Alexander speaks up. “Saturdays are overdone. Friday night?”
Nash nods. “I’d marry her this morning if I could. She’s always so beautiful first thing in the morning.”
Someone had better stop this madness. I narrow my eyes at Nash. He’s making fun of my morning hair—I just know it.
“I know a guy who would do a quick ceremony,” Grandpa says.
Nash sits up straight in the chair and begins adjusting his tie. “Well, in that case, I’d better get ready.” He combs his fingers through his hair as he tries to straighten it.
“Wait a minute! You boys aren’t cheating me out of my dress.” I squeak the words out.
I really don’t know Nash. Just because I feel comfortable with him doesn’t mean anything. Why would he be rushing this marriage thing? Or are they really joking?
“I’ll buy you one today,” Nash offers.
There’s a dangerous twinkle in his eye that I’m sure means trouble.
I stare at him, wondering if I want to kiss him or punch him. I’m doing him a favor, and he’s taking advantage of it.
Grandpa pats my hand. “We’re just joking around. If you want a big wedding, you can have a big wedding.”
Nash leans forward to hold my other hand.
I stare down at that tan hand, completely covering mine. It’s rough, the calluses on his palm thick.
“Should we let you get some rest, Grandpa?”
Grandpa shakes his head. “Not yet. The relatives are coming. I’m sure they’ll be wearing black,” he grumbles. “I want some uninterrupted time to talk with Magnolia.”
Nash pats him on the shoulder. “In that case, I’m going to take a nap.” He leans back in the chair, getting comfy, then closes his eyes.
“Check my IV after visitors. Make sure there’s no arsenic in it.”
“Don’t worry, I don’t think that can go through an IV drip,” Nash replies with his eyes still closed.
My head is ping-ponging back and forth between them as Nash kicks his feet onto a dresser close by. He really is settling in for a nap. And I’m here, visiting with his grandfather.
“So, tell me about yourself,” Alexander demands.
He releases my hand and reaches for the glass of icewater at his bedside. I jump up and grab it for him, helping him hold it steady as he takes a drink before I set it down again.
“Should we start with my birth or preschool years?”
“Smart-ass,” Alexander says with a smile. “I know I seem pushy.”
“Youarepushy,” I tell him with a laugh.
He shrugs. “I’ll let you in on a secret.”
I sit down on the edge of the bed again. “I love secrets.”
“When Nash told me he’d gotten engaged so soon, I was worried that you were going to be a money-grabber. It’s so silly. When you build something for your children and grandchildren to inherit, you have to think of things like that. Goodness knows some of my own family members are greedy enough. I know my son-in-law would be thrilled if I cut everyone except him out of the will.”
“Ah, is that the one you’re worried about the arsenic with?”
“Of course.”
“But you still let him come here?”
