Always(Time for Love Book 4)(39)

“I don’t want to put her under any additional stress either,” she said, meaning it. As far as she could see, lying to Patty about her and Darren was doing wonders for the woman. How could she not continue with it? It seemed too cruel to do otherwise now that they were in too deep with the pretense.

“So you’ll go with the flow with me on this? Do what’s best for Mum?”

“Isn’t that what I’m doing now?” she asked, hoping the flow wouldn’t sweep her off to somewhere she didn’t want to be.

*****

“Hi, Patty, how are you feeling?” Brenna asked, stroking the older woman’s hair.

“I’m okay,” Patty said, her voice weak. “I’m glad you’re here, Brenna. How was your friend’s birthday party?”

“Good, thanks,” she said simply.

“Darren said he didn’t know this friend of yours, that’s why he didn’t go with you?” Patty said, obviously fishing for information.

“No, he doesn’t know my friend. Plus, Darren was due to visit you today. Good thing he did, so he was able to drive you here to the hospital.”

“I know,” Patty said with a dash of guilt. “It’s a little inconvenient for everyone.”

“No, it’s not,” she said lightly.

Patty smiled, taking her hand. “You’re so sweet, Brenna. I’m glad you put up with my son. I know he can be maddening at times, but he’s a good kid.”

“Good kid,” Darren muttered, rolling his eyes. “As if I’m ten.”

“No, you most certainly are not a child,” Patty said, chuckling. “In fact, you’re turning thirty in a few months. That’s getting old, don’t you think? You were already three years old when I was thirty, Darren.”

Brenna fidgeted, guessing where Patty was steering the conversation.

“Haven’t the two of you considered getting married?” Patty continued, to Brenna’s consternation.

“Uh, sure, Mum,” Darren said. “In fact...”

Brenna glanced at Darren in shock. In fact, what?

“Oh my God,” Patty whispered in delight. “You’ve proposed?”

“Oh, no, Patty. He hasn’t,” Brenna said hastily, vowing to strangle Darren for this incredibly stupid lie.

“Oh.” The disappointment was evident in Patty’s face. “I’ve been hoping... because I don’t know how long I’ll still be around...”

“Bren just doesn’t want to make it official until I get her a ring, Mum,” Darren said.

Brenna shot Darren a deadly look. What on earth was he thinking?

“Of course she needs a ring,” Patty berated her son, smiling widely. “Oh, I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long,” she said excitedly, grasping both Brenna’s and Darren’s hands. “I’d like you guys to consider something.”

“What?” Darren asked.

“The diamond on my engagement ring was originally from your dad’s grandmother’s ring. Please take it and have it set in a new ring for Brenna.”

Brenna stared at Patty in horror. “Oh, no, Patty. Please, no.”

“I won’t take no for an answer, Brenna,” Patty said. “You’ve made me so happy today. Don’t spoil it now,” she joked.

Brenna bit her lip, trying her darnedest best to stop the tears from falling. This was so wrong.

“Oh, darling girl,” Patty whispered. “Please don’t cry. If I die tomorrow, then you know I’ve died with happiness and peace in my heart.”

Brenna squeezed Patty’s hand. All she could do was send the woman a trembly smile.

*****

“What the hell was that all about, Darren?” Brenna hissed the moment they were out of Patty’s room.

“Shh,” Darren said, looking around. “I was only trying to make her feel better.”

“But you’re making this worse!” she whispered furiously. “She’s gonna expect a lot more from us now that we’re engaged. Didn’t you hear what she asked me before we left? She wants to know when I’m moving in with you.”

Darren rubbed his face. “I’m sorry. If I could take it back, I would. I should have anticipated her expecting us to move in together, but I spoke without thinking.”

“What will we do now?”

“How about you bring some of your stuff over to my place? Just the basics, so if ever she comes over to visit—which I doubt she would, since we go to see her instead—she’d think you’re living there.”

“What? No, Darren! That will dig us into a deeper hole,” she cried, getting utterly frustrated. “You know that one of your Aunt Sally’s daughters now lives in my building—on the same floor! She’s bound to see me go home to my apartment.”

“You shouldn’t have mentioned to her that your neighbour had to move unexpectedly.”

“I didn’t know she and her boyfriend were looking for another place to live. I was only trying to come up with whatever topic so the conversation wouldn’t have to be about how the two of us were back together again.”

Darren shook his head. “Who would have thought, hey?”

She sighed. “I know.”