Page 8 of Hers to Marry
Drew stood there with the largest grin on his face. “Hi, Kat.”
“Drew…” Her eyes caught Muriel Callaghan standing beside him with a devious smile on her face.Muriel Callaghan’s related to Drew?It hadn’t even crossed Kat’s mind when her mother had mentioned meeting Muriel. “Mrs. Callaghan.”
“I hope we’re not too late, Kitty Kat.” The woman’s sharp eyes scanned Kat. “You look wonderful. Glad those sweets aren’t adding any extra pounds to you.”
Drew’s gaze went to the sky. Kat politely smiled. “No, ma’am.”
“Good. If you want to attract a man, then you can’t look as big as the house you’ll be living in.”
“Grandma! That’s incredibly rude,” Drew said. She slapped his shins with her walking stick. “Ow!”
“Don’t you tell me how to speak. You’re not even thirty yet. And even then, I’ll say what I like.” The petite Mrs. Muriel Callaghan shoved her able-bodied grandson aside and marched into the home calling for Mary as she moved through the living room.
“Has she been here before?” Drew’s eyes followed his grandmother, who disappeared into the kitchen.
Kat nodded. “My mom met her months ago at my father’s funeral. They’re part of the same historical reenactment society. I…I had no idea she was your grandmother. She never mentioned you.”
Drew’s face became downcast. “Your father died?” He cupped her elbow. “I’m so sorry, Kat. I remember…well, he was very…”
“Yeah,” Kat agreed, laying her palm across his forearm. “He wasn’t a very nice man. And thank you. I hate to say it, but it’s been a relief for us, especially my mother. I think your grandmother has brought my mother out of her shell. She’s been having a blast playing historical figures and just having a friend.”
“I think my grandmother is the one who should be grateful. She’s ornery and doesn’t get along well with everyone. She’s the one who needs friends.”
Kat chuckled. “Maybe so, but my mother takes it in stride. I think she’s learning a thing or two.”
“That’s good. And…my grandmother probably wouldn’t have mentioned me. I haven’t been back here in years. Family had a falling out earlier. Long story.”
Kat nodded politely and changed the subject. “Um…where’s Parker?”
Drew’s face became unreadable. “She’s back at the hotel handling some business.”
“Oh. You aren’t staying with your grandmother?”
Drew leaned in close and lowered his voice. “She didn’t want to.”
“Who? Parker?” Kat whispered.
Drew nodded. “Prefers hotels. It’s not like my grandmother has any pets or smells like mothballs.”
Kat hid her smile with her hand. “Well? What was her excuse?”
“Hotels are cleaner,” Drew said simply.
“That’s not at all accurate. They could be some of the dirtiest places on earth.”
“I know. But you try telling Parker anything.”
Kat kept silent, as she had no argument for that truth. She studied Drew’s still-blank expression and wondered how the two of them fell in love in the first place. They didn’t seem to…fit.
And she didn’t think that because she was too attracted to him for her own good.
“What are the two of you doing in there?” Muriel’s shrill voice came from the kitchen area. She entered the living room. “Kat, if you’re trying to steal my grandson away from his fiancée, you have my full support.”
Kat’s mouth dropped open. Drew covered his face with one hand.
“That little uppity snob refused my hospitality! Andrew, I have not given my consent to this wedding.” She gave a curt nod for emphasis.
“Grandma, I don’t actuallyneedyour consent,” Drew said gently.
