This is the tenth part in a series, so if you have not already done so, you might want to read Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII, and Part IX before continuing.
“I got him,” my mom said, holding up her left hand to show me her new engagement ring over FaceTime.
“No way!” I said. “Already?”
“What can I say? I’m a charmer,” she said, lifting her shoulders as if to say, I can’t help being irresistible. “Besides, when you get to be our age, you don’t have time to waste. What about you? Any progress on your end?”
“Not really.” I had already told her about the time Owen spent the night, and there hadn’t been any real developments since then. “Oh, but guess what I found out?”
I told her all about how Owen’s family went to Disney World and stayed in fancy hotels every year. Her jaw dropped. “No way,” she said. “You better lock that down.”
I slumped in my chair at the thought. “Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done at our age. We have all the time in the world and he knows it.”
“You know how I feel about excuses, Keira. You do what you gotta do.”
“I know,” I tilted my head as a thought came to me. “He did say his parents got married when they were still in college.”
“See? There you go. That’s your in.”
“Yeah, but it was the ‘70s.”
“Hey, don’t judge the ‘70s. There are couples still together today who got together in the ‘70s and never got married. Timing doesn’t matter as much as your determination.”
I nodded and straightened up again. “You’re right. I just have to get my head in the game.”
My mom looked concerned. “Where has your head been this whole time if not in the game?”
“Honestly? Disney World.”
We both had a good laugh over that, and when we were done, my mom turned serious. “So, like I said, at our age, you don’t have a lot of time to waste. And since this is the second marriage for both of us, we’re not going to bother with a long engagement or a big wedding. Right now, we’re thinking next month.”
“Really? Good for you.”
“Thanks. Look, I’d love it if you could be there, but you don’t have to be.”
“What weekend is it?” I said as I opened my calendar app.
“It’s the 10th. Just six weeks from today.”
“I can make that.”
“Great. Should I put you down for a plus one?” She gave the camera a hopeful look.
I made a doubtful face. “I don’t know, mom. I’d love to, but you know how delicate this time is. And you know how boys tend to get about weddings. I’m afraid it might be asking too much too soon.”
“I understand. Obviously, I would love to meet him, but either way it will be nice to see you.”
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it. Congratulations, Mom.”
“Thanks, sweetie. Good luck catching your own fish. You know I love you.”
“Love you too, Mom.”
We blew kisses at each other before ending the call.
To be continued…