Page 60 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 3

“So, shopping?”

“Yes, I’ll set up some appointments with the best bridal designers in Atlanta. I may have to call in some favors, but I have a few IOUs in my back pocket, ready to go for situations like this.”

I was a situation. I rolled my eyes and sighed.

“Mom, we could just go to the local shops and buy something off-the-rack. It doesn’t have to be…”

“Stop that line of thought right now, young lady. You’ve already made my life a living hell by choosing to have a backyard wedding like a commoner. I’m not about to have my daughter wear an off-the-rack wedding gown. I’d be the laughingstock of the year, no the decade! Do not say another word or so help me God, I’ll join your father’s campaign in breaking you two up.”

“That’s cruel, Mom.”

“Desperate times, darling. Don’t be late for dinner. Six p.m. sharp. Ta-ta for now!” she said and hung up before I could say goodbye or get another word in.

I growled under my breath and tossed the phone on the counter before faceplanting against Memphis’ broad, warm chest.

He rubbed his hand up and down my back. “You okay?”

“They’re impossible. You know that, right? You’re marrying into a family of rich snobs who can’t help themselves.”

He chuckled and pulled me farther into his arms, wrapping both around me and rocking us both side to side.

“You know what my granny always said when life was shit and getting me down?”

“What?”

“This too shall pass. And you know what, she was right. Every time. Nothing bad is permanent. Eventually, we all get through the tough times, moving onto the good. One day, your parents will just look at me as their son-in-law, not the man who is taking their daughter away.”

“Doubtful, but one can hope.”

“I have faith, baby.” He dipped his head and kissed me softly on the lips.

“I have faith in you,” I whispered.

“And I have enough faith for the both of us.” He kissed me again and smacked my ass, sending a little shiver down my spine. “Go sit down. I’m going to feed my woman and then we’re showering together.”

“Ooh, I feel better already.”

He laughed as he plated the food. “See, it’s already working. This too shall pass.”

* * * *

We met Memphis’ parents and his granny outside of the hotel. Granny was wearing a bold flowery dress and a quirky matching hat. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were dressed similarly though more subdued in their fashion choices.

“Church formal, Granny?” Memphis smiled. “Stunning as always.” He bent down to her height, and she cupped his cheeks and placed a kiss on each one.

“Nothing but the best formy boy.” she said before letting him go and pulling me into a warm hug.

“My boy, Althea.” Memphis’ mother chastised from beside us as she hugged her son.

I don’t know why, but I held on tight to Granny, lavishing in the comfort of someone who genuinely gave affection and meant the feelings behind their embrace. She pulled back and tilted her head to the side as I blinked away sudden tears. “None of that now. It’s a day for celebration. We’re breaking bread with your parents, building a stronger foundation as one big family.”

I swallowed down the lump in my throat because Althea Taylor was a good woman down to her bones. But she didn’t know my parents. Beneath all the pomp and circumstance and the wealth, they weren’t naturally loving like the Taylors, and I was afraid of how they would treat them.

Memphis took my hand and shook it. “You good?”

“No, but I’ve got you,” I confided.

“Damn straight. Let’s show them how welcoming us Taylors can be.” He grinned, his confidence shining in every word.

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