No Regrets (A Stepbrother New Adult Novella)(6)

“Well, I guess that depends on who you ask, sweetheart.” He gave her a wink, which only infuriated her more.

“Okay you two, let’s try and enjoy dinner, please.” Liv’s mother had a pained expression on her face, and Parker noticed his father’s was similar. He knew when it was time to stop.

“I’m sorry, Liv. Really, I am.” He meant it this time.





Chapter Five





Olivia





Perhaps it was his tone, or the eventual disappearance of his stupid playboy grin, but she knew he meant it. She visibly relaxed.

“Thank you,” she managed to mumble, as she made her way to the table where he held her chair. She felt his hand graze hers, and she retracted it quickly. It almost felt as if he had burned her.

Dinner started off shaky, but quickly became more relaxed. It was obvious their parents were in love and happy. Olivia felt a twinge of envy at the way they looked at each other. She knew it was rare, maybe even impossible, to find the one person you should be with for the rest of your life. Perhaps when she was older, she would be able to relax and let go. In the meantime, she needed to concentrate on her college and future career, so that she could save money. All she ever wanted to do was get a good job, so she could take care of her mother.

As they cleared the dishes, she felt Parker staring at her and she subconsciously tucked a lock of hair behind one ear. She glanced up at him, and he gave her a smile. All she could think of was the Cheshire cat from her childhood stories. If memory served her right, the stupid cat did a lot of smiling and not much else, which wouldn’t surprise her about Parker.

He was attractive—there was no denying it. Even earlier, as he tried to smooth over his failed parking job with a free coffee, she was aware of him. He exuded some kind of heat that made her squirm. She knew she was attracted to him. She wasn’t stupid about it. But the issue was deeper than that; he made her feel both terrified and alive at the same time. I definitely need to avoid him.


As she and Parker sized each other up, their parents found their seats once more and were holding hands. Both of them looked quite apprehensive. Something was definitely up.

“Dad, what’s wrong?” Parker spoke first, and she knew he could sense it as much as she did.

“Nothing’s wrong, son. In fact, everything is great.” He glanced at Linda.

“We wanted to tell you both, together.” Liv’s Mom smiled back at Parker’s father, as her voice wavered slightly.

“We’re getting married.” They said it in unison, and both seemed to wait for a reaction from their children.

Whether it was twenty seconds or twenty minutes, time seemed to freeze for Liv as she took in the new information. Married—as in, to each other. She exhaled heavily, and finally glanced at Parker, who apparently was still in shock. He was as unprepared as she was. Someone had to speak first, though.

“Wow, married. Isn’t this a bit sudden? I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s obvious that you two are in love…I’m just…well...” she trailed off.

“Concerned, and I completely understand,” Richard finished for her. “I know this is a bit of a shock for both of you.” He glanced at Parker.

“It is a shock, but I’m happy for you, Dad. I guess it will just take time to adjust.” Parker gave his Dad a grin, and then stood and pulled Linda into a hug.

Olivia watched him as he hugged her mother, who cried tears of joy. Despite his playboy exterior, she felt her heart warm up to Parker slightly. He accepted this calmly, so she had no choice but to follow suit. When she got her mother alone, she could question her about how this happened. She walked over to them and exchanged hugs with her mother and Richard.

Richard cleared his throat again. “There is more, actually.” He glanced at Linda. “We want the two of you to help. We want you to plan this wedding together, with us. Everything we do, we want to make sure you’re a part of it.”

Liv looked at Parker. Hours and hours together was all she could think of. They would help, of course. If she learned anything about Parker in the short time they’d known each other, it was that he loved his father as much as she loved her mother. He looked at her and smiled, which made her feel shy for some reason.

“I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I can’t wait,” she said, and she realized that she meant it. Her mother was so happy, happier than she had been in a long time, and this was the least she could do for her.

After that, her mom came to life with ideas and plans, and the ladies were soon separated from the men, lost in conversation. Liv barely got a word in as her mother told her about what they wanted—and what they needed from the two of them.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re so accepting of Richard, Livie. He’s a good man.” Her mother clasped her hand in Liv’s.

“I am happy for you, Mom. I’m just—well, I’m concerned. How long have you two known each other? How does he treat you? Where will you live?”

Her mother chuckled. “I know you must have many questions, my dear, and I don’t mind answering every single one of them.”

An hour later, Liv finally walked to the den and slumped into the chair. Her mother answered every question. That much was true. Liv’s head hurt with the amount of information she’d heard. She listened to the men chuckle in the kitchen, and then her mother joined them.