Page 43 of Crushes and Confections

I knew there were still things we had to learn about each other, but I couldn’t deny how right it felt to be with all of them. I trusted that everything would fall into place and could only hope Adrien and Vance began to trust us and open their hearts to not just us but the place we called home as well.

CHAPTER 15

Vance

“I’m more nervous about this courting ceremony than I was our wedding day,” my husband muttered as his fingers fumbled with the tie he was trying to knot. With a small smile I moved his hands aside and took over, expertly tying it.

When I finished I didn’t step back, but looked up into his face.

“Are you having second thoughts?”

His eyes widened at my interpretation and he leaned forward, claiming my lips in reassurance before using his words to do the same.

“No, not at all. I’m more nervous about this crazy, chaotic town. And meeting their parents. They’ve done a good job of painting a terrifying picture,” he muttered.

“That they have,” I chuckled. “But don’t let it get to you. I met Riley’s sister on a date, and she did the same, but how bad can they be? The entire town adores them.”

A loud buzzing interrupted us, and I grabbed Adrien’s phone for him from the dresser, a French number on the screen again.

“You should answer,” I said gently. He’d been tense since the first call. Anytime we weren’t with our future pack, and it got quiet, I could see it. “Let’s not go into today with anything holding us back.”

“Hello, Luc,” Adrien answered without hesitation. My words meant something to him, which meant I’d hit the nail on the head.

“Bonjour, Adrien. I’m so sorry to have to reach you like this. But your parents are not the calm type,” he said in a rush. “I’ve been calling for a week.”

“What have they done?” Adrien asked. His accent was stronger when he was stressed, and I regretted telling him to answer.

“They want to get in contact with you. I’ve blocked them on all avenues so far, but I heard from a friend they have hired a private investigator. They’re more determined than ever. I just wanted you aware,” he explained.

“Are they still at home?” I questioned this time.

“Yes. For now. But…” He trailed off, and the silence stretched on for a moment.

“What is it, Luc?” Adrien coaxed his old friend and former lawyer.

“They booked a private jet. I don’t have the destination or logs, but we can all take a guess,” he finally said. “Please don’t ask for my sources.”

“We won’t. Thank you for the information, Luc,” Adrien said as his face went unnaturally pale. It had been a long time since I’d seen my husband truly shaken.

They said their goodbyes and we both sat down. Thankfully we started early and had a few minutes to decompress.

“It’s crazy. Just like that, I feel like a teenager under their thumb. Why can’t they just let me go?” he questioned in frustration, gripping his perfectly styled hair in his hands so it stuck up at odd angles.

“You are a strong alpha. And a happy one, even happier after today. Whatever they have to say, even if it’s to make amends or try and cut us down, it no longer matters. We don’t need them to be happy or fulfilled. You aren’t that kid.”

“I’m not,” he said, shaky at first, then stronger. “You’re right.”

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have prompted you,” I said. “I thought it would be something silly and trivial like an old paper needing signed or something.”

“My parents are like vipers, waiting to strike the moment you’re happy. You and I both know they would have found us regardless,” he sighed before standing and grabbing a comb, brushing his hair back into place as he stared in the mirror. I walked up, wrapping my arms around his waist and snuggled in, resting my chin on his shoulder.

“And they can’t take it from us. Not anymore,” I told him. “They’d be marched right out of Holiday Hollow. Hell, Riley and Claire themselves would lead the charge.”

Adrien’s smile was back at that thought before he shook with laughter.

“Instead of pitchforks and torches, they’d borrow cupid’s arrows and trumpets, terrifying them out of here,” he said. The tension was broken, and our mood was back where it should be. “You always know exactly what I need to hear, mon chéri. Thank you.”

“What do you think this is going to entail?” I questioned. “I’ve never been to a courting ceremony. And things in the Hollow are always… different.”

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