Page 20 of Temporary Wife Temptation

His dad was on a medical leave at the behest of his cardiologist. Garrett doubted whiskey was part of the doctor’s treatment program.

“Don’t you start on me, too. I have enough trouble keeping Adelaide off my back.”

“You should be glad she cares enough to nag.”

Regret and vulnerability passed over his father’s face, but they were gone too quickly for Garrett to be certain. “I have a feeling you’re not here for father-son bonding time.” His dad leaned back in his leather chair and steepled his fingers in front of him. “What’s going on?”

Well, Dad. A hell storm is brewing, and I’m in the eye of it. “I’m getting married.”

“To which fiancée?”

“I only have one.” Garrett’s fists clenched on his knees. Dad did know about the arrangement with Jihae Park. He just didn’t bother standing up for me.

“Not according to your grandmother. Are you sure you want to defy her?”

“No, but I’m sure I want to marry my fiancée, not a complete stranger.”

“Your mother and I...” His voice grew thick and he couldn’t continue. There was no need. Garrett knew his parents were strangers when they married.

“It’s not about whether or not Jihae Park is a good match for me. Or whether she and I might find happiness in an arranged marriage.” Garrett breathed deeply through his nose. “The point is I already chose my wife, and it is my decision alone. I will not be a pawn for the Song dynasty.”

“So be it.” His father’s voice rang with a note of determination, and he straightened in his seat, drawing back his shoulders. Garrett couldn’t tell whether his dad was determined to stop the wedding, or would help him stand up to Grandmother. “Well, tell me about your young lady.”

“She...” Garrett cleared his throat, caught off guard by his dad’s sudden interest. “Her name is Natalie Sobol. She’s Hansol’s HR director in the LA office.”

“Ah, yes. I’ve met her on a few occasions. She’s an intelligent and competent young woman. Isn’t she Korean-American?”

“Yes, on her mother’s side.”

“Good, good.” He nodded absently, then added, “But you took an unnecessary risk dating a subordinate.”

“She’s not a subordinate,” Garrett said with tight control, fighting against the resentment churning in his stomach. “She’s my fiancée and your future daughter-in-law, not some second-class citizen.”

“I never implied that she was. The fact is you’re an executive and she’s your subordinate employee. It all worked out but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t risky.”

“Isn’t it a bit late for doling out fatherly advice?” What the hell is wrong with me? Garrett’s emotions were too close to the surface. He dragged his fingers through his hair, and tried again. “I wanted you to hear this from me. Her sister passed away recently, and Natalie’s fighting for custody of her niece, so she may have an adopted baby soon.”

“A baby?” The initial shock on his father’s face gave way to comical excitement, as though his birthday wish had come true. “You’re going to be a father.”

“Natalie needs to win custody first.”

Garrett shied away from the thought of becoming Sophie’s fake stepfather. The deal was between him and Natalie, but his father’s unexpected response made him wary about how his family would react when they dissolved the marriage.

“How old is the baby?” An odd little smile tugged at his dad’s lips.

“About six months.”

“Well, when do I get to meet them? Dinner tomorrow evening?”

“If Natalie’s free.” It was Garrett’s turn to be shocked. He’d gotten a lecture when he said he was marrying an employee, but when he added a baby into the picture, his old man turned to mush. “But Sophie’s with her grandparents, so I can’t guarantee you’ll see her tomorrow.”

“I see.” His dad’s shoulders drooped half an inch. “Did you already tell Adelaide the news?”

Garrett nearly groaned. “Not yet.”

He and his father exchanged a rare look of understanding. Adelaide was going to flay him for keeping Natalie and Sophie a secret. Unfortunately, he couldn’t tell her it was new to him as well. He would have to appreciate the irony on his own while his baby sister put him in his place.

Seven

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