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“Paige is that you?” She blinks a few times, turning her attention to her cousin, Sirena’s husband, Garrett.
“What are you doing here?” Paige asks, moving straight into his arms for a hug in greeting, much to the astonishment of my parents.
I grin with glee. My parents are snobs. There is no sugar coating it. I’ve never once said Paige’s surname to them and refused to answer when asked. Now, I had no idea that they know Garrett, but I’m sure Paige’s familiarity with him will be a surprise.
Garrett smiles. “I had business that had to be attended to in person.” He offers his hand. “It’s good to see you again, Seth. I hope you’re taking good care of our girl.”
“I am.”
He raises a brow at my eager response and laughs. “I bet you are.”
“How do you know each other?” Mother asks.
I take great pleasure in answering, “Garrett is married to one of Paige’s cousins.”
“The love of my life. And they’re more like sisters than cousins.” Garrett kisses Paige on the forehead. “I’m glad you’re doing okay.”
“Thank you. It’s so good to see you here.” Garrett doesn’t miss the relief in Paige’s voice, and I’m sure my parents don’t either.
I see the change in my parents toward Paige now they know who she is related to, and I’m not sure that sits well with me. I want them to like her for herself and for no other reason other than she’s the woman I love.
“Dinner is ready,” Amanda says, interrupting the conversation.
Mom frowns and quickly straightens her features. “Let’s head into the dining room while the food is still warm.”
I hold Paige back and slide my arm around her waist. “You doing okay?”
“It’s nice to have Garrett here as well.” She reaches up and kisses my cheek. “But, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t counting down the minutes until we can leave and you can make this up to me.” She wiggles her brows, and clears her throat when she spots my mother watching.
“So Garrett,” Paige drawls the moment her bottom hits the chair, “tell me how those gorgeous babies of yours are doing. I miss them.”
“Me too.” He smiles. “They’re growing so quickly and need a visit from their aunt.”
“Once Seth finishes this semester we’ll come and visit.” Paige smiles and squeezes my thigh.
I smile, my heart filling with happiness knowing she’s going to wait to visit family until I’m free to go with her.
“I think Seth has other plans for that time,” my mother adds, not looking at me as she passes a dish toward my sister.
I cover Paige’s hand on my thigh and notice the frown on Garrett’s face directed at my parents. His eyes darken with anger, so I quickly add, “I’m going to Lexington with Paige first to visit her family. Where she goes, I go.” I shrug. “I’m not even sure yet if we’ll stay in Boston. We’re taking it one day at a time.” I slap a kiss to Paige’s cheek, noticing she’s blushing, but then she shakes her head, and clearing her throat, turns to Garrett.
“Is Aunt Lily staying overnight with Sirena?”
Garrett groans, accepting the change of subject. “I asked her to. Sirena had other ideas, but her mother is staying with her.”
Paige chuckles. “She’ll be counting down the minutes until you’re home if I know my cousin.”
“That she is. So am I.”
My father engages Garrett in conversation and my mother and sister eat in silence. I keep catching Paige glancing at me with the awkward silence. Having enough, I quickly stand and drag Paige up with me. “I’m showing Paige the bathroom.”
My mother blinks in annoyance, while Garrett hides his amusement behind a napkin. Leading her past him, I hear, “Is that what it’s called?” muttered.
I pat him on the shoulder. “We won’t be too long.”
“Don’t hurry on my account,” Garrett adds, a smirk on his face.
The moment we’re out of the dining room, I usher Paige upstairs. “I’ll show you my bedroom.”
