Wyatt snorts a laugh. “You never let us game around dinner time. What’s with the ring?” he asks, indicating with his head to Connor’s hand.
My brother Ashton looks at me, and his eyes pop down to my hand that I attempt to cover. “You have one too.”
Wyatt begins to laugh. “No way, you two. Classic.”
My brother tucks his fist and brings it to his chest. “Yes! The downfall of the princess. Finally, Hadley does something to upset the parents.”
I look at him, a little surprised that’s how he views me, but then roll a shoulder as well. Daddy’s princess isn’t just a phrase.
“Boys. Out. Now,” Ford repeats himself.
Our brothers stumble out of the room, which doesn’t do much for breaking the tension in the air.
Connor wraps his arm around me from the side again, and my body seems to be growing accustomed to this. I might even find it comforting.Oh no.
“If you want to end this marriage then say the word, blink, give me a secret code, I don’t know, anything, and I’ll have my lawyers on it so fast,” my father offers.
My mom walks to him and places her hand lovingly on his shoulder. “Stop it. Relax and accept this is what it is, and we are here to support them.”
“She’s too young to be married.” His eyes seem sad as he connects his gaze with my mom.
My mom touches his cheek. “But old enough to make decisions for herself.”
Ugh, there is a breach in my heart. I should just scream that I’m making a stupid mistake, but when I catch Connor in my side view, with remorse and tenderness on his face, then I pause because the words can’t escape me, and I can’t even question why.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of her. It’s all I will do.” Connor doesn’t sound like he’s acting; why doesn’t he sound less convincing?
My father’s eyes catch with Connor’s, and the room goes eerily quiet.
“You. Me. You best believe that we’re talking one on one this week.” My father’s voice is full of an edginess I’ve never heard before. It’s only when his gaze transfers to me that his face grows delicate. “If he doesn’t make you happy then I’ll kill him,” he announces before he storms out of the room.
I open my mouth to call out something, but my mom indicates for me to stay quiet. “Give him a little space. A day. Maybe three. I don’t know, eternity seems a stretch. Just give him a little breathing room to digest this news.”
“News that I’m still undecided about.” Ford stretches with his hands behind his head. “I mean, love to have you in the family, Hadley. I knew you two little rascals’ constant jabbing was a sign of something. It’s just… wow.” He breathes out and swipes a hand through his hair. “This came out of nowhere. Marriage is big. My son and I will be having a talk about responsibilities very soon.”
“A lot of talks. Thrilling,” Connor mumbles.
Brielle brings her hands together. “I think we can declare dinner… postponed.” She grabs the entire bottle of wine. “We’ll reschedule for a day when hunting my son doesn’t seem to be on the agenda.”
“I second that. Oh my, I guess this means you’re going to live with your husband.” My mom looks at me blankly then seems to shake it off. “Now I need to figure out a wedding gift.” My mom deflates and sits on a chair at the kitchen island. She then enthusiastically waves to Brielle. “We should book them the honeymoon suite at the Dizzy Duck in town.”
“I love that idea!” Brielle grins.
I lean gently into Connor’s space. “If they mention consummating the marriage, run,” I mumble under my breath.
“No shit,” he responds, with his face concerned as he stares at our moms’ excitement.
“I think you both should head out and enjoy your wedding week… Gosh, I did not just say that.” Ford blows out a breath.
I turn to face Connor, and he must see my exhaustion and somber mood. I’ve just experienced whiplash several times over. He does something that surprises me; he leans in to kiss my forehead. Softly, sweetly, and I don’t feel a shade of falseness.
“Come on, Sprinkles,” he whispers and takes my hand.
I do my best to suppress the light feeling I feel when our palms touch.
* * *
Luckily,I followed Connor in my car, so we were saved from awkward conversation. Connor has a house in a subdivision in the hills, overlooking the lake, heavily wooded but with barely any neighbors. Mostly, it’s sports guys who train here or vacation homes that are only filled in peak summer season. By no means are these houses cookie cutter; they all sell for a solid seven figures.
