21. Anthony #2
I was still going to ask Samantha to send me the details on the job she’d mentioned in North Dakota. I hadn’t heard from the food company yet, so everything was up in the air in New Orleans anyway. I knew Annelise meant well, but I wanted to be here for Mom and Dad.
But if I did get a job here, that would take me away from Anthony. I didn’t want that either.
Oh God, I was such a mess.
Annelise nudged my shoulder, grinning. “So, tell me. How come that hunk came here with you, and when did that happen?”
I smiled at my best friend, grateful for the change of subject.
“Well, clearly I didn’t heed your advice. Things just escalated. I thought being at the office would be weird, but it’s not. And he spoils me.”
“I’m liking the sound of him more and more.”
“When you called to tell me about Dad, Anthony came into my office. He practically burst in and took over, you know? He dealt with plane tickets and everything.”
“I like a man who takes charge. He seems good for you.”
I smiled brightly and put a hand on my chest. “I think so too. ”
“Have you met his family? Or just the grandmothers?”
“I do see most of the brothers at the office, and I even met the grandfathers. Funny story…”
I told her about our escapade on the bayou, and she couldn’t stop laughing. It’s funny now, but the embarrassment I’d felt at the time wasn’t far from my memory.
“I would’ve paid good money to see that. Are they like Isabeau and Celine?” she asked.
“Not exactly, but I can see why they’ve been happily married for years. They fit together.”
She pouted. “I’ve missed you. You should call me more often.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’ve had a lot on my mind, and…” I bit my lip. “And I wasn’t sure how you’d react with…” I nodded back to the house. Plus, I wanted to make sure things were solid with Anthony before I alerted her to how quickly things had progressed with him.
“Daisy, you’ll always have my support. You know that.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I should’ve called you.”
We talked a bit more about her and Kevin. Still no pregnancy, but they were trying. Kevin put his foot down on the second-bedroom idea, so Annelise bought some sort of machine that helped with his snoring.
“Now, do you think we should go back to the kitchen and see how those two are faring?”
“You read my mind,” I replied, and we headed back to the main house.
Mom and Anthony were laughing as we entered the kitchen.
“What are you two chatting about?” I asked.
“Oh, it’s a secret,” Mom said, winking. Anthony was simply grinning.
So, that’s how he was playing it, huh? I had to find out what these two were up to. But on second thought, why should I? Mom was happy and visibly more relaxed. And Anthony seemed happy as well .
I wanted to pinch myself. I still couldn’t believe he’d flown here to be with me and my family. That’s something a boyfriend would do… something a fiancé would do.
Someone you loved.
Oh my.
“All right, everything’s in the oven. Not much for us to do here in the kitchen. I’m going to take a snack to your dad,” Mom said.
“He’s awake! Great, I want to see him,” I stated.
“Can I come with you?” Annelise asked. “I want to check up on him too.”
“Sure. But I think it might be a bit much if we all go. How about Annelise and I go first, and after she leaves, you spend time with your dad, Daisy.”
I nodded. “Sure.”
Once Mom and Annelise left the kitchen, I walked over to Anthony. He was resting against the kitchen counter, gripping the edge of it. I leaned over him, making sure to press my boobs to his chest. Then I put my hands on his shoulders. “So, what were you and Mom talking about?”
“It’s a secret,” he replied.
I drew my hands farther down his torso, resting them on his chest.
“You trying to seduce the answer out of me?” He was keeping a straight face, though I felt vibrations in his chest. He was fighting laughter.
“I’m that obvious, huh?”
“Yes, you are, babe. But I don’t mind.” He kissed my forehead. “Though I’m not going to tell you anything.” He pulled back to look me in the eyes. “I’ve been thinking about something. There’s a baseball game tonight. Is your dad a fan?”
“Yes! He loves it, unlike me and Mom.”
“Would he like to watch it?”
“Of course. ”
“Then I’ve got an idea. How about your dad and I watch it together? Just the two of us.”
I almost did a double take. I couldn’t believe he was simply offering to do this, without being asked. He wanted to spend time with my family.
“Are you sure you want to be alone with Dad?”
“I’ve been alone with your mom, and you found us laughing.”
I tilted my head. “True, but Dad is a tougher nut to crack.”
“I’ll manage.”
“Then I won’t say no to some girl time with Mom.” I was about to rise onto my tiptoes and give him a kiss, but his phone beeped. “You can take that. I don’t mind.”
“Not now.”
It beeped again.
I took a step back, and he took his phone out. He tapped the screen twice and then laughed.
“What?” I asked.
“Scarlett sent an alert to the family. She’s searching for a certain Harry Potter set for Bella. It’s very hard to find, so she’s putting the entire family on it.”
I giggled. “I truly like how the LeBlancs work.”
“And the Broussards. Never forget the Broussard contingent or you’ll make Celine unhappy.”
“Right. The LeBlanc and Broussard clans. Can you send me whatever she’s searching for?” I asked. “I’ll keep an eye out for it. Maybe I can find it.”
Anthony put his phone down, gazing at me intently. “You’ve got enough on your mind.”
“Nonsense. I’d love to be included in this family-wide effort.”
He cupped my jaw before kissing my forehead again. “All right. Will do.”
I tilted my head. “Okay. One last chance for you to pull out. Are you sure you want to hang out with my dad by yourself tonight? It might be more than you can handle. He might ask you all kinds of questions, putting you out of your comfort zone.”
“Daisy, there are two things you have to know about me. One, I never break my word. And two, I’m very good at winning people over.”