares at her father, and I bite down a smile. From what she’s told me, it’s not often David speaks up. It seems her parents’ relationship echoes my parents’. We have even more in common than we ever realised.

It’s just one more reason that we’re a good fit.

* * *

Dinner’s a whole different story to lunch. Sonya’s clearly decided to ignore me, and Hayley’s agony at how her mother’s treating me is obvious.

We sit in silence and watch evening television, but through it all, Hayley never leaves my side, snuggling up to me on the couch. It’s awkward, but I’ll put up with it knowing what she went through visiting my mother.

“I think it must be bedtime,” Hayley says. I take the hint and stand. The sooner we’re alone together, the better.

“Your room is ready as always, Hayley, and Drew’s is right across the hallway,” Sonya says, standing.

I bite down on my bottom lip, and Hayley’s dad rolls his eyes.

“Really?” Hayley says.

“Is that a new rule?” David asks, and I suck my bottom lip in to avoid blurting anything out.

Sonya turns on her heel and walks away without another word.

I suppress a smile. “If it’s any consolation, Hayley, I’m pretty sure my mother hates you.”

Her and David both turn to me with open mouths.

“She never did like any of our girlfriends. No one will ever be good enough for her sons.” I place my hands on Hayley’s arms. “What I’m trying to say is that I understand.”

David laughs. “I think you’ve hit the nail on the head there, Drew. If you two will excuse me, I think it’s time to get some sleep.”

He leaves the room and heads up the stairs first, leaving us at the bottom.

“Thanks, Dad. Have a good night. I think it’s time for bed for us, too.” Hayley wraps her arms around my waist.

“Us? We’re not sleeping together.”

She grins. “Wanna bet we’re not?” Taking my hand in hers, she leads me up the stairs, pausing at a door. “You’re sleeping in here with me.”

“But your mum—”

“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. Seriously, if you were Courtney Jackson’s son, you’d be in my bedroom already.”

“Courtney who?”

Hayley laughs. “Never mind. Come on, Drew. I promise not to bite.” She grips my hands and swings them.

“What if I want you to bite?”

Raising one of my hands to her lips, she nips at my index finger. “That could be arranged”

“Hayley McCarthy, you’re trouble. I don’t want to disrespect your parents.”

She tiptoes, her lips pressed against my ear sending shockwaves through me. She whispers, “My mother’s hardly respecting you. So you can come in and disrespect me.”

I chuckle. “I’ve got your dad on my side, though.”

“He won’t care. It’s Mum who has the problem. It’s not even a problem with you. She just likes to think she can run my life.”

She grabs my hands and pulls me into the room, turning us so my back is to the bed.

When she flicks on the bedside lamp, the room lights up. This entire room is pink. If the way this room is decorated is any indication, it’s no wonder Hayley’s mother treats her like a child at twenty-eight. The walls are pink, as is the shelving against the wall. Even the canopied bed and linen are shades of magenta. It’s like a pink bucket of paint exploded. The only thing that isn’t pink in this damn room is the lilac carpet.

“Uhh. What the hell is up with the decor?”

Hayley rolls her eyes. “My mother’s attempt at making me feel like a princess. I told her to redecorate when I left home, but she likes it like this.”

I reach forward and cup her breasts. “I’ll feel you, princess.”

“That’s what I’m counting on.”

My calves hit the bed as she shoves me backward, and I chuckle. “I feel like I’m desecrating this room.”

As I flop back, her hands are on the waistband of my pants, and she flicks the button open and slowly slides the zip. “Well, you are the first boy I’ve ever had in here.”

“I’m not surprised.”

My pants and underwear are pulled down to my knees, and my eyes roll back in my head as she takes me in her mouth. “Oh, the ceiling’s not pink. There is a God.”

Hayley laughs, the vibration in her mouth leaving me groaning.

Her hand pumps, and my cock responds. It’s easy to feel at ease around Hayley; there’s such a gentle calm about her.

But there’s nothing calm about the way she’s touching me.

She speeds up, and I give myself over to her completely. I already know I want to spend the rest of my life with her. Nothing and no one will stand in my way. Not even her mother.

I open my eyes and push myself up on my elbows. Her head bobs, her tongue lashing the tip of my cock. I’m so close, but now I’m taking charge.

“Get undressed,” I growl, and she pauses, looking up at me with wide eyes.

“Drew …”

“Now, Hayley.”

As she stands, her chest rises and falls with rapid breaths, and I kick off my pants and reach for my shirt. The buttons flip open one by one as I keep my eyes focused on her. There are times when she’s so self-assured, and then times when she retreats. The colour rising in her cheeks, I hold her gaze while she fumbles with her clothing.

I turn, pulling back the duvet and top sheet on the bed. Standing, I make my way around the side and beckon her with a crook of my index finger. The last of her clothes discarded, she climbs into the bed, and I slip between the sheets, our naked bodies making contact.

Short, sharp breaths come from her, and I dig my fingers through her hair, pulling her into a kiss. My tongue finds a gentle rhythm with hers, and we’re in sync, beautiful melodious sync.

“Drew,” she whispers as I detach my lips from hers and drop them to her neck. She gasps as I lay a trail of kisses down to her shoulder before disappearing under the sheets to return the favour. “I didn’t make you come.”

“I’ve got something to take care of first.”

“What?”

“You.”

She giggles as I part her legs and plant kisses on her thighs. Her body tenses as anticipation builds, and she sighs loudly when my tongue makes first contact with her clit.

I want things to always be this special between us. I’ve loved other women, but none so much as Hayley.

I probe her gently with my tongue. Her hips flick toward me, and it’s all I can do to hold myself together. She undoes me every single time. A rush of emotion overwhelms me.

She cries out so loudly that the people living in the next property over could probably hear her, let alone her parents.

“Roll onto your side,” I say, positioning myself next to her.

Hayley’s eyebrows shoot up, and I grin. I slip one arm beneath her and spread her legs with my other hand. From behind, I guide myself into her, and she gasps as I push.

“I love you,” she says, leaning her head back.

Raising my free hand to her face, I run my index finger down her cheek. “I love you, too.”

I hold her tight, thrusting hard. I’m buried so deep inside her, but it could never be deep enough. She’s mine, and I want her to miss me when I’m gone.

She moans.

Hayley’s the past I wish I had, the present I need, and the future I long for all in one.

“Marry me, Hayley,” I whisper.

Her eyes flicker open, and she stills. “What did you say?”

“I want you all the time like this. Not so far away I can only imagine it.”

“Drew,” she whispers.

“I need to be able to touch you. Not just talk about it. I need you.”

Tears form in her eyes, and I slow my pace. My whole heart is in her hands, as it has been from the start. Once we were together, it was only ever her. No one else can compare.

“I need you, too.”

“So?”

The tears drop from her eyes and roll away. I bend my head and tenderly kiss each temple until they’re gone.

“Yes. Yes, Drew, I’ll marry you.”

My heart breaks free and soars. Everything I’ve ever wanted is right here. We’ll build our life together as husband and wife, and screw everything and everyone that came before. Hayley’s my everything forever.

“You make me so happy,” she says.

With our gazes locked, I come. I let out a strained groan, emotion overwhelming me.

My lips crash onto hers as I claim her mouth. I’m greedy, and want every tiny piece of her. She’ll never have to worry about anything again, not have to deal with shitty situations alone. I’ll always be there for her, no matter what.

She sighs as I pull out of her, roll her onto her back, and hold her tight.

“I think we should have a baby too.”

Hayley laughs into my chest. “One thing at a time.”

“Of course. We’ll get the wedding out of the way and then we’ll start on making babies,” I say. She looks up to meet my gaze. “That’s if you’re interested.”

“You know I am. You’re just in mega-speed mode.”

I nod. “You’re twenty-eight, so we have seven years to get the baby-making out of the way before our chances start decreasing.”

She slams her palm into her forehead. “I don’t believe you just said that. Here you are being all romantic and sweet, and we’re now talking about my biological clock?”

“Given my occupation, don’t you think I’m always thinking about that?”

Laughing, she pulls me down to kiss her. “I’m not surprised, but can we talk about the serious stuff later?” Love radiates from her smile. “I will make babies with you. But one thing at a time.”

“I want everything with you.”

She turns off the bedside lamp. Curling up around her, I close my eyes. When she’s in my arms, I don’t worry about anything.

“Drew?” she whispers.

“Yes?”

“I want everything with you, too.”