“Just so you know, my mom doesn’t believe our marriage is real, and me pushing her off all this time with your schedule has made her even more skeptical.She’ll nitpick everything we do and how we interact.She wouldn’t be sold on this marriage even if you had sex with me on the dining room table.And even then, she’d just critique your performance.”
“We both know I’d get an A-plus, but I’ll take one for the team if that’s what it takes.”
She leans her head on my shoulder, and out of instinct, I kiss the top of her head.“I’ll apologize ahead of time, but I do hope it isn’t that painful.”
“You put up with a lot for me.This is nothing.”
And I mean it.Although nothing on social media has been bad for her, everyone seems to be behind us as a family, but I know how fast that can flip.I’ve seen it.Callie took a beating with Foster, and I never want Hadley to be in that seat.
The double doors open, and I assume this is her mother standing in an expensive flowery dress.“Why are you still out there?Let me meet my son-in-law.”
Her body sayswelcome, her smile saysI bite.
We walk forward at the same pace.When we reach the doorway and step into a grand foyer with a spiral staircase along the wall and a huge chandelier, she doesn’t hug Hadley or me.
Hadley does a quick introduction, and Margot’s hand in mine is as cold and unwelcoming.
“Oh, I figured you’d bring the baby.”Her mom glances at the carrier in disgust.
“It was a last-minute invitation,” Hadley says.
“I tried to give you enough notice, but his schedule is so busy.”She turns toward me.I find it odd since she just referred to me in third person when I’m standing right here.“You’re a hard man to nail down.Is that the reason for the impromptu proposal to Hadley?”
Holy shit, this woman plays an entirely different game than I’ve ever played.
“In season is pretty busy.I apologize for the delay, and of course… I should have asked you for her hand.I’m sorry.”
She waves me off.“Well, we all know you won’t find her father to ask, and honestly, even if I said no, she would have married you anyway.Our Hadley does what she wants, when she wants.”She laughs, but it only echoes in the large foyer, her humor not landing.“Should have known in kindergarten when she refused to color within the lines.”She laughs again.
Hadley stiffens next to me.
“Well, get the little one out.”She waves at the carrier and walks away.“We’re in the dining room.Sloane and Whit got here on time.”
Hadley blows out a breath.“Round one is over,” she whispers.
I put the carrier by the door and unstrap Tanner, holding him to my chest.“I’ve never seen a mother and daughter so opposite of each other.”
“Well, she’s got Sloane.They’re more aligned.Come on.”
The dining room is a big room with two huge chandeliers.The table is only being used on one end, and there’s a high chair between two seats on the right side.Which means Tanner will be between us.
“Sloane was nice enough to let you use the high chair she uses when she comes for Sunday dinners,” Margot says.
Clearly Hadley doesn’t attend them since she’s never left my place on a Sunday to come here.Margot is simply making her point.
“Thanks, Sloane,” I say while Hadley just sits down closest to her mom, as if she’s sheltering me from the storm.
“You’re left-handed, sit on his other side.”I put Tanner in the high chair.
I see her mom’s eyes lift over the fact that I know Hadley is left-handed.
“Oh, it’s okay…”
“It’s fine.”I pull out the chair for Hadley, and she sits.
“Thanks.”
I walk around the back of Margot and put out my hand toward her brother.“Easton Bailey.”
