Page 79 of A Chance for Us
“Your wish is my command.”
When we pass other golf carts, the driver honks, so I honk back and offer a wave.
“Is that normal?”
“No,” Maren says as the next person we pass does it.
“Okay, then what the hell is going on?”
“I have no idea.”
I pull over, wondering if maybe something is wrong with the cart or it’s some alert system I’ve never heard of. When I get around to the front, I see what it is.
“Your aunt must’ve been busy,” I say, staring at the bumper.
“What? Why?” She comes out to stand beside me. “Oh dear God.”
Yeah. Painted on the front is: Just Married.
“Congrats!” Another golf cart driver yells before the guy in the back calls out. “Kiss her!”
It’s like being at the wedding again. However, kissing Maren isn’t something I mind doing, so I pull her to me before dipping her back and planting my lips on hers.
When I pull her up, she’s laughing. “You know, when you do that, it makes it look like we’re really married.”
“We might be.”
That is something I should be furious about, but I can’t seem to muster the energy to care. Maybe it’s the sea air. Maybe it’s because I’m having a shitload of fun. Maybe it’s the girl in my arms, but I feel at ease.
Maren and I have no expectations, and whatever the hell we’re doing, it’s not a chore. It’s nice to be with her, and the sex is fucking fantastic—even without the help of a book.
“We’ll get everything taken care of. I promise.”
I try to come up with a response, but Maren’s phone rings and her face goes pale. “It’s Linda.”
Please don’t let this be the call. I don’t want to see her cry and hurt.
She swipes the screen, and I take her hand in mine. “Hi,” she says carefully.
A long breath leaves her lungs, and she smiles, looking at me. “Yes, Daddy, we’re having fun. We are heading to Maggie’s bar. Yes.” She pauses. “I know. I’m glad you called. I wanted to ask you about the farm.” Maren looks to me before shaking her head. “How? Why didn’t you ever tell me?” Her eyes mist over before she pulls the phone down to relay information to me. “Apparently, he bought it a while back with the contingent that I could only get it once I was married.”
Wow. “Seems there was more than one reason your dad wanted you to get married.”
She nods and then goes back to the call. “I love you for this and I can never thank you enough. More importantly, Daddy, how are you feeling?”
They talk for a bit longer, and the relief I feel is immense. I really like her father. He’s a good man who clearly loves his little girl. My father doesn’t have a tenth of that much love for his kids.
“Sure, he’s right here.” Maren hands me the phone mouthingsorry.
I clear my throat. “Hi, Mr. McVee.”
“None of that, son, we’re family now.”
“Of course. How was the trip home?”
“It was fine, Linda and I took our time, exploring as we drove. I just want to say how happy I am to have gained you as a son-in-law. It’s clear how much you love Maren, and...well, Linda and I were beyond honored to grant you guys the deed to the farm. It has been in Maren’s family for a very long time. I know you have your resort, and she has her job, but the farm has been well cared for, and I’m confident you two will enjoy it.”
“I’m sure Maren truly appreciates it,” I say, not wanting to elaborate.
