I remove my hand from the door handle and shift to face her. Taking her hand, I run my thumb over her wedding ring, as I’ve done numerous times since I slid it on there. “There’s nothing to be concerned about. They’re going to love you.”
She dips her chin and gives me a look. “They don’t even know I exist, let alone that we’re married. I really think you should have called and told them before we arrived.”
“It will be fine, I promise. Sure, they’ll be surprised, but I promise you that once the shock wears off, they’re going to welcome you with open arms.”
I’m going to make sure they’re open-minded and understand that this isn’t one of my impulsive decisions… well, maybe it is. But it’s not thewrongdecision.
I place a chaste kiss on her lips then exit the vehicle. I leave all our bags inside, too eager for my family to meet the woman I love.
Ash grips my hand tightly as we walk up the path toward my childhood home.
Once we’re outside the front door, I spin around to face her. “There’s one more thing you should know.”
Her head tilts. “What?”
“My brother’s wife and I dated briefly before she met him randomly and ended up marrying him. It’s not a big deal, and it’s not weird between us or anything, but in case it comes up in conversation or something, I don’t want you to be surprised. I’d never want you to think I was keeping secrets.”
“Okay, you couldn’t have told me on the plane at least?”
“I just never think about it. You’re not upset, are you?”
The look on her face says she’s not so sure about it, but she shakes her head. “No.”
I place a quick kiss on her lips before turning to face the door again. I open the door. Ash drops my hand and hangs behind me as I step inside.
“Hello?” I shout.
“In here,” my mom calls from the kitchen.
My stomach flips as I lead Ashley to the back of the house. I can’t remember the last time I was this nervous. Actually, only a couple days ago when I asked Ashley to marry me and I wasn’t sure if she’d say yes. I just want everyone to accept her with open arms, and I want her to love my family since they’re such a big part of my life.
“Ryah, where are you?” I ask, stepping into the room, excited to have my niece run into my arms.
“Yeah, no go, big brother. She’s stuck to Pierce like he’s gingerbread frosting,” Brynn says.
I don’t know what she’s talking about, I’m Ryah’s favorite. “Maybe for you, but not for me.” I hold out my arms for my niece—who completely ignores my existence. I can’t say it doesn’t hurt a little.
That’s when everyone notices Ashley standing behind me.
“Oh hi,” Tessa says, wiping her hands on her apron. “I’m Tessa.”
“Oh, sorry, guys, this is Ashley. My wife.” I can’t hold in my grin. It just feels so good to call her my wife.
Ashley lifts her hand, and her ring sparkles under the kitchen lights. “Hi.” She’s putting up a good front, but her voice is a little shaky.
“What?” everyone says in unison.
Huh. Maybe I should’ve taken Ashley’s advice and given them the heads-up.
They all stare at us in disbelief, shock written all over their faces.
“Yeah, what?” Dad walks in from the other room, his shirt dirty from chopping wood for the fireplace.
“I got married.” I’m probably beaming like a teenage girl at her first Taylor Swift concert, but I don’t care. They need to see how happy I am. They need to get behind this and us.
“We got that part, Carter,” Dad says. I can’t tell from his voice whether he’s displeased or not.
“Sorry, remember when I went to that destination wedding? Well, Ashley was a bridesmaid, and I was a groomsman, and we just kind of hit it off.”
