Nina checked her watch. “She should be here any second now. My mother is never late, especially when we’re celebrating her birthday. Why don’t we have a seat while we wait for her to arrive? We can get to know each other.”
Donovan and Jada sat at one end of the large sofa while her parents took the other. Patrice sat in a matching chair across from Jada.
Donovan reached for Jada’s hand. She looked at him, her lips slipping into a tremulous smile. That familiar twinkle in her eyes had returned. Good. There was the woman he … cared about.
Shit. A fist squeezed his heart, cutting off his ability to breathe. Yes, he cared about her, enjoyed being in her company, but what if it was something more? But it couldn’t be. Not yet. You didn’t fall in love with someone you’d known for less than a month. It didn’t make sense. It wasn’t logical. His brain rebelled at the thought even as his heart leapt at it.
A pealing bell cut into his riotous thoughts.
“That must be my mother,” Nina said, rising. “I’ll get the door.”
“Hello, everyone,” a familiar voice drawled from the doorway a minute later. Mrs. T stood there, quite content to have all eyes on her, looking regal as usual, despite her diminutive size.
“Grams,” Jada and Patrice exclaimed simultaneously.
Walter stood and took the few steps to meet her.
“Joyce, welcome. Happy birthday!” He placed a hand on her elbow and guided her to the empty chair next to Patrice.
“Thank you, but let’s remember, I stopped counting birthdays years ago.”
His brow wrinkled in confusion, clearly not understanding that logic. “Right.”
Nina took her husband’s place, exchanging polite kisses on the cheek with her mother. “Happy birthday.”
Mrs. T turned her hawklike gaze on her daughter. “I labored for twenty-six excruciating, never-ending hours before giving birth to you, and that’s all I get?”
Nina smoothed her hair back, though not a hair was out of place. “Mother, really. Must you be so … colorful?”
Mrs. T shook her head. “I knew I shouldn’t have sent you to the fancy private school for gifted students. They filled your head with all kinds of science and math and sucked all the humor out of you.”
“I love you too, Mother,” Nina said dryly. “And no, a happy birthday wish isn’t all I have for you. I got you a gift, and I’m happy you’re here.”
Mrs. T patted her on the cheek. “That’s more like it. Love you, honey.” Mrs. T waved her hand when her granddaughters made to stand. “You’re already sitting, and I know you love me as much as I love you.”
Mrs. T clasped her hands together. “Well, well, what do we have here?” she asked like she hadn’t spied Donovan the moment she stepped foot in the room. “I guess the dating rumors are true.”
Donovan grinned. “Nice to see you, Mrs. T.”
“Look at my worlds colliding. I never thought I’d see the day. A player from my team in my daughter’s home alongside the rest of my family, who couldn’t possibly care less about football.”
Nina groaned. “Mother.”
“I’m only speaking the truth.” A smile stretched across her face. “Donovan, I hear congratulations are in order. We’ve agreed on a new contract with your agent.”
Jada gasped, slapping him on the arm. “What? You didn’t tell me! That’s great.”
He shrugged. “Tonight wasn’t supposed to be about me.”
“Which is very sweet, but unnecessary.”
Mrs. T nodded. “My granddaughter is right. We can celebrate more than one thing today. Now let’s get to eating. I can smell my favorites, and the food won’t eat itself.”
Jada’s parents exchanged a bemused look before leading the way to the formal dining room.
* * *
Jada was doing her best not to freak out, but having Donovan there was worth its weight in gold. He radiated calm.
She smiled at him as he held out her chair for her. He took the seat next to her, while her sister and grandmother sat across from them. Her parents sat at opposite ends of the table.
Grams was right about one thing. Her parents had spared no expense on the food. A veritable feast was spread across the table. Prime rib, roasted vegetables, garlic butter mushrooms, risotto, Cobb salad, and soft French bread. Truly all Grams’s favorites.
“Donovan, I’m sure you’re aware our daughter didn’t tell us you two were dating,” Walter said as the food circulated around the table.