Page 126 of Their Greatest Strength

I clear my throat and draw patterns over Blakely’s bicep. “Maybe baby Hutton is scared she’ll turn him down.”

“Okay, first, you can’t call him a baby when he’s older than you. And second, it’s more likely that they simply don’t think it’s necessary to get married. When you’rethatconnected to a person, maybe marriage just doesn’t carry the same meaning as it does for us,” Maddox says.

Mom nods, patting Oliver’s knee. “They seem content doing what they’re doing now. We’ve had so many weddings recently. A break wouldn’t be bad.”

Blakely yawns as I bite back a smile, watching her try to hide it. We’ve been here for long enough, and while I love seeing her getting to know my family and slowly finding her spot inside of it, I’m antsy to have her all to myself again.

It’s harder to leave today than it usually is, and I blame that wholeheartedly on my mother when ten minutes later, she refuses to release Blakely’s hand.

“She’s going to come back, Ma,” I say, pulling at Blakely’s shoulders again.

We’re on the driveway, the SUV already running and the heater blasting. I should have known when Mom followed us outside that we’d be here. What happened earlier has sparked the momma bear inside of her.

She holds Blakely’s hand and stares fiercely into her eyes. “If you need anything, call me. I can bring snacks to Nate’s game or swing by and visit you at work?—”

“You’re not bothering her at work, Ma,” I tell her, sighing.

My wife squeezes Mom’s hand right back. “I appreciate your offer, Gracie. Really.”

“Alright. Well, I’ll see you Friday night, then.”

I rest my hand low on Blakely’s back and open the passenger door. “Yes, Ma.”

“I’ll let you know about the snacks,” Blakely adds.

Mom reluctantly releases her hand and quickly kisses my cheek before stepping away. “Okay, you two. Drive safe.”

“We will. Love you, Mom.”

“Love you, honey.”

Blakely gets in the SUV and waves at Mom while I shut the door and linger. Mom waits expectantly for me to speak.

“Don’t freak her out,” I murmur, shifting away from the door.

“She doesn’t look freaked out, Jamie.”

“Whatever you saw earlier, just don’t be so obvious with how it made you feel. If she thinks anyone pities her . . .”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

I pull her in for a quick hug, saying, “She’s strong, and I know she’d appreciate it if everyone treated her like it.”

“Of course she’s strong. That’s why you were drawn to her.”

“Oh, is that it?”

“One of the reasons, smartass.”

I let loose a soft laugh and start rounding the hood. “We’ll talk about the game this week.”

“Alright. I love you, Jamie.”

“Love you too, Ma.”

She stands on the driveway and watches us until we turn out of view. Blakely drops a hand to my thigh and holds me for every minute of our drive home, and yeah, I might have driven a bit under the speed limit to get a few extra minutes of her touch.

I’m a simp for my wife. Sue me.

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