Page 3 of Suddenly Single

When we returned from our wedding in Colorado three years ago, we’d moved into my deceased great-aunt’s home at the rear of mother’s property. It was a four-bedroom cottage overlooking the James River. I’d wanted to buy our own house, but Mother and Carter wouldn’t hear of it. It did save us money, but at what cost?

After we married, I’d always thought Carter and I would have a little more alone time. Instead, we were constantly surrounded by family. Perhaps if our families were more normal, it wouldn’t be so bad. But unfortunately for me, they were as crazy as sprayed cockroaches.

What made matters worse was how well Carter fit in with the lunatics. When we first started dating, I’d worried that Mom and Granny wouldn't like Carter. That turned out not to be a problem at all. In fact, I'd swear they loved my husband more than me. Why? Because he was fucking nuts like they were.

“Asher, go on to the main house without me. My hair is misbehaving.” Carter called out from the bathroom. “I’ll catch up in a few minutes.”

“Yes, dear.”

I let myself out the front door, got in my car, and drove to Mother's house. The cottage had legally been signed over to Carter and me once Mother learned of the wedding. Secretly, I think she gave it to us to make sure we were always close by. It was ridiculous, since I worked for her at the law firm. But Carter fell in love with the old Tudor stable my dead aunt had converted into a home.

Florida, my mother’s maid, was standing at the back door, shaking her head at me when I got out of the car. She was dressed in jeans and a green blouse instead of her usual black and white uniform.

“What’s wrong now?”

“You be nicer to that man of yours, Asher. Your mother is fit to be tied, so you’d better be on your best behavior.” She huffed, putting her hands on her bony hips. She’d worked for us her entire life, and I was certain she was old enough to retire.

“Y'all love him more than me, don’t you?” I sighed, then brushed past her into the tack room and hung my jacket up. “What kind of morning is it, Florida? Bloody Marys or actual juices?”

“Coffee is all you get.” She stalked past me into the kitchen. “Your mama said you have an important hearing at the courthouse, and she’s going with you.”

“What?” Damn it. I was officially a partner at Yates, Minor, and Reynolds, but Mom persisted in treating me like I’d just got out of law school.

“You heard me. Now get in the dining room. Your grandmother wants a word with you about Carter.” Florida said as I strolled out of the kitchen.

My family apparently knew about our quarrel from last night, and they were determined to break me. Whatever. As usual, I’d give in, so I could avoid the drama.

When I entered the dining room, both Mom and Granny scowled at me.

“Fuck it! I’ll marry him again!” I pulled my chair out and plopped my ass down. In front of Mom there was a tall glass filled with what appeared to be a Bloody Mary, and a celery stalk poked out the top. “Why do you get to drink a Bloody and I’m stuck with coffee?”

“It’s tomato juice, sweetheart.” Mom cooly replied, and I knew she was lying. She possessed a liver made of iron.

“Don’t curse in front of me.” Granny practically poured the entire sugar bowl into her cup of coffee. She had a mouth like a sailor, and would only protest once about language before filth spewed forth from her painted orange lips.

Florida pushed a cart into the dining room with our breakfasts on it. She placed eggs, bacon, waffles, and freshly cut fruit in the center of the table, then poured me a cup of coffee. I reached for a waffle and she swatted my hand. “Only fruit. Carter said he has to go shopping for you because you’re outgrowing your clothes.”

“I’ll eat whatever I want.” I snatched a piece of bacon and bit it in half. “Hmm. You’re a pain in the ass, Florida, but you’re also the best cook in Virginia.” I smiled, hoping she’d smile too. Instead, she shook her head in Mom’s direction, and pushed the cart out of the dining room.

“Stop cussing, goddamn it.”

“Granny, please.” I rolled my eyes, then heard a loud whoop come from the kitchen. A moment later, Carter strolled into the dining room with a smiling Florida following behind him carrying a carafe of orange juice. He’d gelled his dark wavy hair to perfection, and I doubted even a tornado would make it budge.

“Carter!” Mom grinned at him.

“Good morning, Carter.” Granny tilted her head, a sparkle in her eye. Now that his fan club had greeted him, I prepared for the entire room to gang up on me. Granny sipped her coffee, then lowered her eyes and shook her head in my direction. “Why won’t you let us see the two of you get married? Even the event director at the country club thinks it’s a fabulous idea for the two of you to…”

“Stop right now. I will not argue about my marriage with all of you.” I inwardly groaned, then continued. “If it will make you happy, Carter, we can be remarried. Just please, mind the…”

“Oh, thank God!” Florida placed a hand on her chest and stared up at the ceiling.

“As I was saying, mind the cost. We really don’t need new Dior suits, and God knows what else you have up your sleeve.” Even though I said what needed to be said, I was prepared to be ignored.

Silence ruled for a few beats, then Carter pulled out the chair across from mine and sat. Florida poured him a glass of juice, then grabbed his plate and filled it with everything she’d forbidden me from eating.

His lips twisted, then he spoke, “Why are you hesitating? Like, do you even want to be married?” His eyes were wet, and I knew if I didn’t calm him down, he’d have a major meltdown within seconds.

“Of course I do.” I glanced around the table, and his fan club were all clucking their tongues at me. “Carter, you know I love you.” I speared a wedge of cantaloupe off the tray and wished it was sausage.

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