Page 39 of Why Not Forever?

“It’s Juliet’s birthday party tomorrow. At my parents’ place. If you weren’t busy, I was going to ask if you wanted to go with me.”

“I can do that,” I say.

“Are you sure? I know you like to be there for the weddings.”

I roll my eyes. “I do, but Spencer usually kicks me out, telling me not to do his job. I’m sure he’ll tell me something similar tomorrow.” I meet Tanner’s gaze. “Besides, your niece’s birthday is important. You’ve got favourite uncle status. As your wife, I’m legally obligated to help you maintain that status.”

He turns very serious. “I wasn’t going to bring the law into it, but yes, you are.”

“It’s settled then. I’ll go with you tomorrow. I’ll tell Spencer today that I won’t be there. Be prepared for a text or call from him thanking you.”

Tanner loses the serious expression as he laughs. It feels good to be able to make him laugh. Almost too good.

I get up before I can do something stupid like lean closer to him and see if that laughter tastes as good as it sounds.

“I’m going to get ready. Thanks for breakfast.”

In my bedroom, I lean against my door, blowing out a breath before I head into the shower. It would be much easier to not notice how sexy he is if he’d just wear a fucking shirt.

Chapter 15

Tanner

Ifsomeoneaskedmewhat I expected being married to Vic would be like, I might have said we would become two people living in the same house. Though I’d hoped I could convince her before the year is up that we could be good together, I had no intention of forcing any kind of relationship on her that she doesn’t want. We’d be expected to attend family obligations on both sides, but I hadn’t expected her to come to every single one, or to invite me out whenever she’s going out with her friends. She even asks me what I’m planning for the day or the weekend as though she wants to be part of my admittedly boring life.

I also hadn’t expected her to memorize the names of all my family members, including two parents, four siblings, all significant others and exes, plus eleven nieces and nephews a few extra partners. She memorized everyone’s names and how they’re all connected before our wedding.

I appreciate the effort she put in and want to do something to thank her for it.

“What are your plans for next weekend?” I ask as she drives to my parents’ place for Juliet’s birthday. We sold my car after I moved in with her. Her car is a lot better and more reliable, and we really didn’t need two. I can always buy something new later, if I need to.

“You’re asking about next weekend now?” she says, sliding me a wry smile. “What do you want to do, fill up my whole social calendar?”

In the month and a half we’ve been married, I haven’t asked Vic to go anywhere with me other than family obligations. Mostly because I don’t really go anywhere or do anything other than family gatherings and work.

“Maybe. I figure I should get out more, and I want you to be my partner in crime.”

She snorts. “Next weekend. Dinner with my parents got moved to Sunday. Wedding season is officially over so nothing is going on at Blue Vista that requires my attention. Spencer mentioned a last-minute booking on Saturday, but I don’t need to be there for it. That’s it.”

“Perfect. I was thinking of going out Saturday night. Want to come with me?” My heart squeezes in my chest as I wait for her answer, and I call myself a fool for being so nervous.

“Go out on a Saturday night? Tanner Marcus, are you in danger of giving up your hermit ways?”

“Only if you say yes. I want to take you out, Vic. Please.”

She glances at me. “All right. Since you asked so nicely.”

We drive in silence for a while, the stereo playing some playlist from Vic’s Spotify. Eventually, I ask, “Are you sure this is okay? You taking off work when there’s a wedding?”

“Of course,” she says. “Spencer has everything under control. To be perfectly honest, they don’t really need me there for any events. I just feel like I should be.”

I nod sagely. “Because you’re a control freak.”

“I am not,” she exclaims, casting another quick look at me before having to focus her attention on the highway again.

“Oh, no. Not at all, Mrs. Fifty-Grams-of-Coffee-Per-Pot.”

She tilts her chin up slightly. “That’s not being controlling. That’s just how strong I like my coffee.”

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