I shake my head. “You are such an ass. And I won’t grow tired of anything.” None of them ever understood me at all. “I’m happy here. I love living with Maddox in his house.” I pretty much love the man but don’t think he’s ready to hear those words after not quite one month.
But I reach back and squeeze his hand before continuing. “For once, I have the freedom to paint, to wear whatever I want…” I shrug off the cardigan, leaving myself in my shorts and sports bra, to the utter horror of my mother, whose mouth gapes open. “And it feels good to help at the bar and work at the gallery.” This next part isn’t as easy, but it’s true. “And even if Maddox and I aren’t together for the long term, though I hope we are,I’m not leavingthe Hamptons.” Or the man unless he insists, but that discussion is for us, alone. “In other words, Mother, Father, you can all go home without me.”
Madeline gasps, probably more for effect. “I raised you better than to talk to us in that tone.” She sniffles but again, it isn’t real. “Mark my words, you will come back eventually, and you’ll be lucky if someone in our social circle is willing to have you.”
I sigh. “I’m not changing my mind, but only time will prove that to you.” I pull in a deep breath. “Oh. And the best news of the night? My paintings are hanging in the gallery in town.In fact, I sold my first one today. So I’m more than certain I’ll survive on my own.”
My grandmother starts to clap, and though I grin, I shake my head. “One more thing. You are my parents, and though I may not like your views or beliefs youaremy family. You know where I am if you ever want anormal, parent-child relationship. One where you accept me for who I am.” I slide my hand into Maddox’s and he grasps mine tight. “And who I choose to be with.”
I ignore Preston. He isn’t worth another breath.
The little girl who always wanted her parents to justbe her parentsand not wardens with rules and expectations hopes they will come around. But the adult me isn’t counting on them to change. I’ll always have my grandmother and Penelope. With a little luck, Maddox and I will have a future.
My grandmother claps in earnest, and my father huffs, his shoulders stiff.
“Let’s go, Aaron.” My mother’s cheeks are flushed with anger.
“Have a good trip back to the city.” Maddox speaks. “And don’t worry about your daughter.” Without warning, he bends his knees and picks me up, tossing me over his shoulder in a fireman’s hold. “She’s in good hands.”
I let out a shriek but I really don’t mind. And in case he’s worried, I squeeze his ass hard.
“Aaron!” my mother yells. “Get me out of here.”
“You always were a prude, Madeline,” my grandmother says.
I let out a laugh at my grandmother’s antics and the entire bar breaks out in applause that could have been in reaction to Maddox’s caveman routine or my grandmother’s comment. No matter, my family is in for a long ride home, I think, suddenly feeling the jolt of Maddox moving.
I grab onto a belt loop in his jeans, trying to ignore my stomach digging into his shoulder as he walks through the room.Though I can’t see more than his delectable ass, a glance to the side reveals we’re headed to his office.
And since he’s carrying me away for the whole bar to see…I am holding out hope whatever he has to say will bode well for my future.
***
Maddox
Gabby’s parents arepieces of work, I think, ignoring the clapping, as I stride through the crowd that parts for me. It’s a wonder Gabby turned out as sweet and caring as she did. I suppose I have Annabelle to thank. That and some innate combination of sweetness and a core of steel inside my girl. One that made her willing to defy expectations and grow into her own person.
I didn’t mean to make a scene. That isn’t my style. But after listening to Gabby stand up to the people who raised her, I want one thing. To get her alone and assure her that yes, I’m in it for the long term, too. And I’m not letting her go.
I step into the office behind the bar and kick the door closed behind me, shutting out the noise. I have one hand around the back of her knees and the other on her ass which I can’tnotsqueeze. Especially since she wears a skimpy Lycra outfit that outlines her curves and has me drooling.
“Hey! Are you going to put me down?” she asks. I still feel her finger curled into my belt loop.
“Do I have to?”
We haven’t been together long, but I’ve spent most of our time together telling myself I can handle it if she decides to leave, but knowing I’m lying to myself. Now that she’s announced her decision to stay, I want to keep her close.
But I lower her to her feet, holding onto her shoulders, steadying her.
She tips her head up to meet my gaze. And when I look into those gorgeous green eyes, I finally feel like I can breathe.
“Do you have any idea how amazing you are?” I ask.
Her eyes open wide, and her lips part in surprise. “Seriously? Why would you say that?”
How can she not know? “You stood up to your parents and that took courage. You took control of your life and that makes you brave. All in all, you’re amazing.”
Her smile lights up the roomandmy heart. “Now, I have a confession,” I say.
