“And you know we had no intention of missing that fun,” Sloane added, glee coating every word.
Donovan sighed. What was done was done, and he needed to run interference before his mother whipped out his naked baby pictures or asked Jada’s thoughts on providing her with more grandchildren. His step quickened when his mother started scrolling through her phone. He exhaled when he reached her side and saw she was showing pictures of his niece and nephew, and not him, to Jada.
“Family is very important to us,” his mom said. “What about you?”
Jada’s smile dimmed just the slightest. Most wouldn’t have noticed it. He wasn’t most people. Not when it came to one Jada Townsend-Matthews. Donovan’s eyes narrowed in contemplation. “Well, my grandmother owns the Knights,” Jada said.
His mom gasped. “You’re Mrs. T’s granddaughter? Then, you’re even more family than I thought. She’s been wonderful to Donny and all of us, really.”
Jada nodded. “She is the best.”
“And your parents?” His mother wasn’t satisfied. Of course, she wasn’t. She was nosy, but she was also very protective of her children.
Jada’s voice lost some of its usual vibrancy. “My parents and my sister are all here in San Diego. My parents own a medical research firm. They’re all doctors and scientists.”
His mom shrugged. “Good for them, but we all have to find our way in this world. Now on to the good stuff. How did you meet my son?”
Jada glanced his way, a smile teasing at her red lips. “I stopped in here for a cupcake on a whim.”
“And it was love at first sight?” his mother asked, all eager hopefulness.
“No, it wasn’t. She insulted my cupcakes,” Donovan said. They’d agreed to keep their “love story” as close to the truth as possible.
His mother squealed. “I love it! My son can be a little uptight. Eh, a lot uptight. I knew the woman who stole his heart would have to be someone who pierced that stodgy exterior.”
He threw his hands up. “Stodgy? Really, Mama? I’m right here.”
Sandra waved away his objection. “You’ll be all right. You know the truth when you hear it.”
“So do I,” Jada said, shooting a grin his way. “And you are absolutely right, ma’am, but he has some good points, too.”
Sloane leaned his way. “Where are your business partners?” she asked casually, looking around.
“Nicholas is in the kitchen.” Donovan checked his watch. “August should be here any minute.” The bell over the front door rang. “Speak of the devil.” He waved August over.
August ambled over in his unhurried fashion. “Mrs. Dell, it’s always good to see you.”
She hugged him like he was one of her children. “It’s good to see you too, baby. How have you been?”
He ducked his head. “I’m all right.”
Shana waved. “Good to see you, August. My kids can’t wait for you to babysit them again and show them how to fix another leaky faucet.”
He offered up a small smile. “Love to. Just let me know when.” He sent a brief nod Sloane’s way before continuing on his way down the hall.
She snorted at his retreating back. “Good to see you, too, August. I’m fine, by the way.”
“Sloane,” Donovan warned. Once upon a time, August had treated her like his younger sister. Their relationship had cooled years ago, although neither would say why.
Her eyes widened. “What? I didn’t do anything.”
“Both of you, stop,” Sandra said. “I haven’t finished talking to Jada yet. What do you think about football players owning a cupcake shop?”
Jada glanced his way before answering. “I think it’s fantastic and fun.”
His mom nodded approvingly. “I agree. Did you know this isn’t his first business?”
Donovan groaned. “Mama.”
He didn’t talk about his past. There was no point. Learning from the past and making the present and future the best they could be was important. It’s how he lived his life. How he’d gotten through the tough times.
Jada leaned forward. “No, I didn’t know. Tell me more.”
“When he was eight, he overheard an argument I was having with his father. His father had gambled away the money we needed to pay the rent. I was not happy. I was upset and worried and let my husband have it. What I didn’t know was that Donovan was outside the door listening.