Either Nash and I are excellent actors, or my family is simply so eager for their black sheep to find her happily ever after that they’re willing to swallow any story, no matter how ludicrous.
Though, I have to admit Nash and I are pretty convincing. When he confesses that he secretly had feelings for me all along, even when we were in the deepest, darkest days of our feud, he sounds so sincere, even I almost believe him.
By the time we finish grilling chicken for a late lunch, Mom is letting Nash help her set the table and complimenting him on making Captain so early in his career, Lark is giving me the thumbs-up sign behind Nash’s back, and Mason has clapped Nash on the shoulder so often the man’s probably going to have bruises. He’s that excited to have Nash as a future brother-in-law.
And Felicity…
Well, Felicity made it clear how she felt about Nash the moment we walked in the door, taking to him with the same warmth and immediacy she did the first time. The only person who continues to look less-than-thrilled about our sudden marriage is my father.
So, I’m not really surprised when, after we’ve finished with lunch, Daddy appears in the door to my bedroom as I’m packing a few last-minute things to take to Nash’s house
“Hey.” I smile what I hope is a blissed-out-bride sort of smile. “What’s up, Daddy? Is it okay if I take the gray sheet set? Mom said it was fine, but—”
“It’s okay if you don’t do this,” he says, getting right down to business, the way he always does. “You don’t have to marry that boy to keep Felicity with you. We can find another way.”
“He’s not a boy. He’s a man and he’s my husband.” I turn my attention back to the baby bag, shoving the last blanket into the top. I don’t like lying to my father, but I like breaking promises even less. I promised Nash I’d keep our deal between us, and that’s what I intend to do. Even when it hurts a little. “I know you didn’t care for Nash when we were kids, but we’re adults now.”
“I don’t like or dislike him. I don’t know the man, and neither do you,” Dad says, coming to sit on the edge of the bed. “You wouldn’t have rushed into marriage if you didn’t need to move out of this house, and you know it. And I know it. And…I know it’s my fault.”
I face him, pained by the defeated slump of his shoulders. “Daddy, that’s not true. It’s not your fault.”
“It is my fault. If I hadn’t pulled that stupid stunt, you and Felicity would still be safe here.” He studies the hands fisted in his lap for a moment before lifting his head. “But I’m trying to fix things, Aria. I hired a private investigator to follow Liam and see what kind of dirt he can dig up.”
“Oh, Dad, no.” I wince. I caused enough trouble snooping in Mason’s past a few months ago.
But clearly, I come by my suspicious streak honestly.
“He’s a rat, honey, and rats leave rat trails behind,” Dad insists. “We just need to find them. Once we have evidence that he’s bad for Felicity, everything will be fine. You can stay here, we’ll get this marriage annulled, and—”
“No, Dad,” I say, a little surprised to find that I don’t want to stay. I’m ready to start the next phase of my life.
No matter how generous and helpful Mom and Dad have been, I’m past ready to move out. Grown children aren’t meant to live with their parents. It’s unnatural and has a way of stirring up every adolescent hang-up I thought I’d left behind. Even living with Nash for a few months and dealing with all the insanity that’s bound to cause is more appealing. And by the time Nash and I go our separate ways, I’ll be able to afford an apartment of my own.
“I’m moving in with Nash,” I repeat, gently, but firmly. “And Felicity is coming with me, and Nash and I are going to do our best to make our marriage work.”
“But you don’t love him,” Dad says, standing to pace the carpet in front of the bed. “I can tell, even if the rest of those dummies down there can’t.”
I huff. “You just called your wife, children, and future son-in-law dummies. Real mature, Bob.”
“Don’t call me Bob.” He scowls. “And I don’t care about being mature, I care about keeping my daughter from making another mistake.”
Another mistake.
His tone makes it sound like all I’ve done my entire life is flit from one bad choice to another, from the day I left home to the day I crawled back in disgrace years later. And yes, I have made my share of mistakes—I can admit that—but I’ve also had wonderful adventures.