180|The Proposal

Levi's parents had booked a table at the Spanish restaurant in the hotel's West Wing. They were already enraptured by Mark's stories when they arrived.

His mom was only concerned about Natalie. She ran to her, hugged and kissed her on both cheeks. She was over Colleen now. After all, they'd spent almost every waking moment together over the last two weeks. Leviticus, too, was happy to have his little girl back.

"Let me look at you!" his mom gushed as she held Natalie away from her.

Levi watched them with mild curiosity, noticing how uncomfortable Natalie looked. He wanted to swoop in and rescue her from his mom's coddling. But Mark stopped him before he could and handed him a glass of whiskey.

"She's besotted with Natalie," Mark drawled as they watched them leave the room. Apparently, she had something to show Natalie.

"It's the strangest thing, watching them together," Levi agreed.

"That must help alleviate the pressure of your decision, knowing they get along," his friend said and g