Page 114 of Wedlocked

I said no to Kruger’s offer—more than once. But it seemed even just the possibility of me taking his name had inflicted damage.

How does one do damage control at an airport?

Or anywhere.

“There she is!” Kruger said, but the words didn’t register. Seconds later, his palm slapped me in the center of my chest, and his face filled my line of sight. “P! Gram’s here.”

I blinked, my surroundings coming back into focus. “Where?”

Kruger turned and pointed as a line of passengers filed through a freshly opened gate.

Her ultra-blond hair caught my eye from behind a few men, and I started forward, a smile curving my lips.

I was tugged back, though, Arsen’s hold on my hand firm. “Hey.”

I turned, meeting his dark, searching gaze.

“You sure you’re okay, baby?”

My stomach swooped a little. I really loved the sound of his voice. Especially when it was just for me.

I nodded. “I’m fine.”

His eyes narrowed a bit like he could detect the lie. “I want the truth, Matthew.”

“I’m fine.” I assured him. “Really. This is just a super busy place. I want to see Gram. Then we can get out of here.”

He tugged the double rings in his lower lip and reluctantly nodded. “All right. Go on.”

“Matt,” a familiar voice beckoned, and I turned as Gram approached, a big smile on her face.

I smiled too and went toward her as she opened her arms. Her hug was exactly as it always had been, exactly as I remembered. Tight and reassuring. And though I was bigger than her and had been since I was a teenager, I still felt enveloped.

Her signature scent was Chanel No.5, and it hadn’t changed since I was thrust into her life. I liked the continuity of that scent. It had become a reminder of home. Smiling over her shoulder, I inhaled deeply, the notes of jasmine, bourbon, and vanilla easing some of the anxiety inside me.

“Let me see you,” she said, pulling back but holding on to my arms. “Just look at how handsome you are.”

“You just saw me at Thanksgiving,” I told her.

“So?” She made a dismissive gesture with her hand. “You get more handsome with age. It must be because Arsen is taking good care of you,” she said, blue eyes going over my shoulder to where he stood.

“Teresa,” he said, affection in his voice. He didn’t have to be reminded over and over like me to call the parentals by their first names. It just rolled off his tongue like honey.

“Arsen,” Gram said, giving me one last squeeze before rushing behind me to hug Arsen. Gram really loved my boyfriend. It didn’t surprise me, though, because he was charming. “You look handsome too,” she said. “Is that a new shirt?”

“Yes,” he replied, cheeky. “I had to get some more clothes since Matthew keeps stealing them.”

She laughed.

“I give them back,” I muttered, feelings stinging a little.Doesn’t he like it when I wear his clothes?Is that just something he tolerates?

A bad flavor coated my tongue, and I swallowed rapidly, trying to get it to go away.

“Oh, it’s just so good to be here.” Gram hugged me again, though I didn’t feel it as much this time. “Where’s the bride?”

“She’s getting washed and painted,” Kruger said.

“Washed and painted….” Gram wondered.

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