Not Even Close (A New Generation) by Elizabeth Reyes (books to read in a lifetime txt) 📗

if I thought she’d say yes, I’d ask her to marry me.I know now she’s who I wanna spend the rest of my life with.”

“She’s way too young,” her dad said. “And you two have only—”

“I said yes, daddy.”

You could literally feel the air sucked out of the room, as theyall stared at them stunned. “You said yes?” her mom asked in disbelief.

“Are you pregnant?” her dad followed up before Savannah couldconfirm they’d heard right.

“No, daddy. You know I’m more responsible than that.”

Her brother scoffed. “Can’t even remember to lock your door.”

Xochitl scowled at him, likely because it’d been established yesterdaythat she couldn’t either. Of course, unlike her friend, even this had Savannahsmirking at her brother.

She turned back to her parents. “I know this is a shock, and wehaven’t been together for long, but I can’t even explain it. Just like when hehad dinner with us after technically only having known him a week. It justfeels so right.”

Mr. Moreno stood up, as if he couldn’t sit anymore. “But you’reonly eighteen, Savannah.”

“I know, daddy but I practically live at his place already,anyway.”

If looks were daggers, Byron would have two right between theeyes, the way her dad glared at him when his face jerked in his direction.

“Okay, let’s not get silly about this, honey,” Mrs. Moreno said,obviously catching the lethal glare her dad had shot him. “And they’re talkingmarriage, so it’s not like we have to worry about him not being serious abouther.”

“Yes,” Byron spoke up again. “I’ve never felt this way for anyother girl in my life.” He turned to Savannah who was looking up at him, her big,beautiful eyes flooding. “Never been so in love.” The crease between her eyesdeepened and her lips quivered. Feeling like he might get emotional too if hedidn’t glance away, he took a deep breath and turned back to her parents. “It’swhy we’re here early. I was really hoping to get your blessing before weannounced it to the rest of the family.”

The exchanged glance between her parents wasn’t missed. Herfather’s expression was far more troubled than her mom’s. Mrs. Moreno turnedback to them. “You’re not dropping out of school, are you?”

“Oh, hell no,” Mr. Moreno huffed.

“No, sir,” Byron spoke up quickly. “I wouldn’t want her interruptingher studies for me. She’d keep doing what she’s doing now, only she’d be livingwith me instead of the dorm.”

“Yeah, daddy you guys wouldn’t have to pay for that expensivedorm anymore.”

“You know that’s the least of my worries, Savannah.” He turned toByron. “So, you’re saying you’ll be engaged and once she’s done with school—”

“No,” Savannah clarified immediately. “We don’t want thatlong of an engagement. Just long enough to plan the wedding. And we won’t eventhink of starting a family until I’ve at least finished school.”

“Oh, thank God, you’re not eloping,” her mom said.

“No,” Savannah laughed as her prediction began to come true. Afterthe shock of the news, they were already moving on to talk of their big fatMoreno wedding. “Are you kidding me? Grandma’s been drilling in the idea of allher grandkids having big weddings since I was five. I wouldn’t dream ofbreaking the Moreno tradition.”

Byron smiled, remembering last night’s conversation. Technically,her parents had eloped, but her dad didn’t realize what a big deal it would beto his parents. So, they’d been guilted into renewing their vows and having abig wedding months later. Now her grandmother was making sure all her grandkidsknew just how big a deal this was.

“So, does this mean we have your blessing?” Byron braved thequestion.

Once again, he watched as her parents exchanged glances. After a tensefilled silent long moment with all eyes on Mr. Moreno, he shrugged. “Youcouldn’t keep me from walking my baby girl down that aisle if you tried.”

“Oh, daddy!” Savannah rushed to him and wrapped her arms aroundhim as the big guy embraced her tightly.

For someone who for years refused to give into tears,Byron was instantly choked up as Mrs. Moreno hugged him. “Welcome to the family,”she said against his ear then chuckled. “I hope you’re ready for all theinsanity.”

To Byron’s surprise, Taz stood behind his mom when she wasdone hugging Byron. He held up a hand and gave him an upwards handshake,clapping him on the shoulder. “I’m not supposed to like you,” he said with asmirk. “Just so you know, after yesterday the whole family’s grateful you’rethere for her. You don’t even know the shit me and my brother deal with whensomething goes down with my sisters. My parents freak the fuck out. So, this iseven better.”

Sienna didn’t even give Byron time to respond, before shepractically pushed her brother away so she could hug Byron. “Oh, my God!”She squeezed him. I can’t believe this!” It almost felt wrong to hug her, holdingher felt exactly like holding Savannah. “I love how much you love my sisterbecause no one loves her more than I do, but I can tell you’re getting close.” Onceagain, he was surprised to see her face crumble when he pulled away, and herlips quiver. “Please don’t ever hurt her.”

“I swear to God, I won’t,” he said immediately.

“I’d kill you,” she said with a still emotional smirk.

Byron had to chuckle. “I already know I’d have a snowballs chancein hell if I ever did, with this family.”

“You bet your ass,” she laughed.

After all the congratulations, and everyone getting passed theshock, they all rushed off to get ready for round two. Telling the rest of herbrood once they all started arriving.

Savannah walked out into the patio, leaving Xochitl with hersiblings inside as her parents went upstairs to shower. “What else did you sayto my dad yesterday?”

“Same thing I’ve been saying to you for weeks.” He pulled her tohim and hugged her tight. “The truth. That I’m in love with you. You’reeverything to me now, and I’d do anything to keep you safe.”

She smiled even through her tears. “Either you’re an evil geniuswho figured out how to manipulate my dad, or you really love me.”

“I really love you, baby. You should know that by now.”

“I really love you, too!”

Epilogue

Byron

“I’ll just be