Chapter 224
Scott gave her a gentle smile. “Go on in, it’s cold outside. I know today was a bit rushed, we didn’t have time to really prepare. Next time, I’ll make sure to plan ahead and treat everyone to a proper dinner p>
“Today was already great. Alright, Scott, you should head back now,” Josh said, sounding pleased as he watched Scott’s car disappear down the street. Then he shot Mamie a look filled with meaning. “Mamie, don’t let this one slip away. He’s definitely a better fit for you than any of those other guys p>
Claire muttered, “But he does have a kid p>
Josh waved it off. “That’s not a big deal. Once you’re married, you can have another one p>
Mamie tried to hide her awkwardness. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Dad. We haven’t been seeing each other that long. Marriage isn’t even on the table yet p>
She figured if she just made it through this phase, breaking up later would seem perfectly reasonable.
Mamie thought that was the end of it, but then Scott brought up meeting his father.
She’d seen Ladd once before at Garth’s school, but this time was different. She’d be going as Scott’s girlfriend, at least in name.
“If it’s not convenient now, we can wait until the weekend. Dorothea and Latham will be home then too, so it might be more comfortable for you p>
Mamie had no choice but to agree. “Alright p>
For the past few days, Pauline had noticed Dorothea seemed distracted. “Dorothea,
is it because Latham’s not around? Are you missing him p>
Dorothea paused, a little embarrassed. “Grandma, don’t tease me p>
Latham had been quiet lately. Not even a text or a phone call. Dorothea realized she wasn’t used to it.
She wondered if her growing reliance on Latham was just habit or if it was something more.
Pauline watched Dorothea’s
conflicted expression and let out a deliberate sight Latham’s been through a lot. A few years ago, he got into a really bad car accident. He almost lost the use of his legs p>
“He had to work so hard just to walk again. That kind of determination says a lot about him p>
Dorothea looked up, surprised. “He almost couldn’t walk? Was it really that serious p>
Pauline nodded. “It was. Back then, Ladd really thought he might lose Latham. Latham insisted on going abroad for treatment by himself He wouldn’t fet anyone go with him p>
Dorothea remembered how offhandedly Latham had once brushed it off, saying it was nothing.
“Dorothea, you and Latham need to learn to understand and support each other. He really likes you, you know p>
Dorothea looked at her grandmother, searching for reassurance. “You really think he likes me p>
Pauline laughed softly. “Of course. Ladd told me that Latham’s always had girls chasing after him, but he never paid any of them the slightest attention. Haven’t you noticed? Whenever Lathan’s around, his eyes are always on you. You can tell he cares because he can’t help but keep watching you p>
Dorothea returned to her room, her mind full of questions. She wanted to call
Latham, but she didn’t even know what she’d say.
Just as she was about to turn out the lights, her phone buzzed with a message from Jared.
Dorothea, are you free to come by the school tomorrow? I have a wedding gift for you. If you have time, come pick it up.
Thank you, Jared. How about four o’clock tomorrow afternoon?
That works.