Page 70 of Aisle Be The Groom
“Yes, sir,” he said, his tone full of grudge.
23
OZZIE
What were Matty and Gray talking about for so long? I wrung my hands and chewed on my bottom lip while pacing back and forth. This secrecy stuff wasn’t working out at all. I was never any good at keeping secrets. I’d been out since I was ten. Because of me, so many people knew too much about us already.
Jessamine had seen us kiss. Opie and Lawson had overheard about our relationship. Now Gertie and Matty knew the truth as well. Oh god, Matty was one of those people who would look down on me, wasn’t he?
Maybe I should have asked Gray not to reprimand him for the harsh words. He’d only said what others would be thinking. I had to assume some responsibility for the way others would see me. Maybe I should have waited, but how long would be long enough to seem appropriate to date my ex’s father?
The front door opened, and I spun around. Gray descended the stairs, his brows knitted though he tried for a smile. I ran toward him but screeched to a halt when Matty appeared in the doorway.
“It’s fine, I promise.” Gray stroked my cheek with the back of his hand. “He might take some time to get used to it, but he has to. We’re all adults. I’m not asking for his approval, just to respect my decision and yours.”
“Gray.” I took his hand from my cheek and squeezed it. “I don’t want to come between you and Matty. Things are already strained with Carter.”
“Matty and I are fine.”
I glanced over his shoulder, but Matty was gone. “Are you sure?”
“It’ll get better.”
“I don’t know, Gray. So many people will act the way Matty just did.”
“Maybe. But they’ll get over it, and isn’t the most important thing our happiness?”
“But what about your kids?” I whispered.
“They’re grown now. Soon they’ll have their own families and move on. What then? I’ll live forever regretting letting you go to save face? I’d rather be happy with you and have everyone gossip about us than let you go. Matty will come around. Okay?”
He sounded so sure I nodded. Surely, he knew his son better than me.
“Good. Let’s go.”
We took Gray’s work truck and drove for the first ten minutes in silence. I knew because I checked. Then Gray placed his hand on my thigh while steering with the other. “Relax. I don’t bite. Not unless you ask me to, which I can only hope for.”
I grinned, the tension from earlier dissipating. His comment was ridiculous and yet right on time. It reminded me of why I had fallen for Gray’s charm. He had a way of pulling me out from the deepest pits of my worries.
“Do you go around hoping for someone to ask you to bite them?” I linked our fingers.
“Nah, just the pretty ones.”
“You’re such a flirt.” My cheeks flushed, and I let out a soft laugh, feeling lighter. Gray smirked, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. A smile crept across my face as I enjoyed the strength of his hand around mine and the warmth it provided.
“I only flirt with you.”
“But…will you always?” Carter had been attentive too when we started going out.
“Always. I’m not a fickle man, Ozzie. When I give my heart, it’s for keeps. I’m hoping you’re the same.”
Gray glanced at me. A split second really, which was all I needed to see the truth in his eyes that he didn’t try to hide. He meant every word.
“I am.” I stared ahead, not seeing the road but the life I wanted. A husband who adored me, hearth, and home—a sprawling ranch…kids? I sucked in a deep breath. Since when had the ranch been a part of my dream? And kids? I’d given up on that last one when Carter made it clear he didn’t want them. No kids, no pets.
“I had a feeling you were. Tell me. How did you and Carter meet?”
I straightened. “Are you serious?”
