"What could possibly make you nervous?"
"Sunday dinner. With your mother." His expression shifted to something between nervousness and determination. "You said she wants to interrogate me properly. I need to prepare. What should I know? What does she like? What topics are off-limits?"
Aria couldn't help but laugh at the rare sight of Damien Blackwood looking genuinely anxious. "You're really worried about this."
"Your mother raised an extraordinary woman. That means she's formidable in her own right. And her opinion matters. To you, and therefore to me."
"She's going to love you. But if you want specifics..." Aria settled more comfortably in his lap. "She likes white peonies, not roses. She appreciates good wine but isn't a snob about it—something mid-range is fine. She's traditional in some ways but progressive in others. And she's going to ask you about your intentions toward me."
"My intentions are to marry you. Eventually. When the time is right."
