Page 105 of Three Grumpy Groomsmen

“That’s what we’re calling it these days?” Brad’s father laughs jovially.

“I’m going to blame the beer for that sounding a tad insulting, Doug,” Ford says from behind me.

“Oh, hey, Ford.”

I should have known the guys would notice where I was and who I was talking to.

Ford slips an arm around me, his hand splaying possessively over my stomach as he pulls me back against his body. Clearly he’s trying to make a point.

“You didn’t mean to insinuate that Ivy cheated on Brad, did you, Doug? Or that I messed around with a friend’s fiancée? Thatwemight have been the problem when clearly it was Brad who walked away.” There’s a steely tone in his voice.

I look up at him. He’s staring Brad’s father down.

“No. That’s not what I meant,” Doug says.

Then Ford kisses the top of my head. “Not that I’m not thrilled with how it turned out. But you should know that Ivyand I are simply moving forward now that Brad made this decision.”

Doug is nodding earnestly. “Yeah, yeah, of course. I didn’t mean anything else.”

“I know you’re sorry for making Ivy uncomfortable,” Ford says.

“Oh, I’m—” I start, but Ford squeezes me and I press my lips together.

Doug focuses on me. “I’m sorry, Ivy. You’ve always been very good to Brad and you didn’t deserve what he did. But Ford is a good man. I’m glad you’re happy.”

I nod, squeezing Ford’s arm. “Thank you, Doug. I am.”

“So, how are you?” Ford asks Doug.

“I’m fine. Considering the FBI is swarming our house and accusing my son of some shady bullshit.”

I feel Ford’s body tense. “They’ve been at your house?”

“Yes, the whole investigation into Brad allegedly misappropriating funds or whatever. Barking up the wrong tree, I’m sure of it, but yep, they’re crawling all over our house. The Mrs. is worried about her Waterford crystal getting broken. I’m just worried they’ll find my weed. Haven’t they talked to you yet?” he asks me.

I shake my head vigorously. “No. They left a voicemail but I haven’t called them back.”

“Better do that tomorrow. I expect they’ll want in your house with a search warrant.”

I nod absently. “Okay. Thanks for the warning. Take care.”

I forget all about getting another seltzer as Ford turns me toward the bonfire, and we walk back.

This information about Brad clears up the FBI calls and I decide not to say anything to the guys right now. It doesn’t matter. I didn’t share any bank accounts with Brad, and thehouse here is fully in my name. I don’t know anything so I don’t feel like I have anything to actually worry about.

“You okay?” he asks.

I look up. “Yes.” He looks unsure. I squeeze his hand. “I’m fine. He’s drunk. And he didn’t really say anything that bothered me.”

“I don’t like the suggestion that you and I were messing around before your breakup.”

I smile up at him. “Just in our imaginations.”

He grins. “Right.”

“Weknow the truth. It doesn’t really matter what other people think.”

“You’re sure?”

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