I nodded vigorously. “You went and got married without any of us. You didn’t even have Hadley there?”
“Hadley was there,” Hadley interjected. “And Declan.”
“So that’s how this is going to be from now on, huh?” I asked. “The four of you are a unit while I’m—we’re?—”
Brooks took my hand and engulfed my cold fingers.
“Should you check on Jane?” Salem asked Mr. Powell.
Mr. Powell’s jaw clenched. “Jane’s fine. You—you are the reason I’m going gray.”
“Dad—” Salem began.
“That’s two,twoof my daughters that I didn’t get to walk down the aisle,” he said quietly. “You didn’t think about that, did you?” His gaze slid to Cas. “First you knock her up and then you have the fucking audacity to marry her without me present?”
“Connor,” Muddy said.
“No, he’s right,” Salem interjected. “Only Cas wanted to have a wedding and I’m the one who said no. I’m the one you should be mad at.”
“The shotgun?” Declan asked Muddy.
“Hidden,” she assured him.
“Good,” Declan said with a nod.
“You kids are un-fucking-believable,” Mr. Powell snapped. He looked at me. “You willnotdo this.”
“Do what?” I demanded.
He pointed to me and then to Brooks. “You’re having a wedding.”
“We just started dating. We’re not getting married,” I said in exasperation.
Brooks’ hand tightened on mine and he piped up confidently and said, “Yet.”
I shot Brooks a glare. Now was not the time to lay claim in front of everyone.
“I’m not your daughter,” I said, turning back to Mr. Powell. “You can’t tell me what to do.”
“Oh no,” Hadley muttered.
“That’s like waving a red flag at a bull . . .” Salem trailed off.
“You’re my daughters’ best friend. You’re family, Poet,” Mr. Powell said, but then he pinned Brooks with a stare. “You hurt her, I hurt you. You get me?”
“Yes, sir,” Brooks said. “I get you.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to check on Jane?” Hadley reiterated.
“He’s not going to hurt me,” I said in aggravation. “He’s braving this wild family dinner and just told everyone we’re getting married.”
“Congrats, man,” Cas drawled. “Welcome to the crazy.”
“Glad to be here,” Brooks said with a flicker of his lips.
“Dad,” Salem said. “Jane. My news made her leave the table.”
Jane reappeared into the dining room. “Your news didn’t make me leave the table. Congratulations, Salem. I’m happy for you.”
