Page 83 of Forever with the CEO

With horror, I realized that Allison was trembling slightly. She rolled her hands into fists, grabbing the knife and the fork so tightly that I wondered if she was preparing to launch herself at Jim’s parents.

“You’re kicking us out?” Bob said.

“You’ve definitely overstayed your welcome,” Gran replied.

“Yes. This is a time to celebrate,” Grandad added, “and you two seem to have come here looking for a reason to pick a fight. It’s not the time or place for that.”

“Damn right, it’s not,” Bob said. He rose from the table. “Come on, Sophie. Let’s go. We’ll settle this in court. We will crush you—”

“Don’t you dare talk to Allison like that,” I said through gritted teeth as both she and I stood up. “You might not know much about the Whitleys or care about us, but we have access to the best lawyers in the state. You try to intimidate my wife and you’re going to regret it.” I looked directly at Bob, and he jerked his head back at the sincerity in my gaze.

Even though they weren’t from Boston, they knew exactly how powerful the Whitley name was. Until now, they probably thought they could just intimidate Allison because she was still grieving after losing her sister. Because they thought she was alone. But my woman was not fucking alone.

She’s not your woman, Nick, just your wife.

That’s right. My wife was not alone.

“Please leave,” Allison said.

The two of them moved out of the way without another word and then left the room.

Allison released a deep breath that sounded shaky. I tilted her head to me. “Are you okay, honey?”

“That was horrible,” Mom said in disgust. “I don’t even know them, but they’re not good people.”

“They’re not,” Colton said.

It dawned on me now that everyone had witnessed the scene. This was exactly the kind of evidence we’d need for a trial, if it came to that. I checked to see where the photographer was; maybe he caught a few shots, or even better a video. I’d find out later. I still thought Jim’s parents were bluffing.

I looked at my brothers. “You all have been suspiciously silent.”

“Clearly both of you had it handled. We figured there was no reason for us to pile on too.” That came from Jake, but he was looking straight at Allison now. “What my brother said is correct. The Whitley name does hold weight, and you will win in court.”

Allison sighed, and her shoulders finally slumped. “Thank you. God, I’m so sorry for this.”

“You know what? Maybe it’s for the best,” Gran said as both Allison and I sat down. “Now we can all relax and enjoy the rest of the day.”

Allison’s face lit up. “You’re right, Jeannie. I thought those two were going to stay here right until it was time to go to the airport. I’m glad they’re gone.” She covered her mouth then, looking at the kids. Fortunately, they were with Ben, playing some game. It didn’t even look as though they noticed their grandparents left.

“I don’t know if it was smart to treat them like that,” Colton offered, “after what Hugo told you about avoiding confrontation.”

“They had to be dealt with,” I said in a tone that brooked no argument. Then I turned to Allison, once more touching her jaw so she’d look at me. “They were antagonizing you. I won’t allow anyone to do that. Ever.”

“You’re mine now,”I wanted to say, but I stopped myself just in time. Good God, I had to get myself under control. She wasn’t mine. Why did I keep forgetting?

I swallowed hard, digesting all of this.

She nodded. “Thank you.”

As I let go of her face and turned around, I noticed both Mom and Gran looking at me with very wicked smiles. Then I glanced around the table. Half of them had their eyes on us. I could practically see real wedding bells ringing in my grandmother’s mind. I could only hope she wouldn’t say anything. Allison needed more of a heads-up about how crazy the Whitley conversations could get. I needed to prepare her, and she’d had enough craziness for today.

“Well, I, for one, think we should just enjoy this beautiful, beautiful day. It was a very nice touch to have a photographer,” Mom offered.

“Yes,” Gran added. “I wasn’t even aware that there were going to be decorations and such.” She was looking straight at me, clearly fishing for information. I was going to satisfy her curiosity, but not right now.

“Nick came up with all this. I didn’t know either,” Allison responded.

I was still looking at Gran. Her entire face transformed, and I knew exactly what she was thinking. She glanced at Mom, who returned her knowing smile. Those two were getting very friendly lately, but I wasn’t complaining about it at all.

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