My picking her up is confirmation we’re seeing each other, and I don’t know how Amelia feels about it, but I’m anxious as hell.

“It’s the Christmas tree guy!” greets Mrs. Lee when she spots me, a warm smile on her face. She’s standing behind the counter, her hands pressed against the glass top. “Don’t you clean up nicely.”

“Thank you.” I approach her, knowing an ally when I see one. “Is Amelia around?”

“She’s getting ready for a hot date.” Her mother’s eyes twinkle with mischief. “You have any idea who this man is?”

“None whatsoever,” I say as I glance down at the sparkling jewelry on display in the case in front of me. “I hear he’s a real nice guy, though.”

“Big and strong, from what I can tell.” She reaches out and pats my upper arm. “I don’t know you very well, Isaac, but my daughter speaks very highly of you.”

That makes me feel good, knowing Amelia’s talking me up. And that her mom knows my name.

It’s the little things, I guess.

“She’s still in a vulnerable spot, after her breakup. I only ask that you treat my daughter kindly. She’s been through a lot,” Mrs. Lee continues.

I sober up instantly, offering her a solemn nod. “I promise to treat her like a queen, Mrs. Lee. I want you to know your daughter means a lot to me.”

She lifts her brows in question. “Already?”

“Yes,” I confirm. “Sometimes when you know…you know.”

She seems pleased with my response, which in turn leaves me pleased. And since when do I care how a parent feels about me?

I guess I’m a changed man.

Amelia chooses that moment to enter the store, absolutely beautiful wearing a long-sleeved, deep green dress. Her hair is down and flowing past her shoulders, her feet clad in spindly black high heels. She’s pretty and classy and looking at her makes me feel like my heart just expanded, opening up completely to this woman.

Damn, I’m glad she’s my date tonight.

“You ready to go?” she asks brightly as she approaches.

She draws closer and I can see the apprehension flaring in her eyes. I guess she was nervous about this meet up too. And where’s her father anyway?

“I am,” I tell her, my gaze sweeping down the length of her in admiration. At the last second, I realize her mom might’ve seen me do that and I glance over at her to find that yep, she’s watching me. With a knowing look on her face too.

“Great,” Amelia breathes before she turns to look at her mother. “You know Isaac, right, Mother?”

Mrs. Lee nods, her eyes sparkling as she considers me. “I do. Mr. Strong and Handsome.”

Amelia rolls her eyes. “Stop. You’re embarrassing me.”

“Only speaking the truth, darling,” she says. “Where are you two going tonight?”

“Dinner with Charlie and Candice Sullivan,” I tell Mrs. Lee. “We’re eating at Tuscany.”

“One of my favorite restaurants. And I love Candice. She’s been such a wonderful friend to Amelia. Have fun, you two,” Mrs. Lee says, beaming at both of us.