Her parents aren’t completely off base in their concern, either. We don’t know everything about each other, but we know about as much as one can learn in thirty-seven days. I’m suddenly regretting not making sure she at least knew something as simple as my last fucking name before today. Because, of course her parents would ask.
To say our romance has been a whirlwind would be an understatement.
I came to Kansas City two months ago. I was accepted into a business management class at the state university that was being taught by one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs and basically a savant in the field. When the opportunity knocked on my door, I couldn’t turn it down. I need all the expert information I can get if I’m going to make something of myself.
I got here a couple weeks early to get settled and on the first day of class, I collided with a girl–well, she collided with me–and every nerve ending in my body woke up. She took my breath away and I think I’d be fine if I never got it back.
Her red hair was a mess but her eyes shimmered in sunlight. I couldn’t even stop myself from staring. She was definitely in a hurry, but I wasn’t as I picked up her books and asked herout.
We’ve spent every free moment with each other since. And now I’m kicking my own ass for not telling her my fucking last name. Stupid.
“Well?” her father asks impatiently. “What is it?”
Jesus. I can’t bear to watch this torture any longer.
“I can assure you Mr. and Mrs. Ashford,” I cut in, redirecting the attention off of my wife. “I told Raegan weeks ago that my last name is Adler. We were just talking last night about how well Raegan goes with Adler. Raegan Adler. Don’t you think so?”
Okay, maybe I laid it on a tad thick with that last part. I just need them to stop fucking with her already. We’re going to be fine.
Her mother raises a rather suspicious brow. “Since she won’t tell me about your parents, I’ll ask you. Why aren’t they here?”
The truth is… complicated, to say the least. My parents are a sensitive subject for me and one I should have already talked to Raegan about. I just can’t find the time or space I need to do it. And it’s not like it would change anything. So, I do the only thing I can think of and I lie. “My parents are dead.”
They both suck in a slow breath of air and hold it, refusing to acknowledge the awkward little bomb I just dropped and glaring at me with frustration, like I’m stealing away their precious baby.
She is precious. But she’smybaby now.
Releasing their air, they both regard her for a long moment before saying, in unison, “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
Then they turn and walk out the courtroom door.
Sutton pulls her sister in a tight embrace before murmuring, “Don’t worry about it. They’ll get over it.”
Raegan frowns before nodding and watching her sister follow their parents out the door.
Finally.
My eyes are glued to her while she stares at the door for a few moments after they leave.
“You okay, Mrs. Adler?” I mutter quietly, breaking the thick silence that surrounds us.
Her head turns and her lips curve into the saddest smile I’ve ever fucking seen. “You didn’t tell me your parents were dead.”
“It’s a long story. Let’s talk about it on a day that isn’t our wedding day?” I ask cautiously, because I really don’t want to talk about it at all.
Her brows knit with a hint of concern, like she’s not sure she wants to drop it.
“Alright,” she finally relents, allowing her concern to shift into joy. “Then, I’m amazing, Mr. Adler. Please take me anywhere else but here.”
I lean down, placing an arm against her back and the other under her knees, scooping her up in one swift motion.
The half squeal, half giggle she lets out as I carry her out of the courthouse has my heart melting and my dick stirring.
“Time to take my wife to bed.”
One Month Later
“Oh, Mr. Adlerrrr…” Raegan’s angelic voice singsongs from the other side of the apartment.
