The Phoenix Steeles were growing, and he anticipated–like Eden–even more grandkids in their future. Life was good.
CHAPTER 21
Gary Palmer frowned. “Really, Tiffany. I honestly don’t understand why you’re upset.”
Tiffany Steele glared across the room at the man lounging in the chair. “The reason I am upset is because we had agreed that I would break the news of our engagement to my parents in private. Instead, you just blurted it out in front of everyone. That wasn’t fair to them.”
“And you think it was fair to me to only be introduced as your boyfriend?”
She placed her hands on her hips. “We had agreed, Gary.”
“Okay, okay, you’re right, we had agreed, but…”
She lifted a brow. “But what?”
“Nothing. At least now they know.” He stood and crossed the room to her. “You can’t blame me for wanting everyone to know you’re mine, baby, and that my intentions toward you are honorable. The fact that I want to marry you should prove to everyone how much I love you,” he said, pulling her into his arms and brushing a kiss across her lips. “Besides, you told me this was a family gathering. You didn’t say anything about this many people being here,” he added.
“Thisisa family gathering. The Steeles consider their friends to be extended family. And I told you that we’re also hosting a surprise fortieth wedding anniversary celebration on New Year’s Eve for our cousins. A lot of people are here for that as well.”
He didn’t say anything for a minute and then asked, “And what’s up with that guy, York Ellis? He almost stared me downwhen we were introduced.”
Tiffany smiled. “That’s just the way York is. He’s standoffish until he gets to know you. I’m sure that by the time we leave, once he’s gotten to know you better, you will have won him over.”
Gary frowned. “I shouldn’t have to win any member of your family over, Tiffany. I am your fiancé, and that should mean something to them.”
Her glare was back. “I hate to burst your bubble, but in my family, respect is earned, Gary. They need to get to know you.”
“I’m not marrying them. I’m marrying you.”
“I know that, but I’m close to my family,” she said. “I told you that in the beginning.”
His frown deepened. “Are you saying that I need to seek their approval?”
She rolled her eyes. “If that were the case, I would not have agreed to marry you.”
“Just making sure. And why are we arguing anyway?”
“We wouldn’t be arguing if you had stuck to our agreement about how we’d break the news of our engagement to my parents.”
“I said I was sorry.”
“I don’t recall you apologizing,” she said.
“Okay, then, I’m sorry. Next time, I will not get so excited and just stick to what we have agreed to do.”
“I would appreciate that. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m tired and want to take a nap before dinner. There are still several family members-extended and otherwise-that you haven’t met yet. I will introduce you to them at dinner.”
He nodded. “I do have a question.”
“What?”
“Why were we given separate rooms?”
She rolled her eyes. “Did you honestly expect to share my room? My parents are here.”
“I can see your parents not booking us the same room when they thought I would be coming as your boyfriend, but now that they know I’m your fiancé, that changes things. You should call them and tell them we want to be in the same room.”
“I will do no such thing, Gary. You are my fiancé, not my husband. That is disrespectful, not only to my parents but to all the Steeles.”
