Page 62 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 3

“Oh no,” my mother said, actually sounding as though she cared.

“Yep, it was the darndest thing, but I’m lucky to be alive—”

“And thank the good Lord for that. Praise Jesus,” Althea cut in, hands in the air, face pointed toward the sky.

Both of my parents looked at her as though she’d turned into an alien right before their eyes.

“So, Mrs. Taylor, Memphis and I wanted to ask you a very important question about the wedding,” I cut in, and my mother closed her eyes and sighed while my father actually snarled.

I powered through, knowing this request might make my father angry, but he’d never lose his cool in mixed company.

“As you know, Memphis and I want to get married right away. Within the next two weeks to be exact. We were thinking it would be incredible to get married in your garden.”

“What?” My father snapped at the same time Robin clapped and cried out happily, “Oh my goodness, yes!”

I smiled as Robin continued. “I would love that more than anything,” she said excitedly. “We can even set up a wooden podium and shift the arbor so that it serves as the perfect backdrop with my roses blooming behind it. The girls will be thrilled to set everything up. And I know a great baker in town. She goes to church with us and makes the loveliest desserts. Ohhh, you could even do a cupcake tower type of cake if you want!”

“A cupcake…” My mother shook her head. “I donotthink so.”

Robin waved a hand. “It’s hard to explain, but I’ll text you some pictures. She even lets you have multiple flavors, and it’s easy peasy to pass out.” She put her hands to her chest, her smile stretched wide, her cheeks rounded with the effort. “I’m so honored.”

“No daughter of mine is getting married in abackyard wedding.” My father’s nasty side finally came to the forefront.

Granny narrowed her gaze. “Are you saying my son and daughter-in-law’s home isn’t good enough? Surely, we misheard you.” She gave him time to adjust and explain.

“That’s exactly what I’m suggesting.” He crossed his arms over one another. “This is ridiculous. Naomi, how can you be entertaining any of this?” He gestured around the table. “I raised you better.”

Leon tossed his napkin on his plate. “What’s going on here? You haven’t said much. Do you have a problem with your daughter marrying my son?”

“Finally, it comes out. I’m glad you see it too,” my father rudely added.

“See what?” Leon quipped, his brow furrowed.

“How ridiculous all of this is. My daughter with your son,” he scoffed.

“Again, I’m not quite understanding you. Perhaps I missed something,” Leon growled. “I think you need to spell it out for me…” He gestured to the entire table, all of us having gone silent.

“Dad,” Memphis warned.

Leon lifted a hand. “No, son. I want to hear what Abraham has to say. What is so ridiculous about your daughter being with my son?”

“Please, you don’t seem to be daft, Mr. Taylor. My daughter is a multimillionaire, and if she lets go of this silly idea of marrying your son, she can take her rightful place as heir to my empire and be a billionaire. She’d have the world at her fingertips.”

“And what does her future aspirations have to do with my boy? It was my understanding that he supports your daughter’s career goals.”

“I do, absolutely, Mr. Shaw,” Memphis cut in. “I’m going to do everything within my power to aid Naomi in achieving her dreams while I set out pursuing my own.”

My father huffed. “I don’t mean to be uncouth, Mr. Taylor, but your son is what? A college dropout—his only talents lying on a football field? What is he bringing to their prospective marriage but a bunch of failures?”

That had me jerking my head back as though I’d been slapped. “I can’t believe you,” I seethed.

“I only speak the truth,” my father blustered.

“So let me get this straight,” Leon continued, his tone fierce. “You do not approve of this marriage.”

“Not in the least,” my father agreed.

“Abraham, please,” my mother pleaded, her hand to his shoulder.

---