“That’s the fucking plan,” I assured her. “Now,” I continued, wanting to shift topics. “How quickly do you think your parents are going to fall in love with me?”
She snorted, jabbing me playfully in the ribs. “Pretty sure of yourself there, Jackson.”
I grinned, dodging her jabs. “My dream girl just agreed to move in with me; I’m on top of the world.”
By the time Ellie’s parents walked through the door that evening, Ellie had a buffet-style dinner ready on the counter.
“Figured you might not want a formal spread after the long day,” she greeted her parents, stepping around the counter to hug them both.
I could easily see the family resemblance, with Ellie’s mother having the same dark hair, grayed at the temples, and her father had the same striking green eyes.
“Hi Mason, Teresa Mitchell,” Ellie’s mom greeted. Though her expression was warm, it was clear in her intelligent gaze that she was a woman that didn’t miss much. “Welcome. I’m sorry we couldn’t have greeted you properly.”
“No worries at all, ma’am,” I replied before turning eyes to Ellie’s father. “Mason Jackson, sir. Pleasure to meet you.”
“Grant Mitchell,” he replied, taking my outstretched hand. “Too tired for the fifth degree tonight. We’ll save that for tomorrow.”
“Dad,” Ellie groaned.
I held up a hand in assurance. “That’s fine. Have to say, I think I’d feel a little disappointed if I didn’t get the full treatment.”
“This looks delicious. I’m starving,” Teresa put in, grabbing a plate.
“How’s the baby? Did they decide on a name yet?”
“Ava,” her mother replied with a soft smile. “She’s perfect. Has a mass of dark hair.”
“I can’t wait to hold her.” Ellie sighed. “We’ll plan on heading down in the morning if they’re up for it. That okay with you?” She turned an eye toward me.
“Sounds perfect,” I agreed, waiting until everyone else had a full plate before grabbing food for myself.
“So, Mason, how long are you planning to stay for?” her father asked as I found a seat next to Ellie at the kitchen table. Clearly, he thought Ellie and I would be traveling back to Colorado separately. I had some work to do to convey how serious I was about his daughter.
Ellie shot a glance in my direction before clarifying for her father. “We’ll probably need to head out soon, Dad.”
I nodded. “Maybe even as soon as tomorrow.” I had a few things to get done for the team, but more so now that Ellie had agreed to move in with me, I was eager to set those wheels in motion.
Ellie nodded in agreement. “I need to get back to Kodi. And work.”
I tensed, not having thought about her wanting to go back to work. But I knew my girl well enough that I’d get nowhere with her on the subject just now.
“You’re being cautious?” her father asked gruffly. “All this attention has us worried.”
I placed my hand over Ellie’s and looked her father square in the eye. “I’m aware of the potential risks my profession could cause, particularly given the history with Turner.” Even stating the asshole’s last name had my lip curling in distaste. “I’ve got a full security team at the ready, my lawyers ready for when he makes a misstep, and a PR team ready to bury any trash he might spew.”
Her father eyed me intently before giving me a nod of approval. The gesture was subtle, and yet I knew it meant a hell of a lot. Ellie deflating in evident relief beside me, confirmed it.
The rest of the meal was far more relaxed, and while I knew I had work to do to earn her father’s trust, I knew I’d taken steps to earn his respect.
* * *
“She’s so perfect.” Ellie beamed as she stood gazing down at her newborn niece the next morning.
After a delicious breakfast with her parents and far less of a third degree than I’d expected and more talk about the game, we’d packed up and headed for the hospital, planning to go back to Colorado after seeing the baby.
“How are you feeling?” Ellie asked her sister-in-law, who looked tired but happy as Ellie’s brother, Dylan, looked on.
“Pretty exhausted,” Stephanie admitted with a soft smile. “Hoping we can get discharged by tonight and go home.”