The thought is so heady it makes my head spin.
“Émile?” I glance over at the dry voice to find Gran watching. “Come with me.”
She doesn’t wait for me to agree, we all know I’m going to anyway, but it’s not a great sign when Mom and Dad follow.
“Ah, do you want me to come?” Christian asks.
“Probably better you don’t, if I’m honest. There’ll likely only be horrible things said about us both and I’d prefer if you hung out with Elle and tried the finger food.” The sweet man looks worried, so I kiss him on the scruffy cheek. “I know how to handle my family, it’ll be okay.”
“Yeah, but I don’t like the thought of you having to go in there and face them on your own.”
“I’ve been doing it my entire life, love.” I give him a soft smile. “But it’s adorable you care.”
His cheeks tinge red before he steps back. “Elle. I’ll … find her. Yup. I’ll be right here.”
“You better be. I’m going to need some eye candy once I’m back.”
He turns even redder which is a beautiful sight, but I force the fond thoughts down and trail after my parents. Down the hall and into the studio on the left. Paintings from long before any of us were born line the pristine white walls, and the enormous windows on the south side have a perfect view of downtown Seattle. The Space Needle stands tall against the sky, and I remember looking at it when I was younger, wondering what it would be like to be such an imposing force.
Grandmother perches herself on a settee while my parents squash onto the couch beside her.
I elect to stay standing, not that it gives me any illusion of power against the three people staring back at me.
“To what do I owe this pleasure? Want to congratulate me in private?”
“Hardly.” Gran’s voice could cut glass and Mom glances over at her, expression as unreadable as ever.
“I’m sorry?”
“Who is thatpersonyou have brought into your parents’ home?”
“My boyf—well, fiancé, I should say. Did you see the ring? It’s exquisite, if I say so myself.”
She lifts her head, expression somehow getting cold enough to send a trickle of fear down my spine. “None of us have heard of him before today.”
“That’s because I didn’t want to waste your time bringing every man I’ve ever dated around. We met in Amsterdam and have been doing the long-distance thing for the last few months. But he’s it. I knew it from the moment I met him.” Kind of. “He’ll be an excellent addition to our family.”
Dad’s bitter laugh is loud. “You’re kidding yourself if you think you’re marrying that man.”
I hook my thumb back over my shoulder. “Did I not just propose?”
“There is a system to these things. Clifford was dating Martha months before proposing. He had his and her families’ blessings. They already have finances arranged, company shares negotiated, a list of responsibilities and duties in place for when it comes to things like maintenance, children, housekeeping—”
Oh, dear lord. Not only am I glad this marriage to Christian is total bullshit, but I’m doubly glad I chose not to run it by my parents.Children negotiations? Sure, Christian, you have baby number one, and I’ll pop out the second, shall I?
Fucking hell, I don’t evenwantkids.
But I knew they’d say all this. Or similar, at least, so I’m ready for their disapproval.
I nod, as though I’m agreeing with them. “You’re right. I should have run this by you first. I got all swept up in the romance of it all. My entire family around, the love of my life beside me, a beautiful room with a beautiful view … it felt like it was meant to be.” I drop my head. “But I understand. I’ll go back out there and tell my fiancé that the whole wedding is off. Better to do it now, I suppose, while everyone is still here, rather than have to contact them one by one to spread the news …”
I don’t dare look up, but the silence that falls over the room is thick, choking me with disapproval. I have the maddest urge to cackle like I always do in tense situations, and I have no clue how I manage to keep it together.
“There’s no way that’s happening.”
If I’d been a betting man, I wouldnothave picked that my mom would be the one to speak first.
“W-what do you mean?” I ask, playing perfectly dumb.