Faux Vows, True Desires

The incessant trilling of her phone cut through the silence, and Cecilia hastily pushed Owen away to fish the device out of her pocket. Glancing at the caller ID, she informed him with a half-smile, "It's my mom."

Owen's interest piqued at the mention of his potential mother-in-law, signaling for Cecilia to answer while his ears practically perked up in anticipation, curious about the impending conversation. "Hey, Mom."

"Cecilia, Owen's parents have just dropped by with an armful of gifts. They're being super sweet, talking about wanting to officially ask for your hand on Owen's behalf. Imagine that!"

Cecilia's eyes darted toward Owen, annoyance mixed with surprise. He had kept this monumental development completely under wraps.

Owen, with his heightened senses, overheard the booming voice on the other end of the line. This was news to him too. He hadn't expected his parents to show up on the Yates' doorstep bearing gifts or proposing marriage on his behalf. What had gotten into them?

"I had no clue," Owen whispered, leaning close to Cecilia.

Cecilia's eyes twinkled as she calmly asked her mother, "Did you agree?"

"How could I possibly say yes without talking to you first? Your dad and brother are on their way home, and even Grandpa is here. Do you want to come over?"

With a playful pinch to Owen's arm, Cecilia heard his hushed plea, "Honestly, Cecilia, I was in the dark about this."

Owen was starting to piece things together. His grandparents must have said something after he and Cecilia left last night, spurring his parents into action.

"Mom, are you actually considering Owen as your son-in-law?"

Owen leaned in even closer, eager to gauge his mother-in-law's current opinion of him.

throw his pride out the window for you, and that means he's serious. Sure, he had a thing for Ms. Scott, but that's

the gap between our families. Marriage isn't just about the couple; it's about blending two families. If we can't get along, you two will be stuck

If we become in-laws, mingling with their crowd, it's not going to be easy for us. Even if you hit the jackpot tomorrow, we'd still be new money without their kind of heritage. And let's not forget Owen's mother, who looked down on us, trying to break you and

to Owen's mother, but treat her with

to be strong. Elevate yourself, and maybe Owen's mother'll truly accept you. A woman's gotta be her own hero." "Mom, I get it. So, you and Dad aren't keen on saying yes

brother thinks there's a catch. That this proposal is sugar-coated. We're not inclined to

eager to agree either. Who

come over. I'll remember

himself. Unfortunately,

softly, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. "Don't you want to

her phone away, Cecilia shot him a challenging look. "Your parents show up unannounced, and you claim ignorance. It reeks of compulsion, not sincerity. Besides, I'm not in a rush." She'd have been

still have a lot to

"Like what?"

a pat on his shoulder and a teasing smile, she said, "You figure it out.

time to wrap up for the day anyway. I guess I'll head

"To join forces."

if you two

never seen rivals

intensified as he replied meaningfully, "For someone special, I'm willing to turn

harbored