Page 103 of Winning Bid

50

ANDERSON

June’s lips part in a gasp, and I know she’s going to be mad that I said it, but it felt necessary. Dad’s eyes bulge, and Mom stutters, “Wha ... what?”

“Today, we went to the courthouse and?—"

“My son got married like some Green Card beggar?”

I try for a charming smile, but Mom hasn’t fallen for those since I was a child. Still, it’s my only defense. “We didn’t want some big, impersonal thing like the cousins always do.” I take June’s hand in mine and stare into her eyes. “We wanted today to be about us.”

She sighs and smiles at me, nodding as she takes my hand in hers. “I know it’s not what either of you would have wanted for him, but it was perfect for us. I hope you can understand why we did it.”

Dad starts to speak, but Mom cuts him off. “It is perfectly understandable. I don’t like it, but I don’t have to. This isn’t about me. Your happiness is what matters on your wedding day.”

Only then does Dad get a word in edgewise. He lifts his martini to us. “To the happy couple.”

I’m almost too stunned to join in the toast, but I do. June, too, a moment later than me. We drink, and after ordering our meals, things fall into an awkward silence. I’m not sure what to say to make small talk with my parents. I’ve been doing it my whole life. Talking about nothing is a West art form. But now, it feels like wasted air.

What’s the point exactly?

These people are my parents. There shouldn’t need to be subterfuge between us. Given the last meeting we had with Dad, I’m done pretending and playing those games. Granted, we can’t speak candidly in the restaurant—god only knows my father must be the target of legal investigations, and I know I am, too—but aside from pretending to be a legal angel, I am done with the hell of lying about who and what I am.

And that is why I had to tell them the truth right now.

It was eating at me the moment I saw Mom. She has every right to know her son is married. It’s bad enough that we did it without her, but if she heard from someone else before she heard it from me, she might actually die of embarrassment. The courthouse is peppered with important people, many of whom belong to the same clubs as my parents. She would have heard it from someone if I hadn’t been the one to tell her. I just hope June understands about all of that.

“So how?—"

“A Thursday,” Mom says, perplexed. “Why a Thursday for your wedding day?”

June fields that one. “Because everyone we know was at work.”

That earns a smile from Mom. “Smart of you.”

“Actually, it was his idea.”

“You’re getting nothing but coal in your stocking this year, Mister.”

I laugh. “When you thought it was June’s idea, she was smart. But when you learn it’s mine, I’m getting coal? Not sure I like this double standard.”

“I didn’t give birth to June. She owes me nothing. You on the other hand?—"

“Actually,” June interrupts, “I owe you and Elliot everything.”

“How’s that?” Dad asks.

“Because you made Anderson,” she says with a little shrug. “I owe you two my future happiness.”

Mom softens. “I’m glad you think so highly of our son, June. And I am glad you’re a part of our family now. You make him happier than I’ve ever seen him, and you’ve been a stalwart partner in his ups and downs. We could not ask for more in a daughter-in-law.”

“I’m just returning the favor.”

I huff a laugh and quietly tell her, “I’ve never had to take care of you when you were shot, and I’d appreciate it if we never, ever even that score.”

She giggles. “I’ll do my best to never make you have to do that.”

“It’s all I ask.”

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