Page 111 of Here's to Now

“How did you two meet?”

I drag my eyes to Mercy’s stern gaze at her sudden words.

“Excuse me?”

“How did you meet?”

Before I can say anything, Haley takes over. “Actually, Gaige helped me home one night when I was unable to drive. A true gentleman, he was. We became good friends and eventually it led to more.”

She smiles the entire time she says this and I wonder how she can lie so prettily. I mean, sure, that’s the condensed, good version, but there’s a lot of bad mixed in there, a lot of fun, and a ton of time spent naked.

Not to mention the whole Vegas wedding thing.

“I see,” Mercy says, only her tone suggests she doesn’t approve one bit. I’m certain she’s able to fill in the blanks of the good version and knows exactly what else happened. She may be set in her ways, but she isn’t stupid. She knows. “How lovely.”

Lovely.It’s usually such a pleasant word. From my aunt? It means anythingbutlovely.

Checking on Haley from the corner of my eye, I can see her lips begin to fall into a frown before she catches herself and pastes on a bright smile. Even she can detect Mercy’s true meaning.

“How long has this been…something more?”

“A little over five months.”

“I see,” Mercy repeats. “Is this why you canceled your sleepover several weeks ago?”

“Yes.”

“I see.”

I want to pound the fucking table and tell her she doesn’t see shit.

“And you approve of Gaige breaking his plans with his family for you?”

The sound of silverware clattering to the table startles me until I realize it was me who dropped it. I push my chair back slightly, ready to bolt. Haley lays a gentle hand on my arm, drawing my attention.

“No ma’am, I don’t. In fact, we had a heavy discussion about it.” She turns to the twins. “I’m sorry he canceled on you, and I’m sorry it was my fault.”

“Bullshit.”

“Excuse me, young man?” Mercy demands heatedly.

“I saidbullshit.” My wife’s eyes go wide and she shakes her head, begging me to let it slide. I don’t. “You do not have to apologize, Haley. You’re my family just as much as they are.”

“What exactly is that supposed to mean?”

Suddenly, I’m all out of words. Not even two simple ones are able to fall from my lips.We’re married.I can’t tell her. I’m afraid she’ll take my future with the kids away from me.

“Gaige Addams, answer me.”

“Ma’am, we—”

“I did not ask you. Hush.” Mercy’s words cut through the air in a harsh strike. She stands, her hands planted on the table to help hold her unsteady body. Even though she’s shaking, she still looks scary.

Haley sinks into her chair. I sit up more, matching Mercy’s stature.

“Don’t talk to her like that.”

“Answer me. What is that supposed to mean?”

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