Page 54 of Hers to Marry
“Grandma—”
“Don’t try to deny it. You’re not exactly an Oscar-worthy actor.”
“Why?” He put his hands on his hips. “You know I’m still engaged to Parker.”
She cocked a brow. “Are you? I thought she’d be gone by now. Hmm…”
“YouknowI am. Why would you orchestrate this?”
“Because I knew there was something between you two ever since you were kids. I figured all I had to do was get you into each other’s arms to prove it. And I did.” She crossed her arms and lifted her chin. “I make no apologies for trying to orchestrate what’s already fated.”
“Fated! Grandma, you’re crazy.” Was it fate that Zache took his spot during that mission? Because he was destined to return to Springfield and marry…Kat?
She laughed. “Your father said I was crazy, too.”
“And you were.” He pointed an accusing finger at her. “You were wrong about my mother. They’re still together and very happy.”
She frowned and tapped her chin, her gaze to the sky. “Well, maybe I was wrong about her”—her sharp hazel eyes came back to his—“but Iamright about you and Kat. Parker doesn’t deserve you, my boy, and you should be with Kat. If you had seen the way she kissed you… You were there. I’m surprised you’re not on the phone right now breaking things off with Parker. She’s an ocean away. Makes a breakup easier, if you ask me.”
“Ididn’task you,” he grumbled, but he was in total agreement. It would be a jerk move though, and he had already been a world-class one once this week.
But hehadfelt Kat’s response, although he didn’t believe it was real. He chose to believe he was the only one overcome by holding her and finally—finally—kissing her. He had told himself that she was playing the role, not him. He was the only one risking his heart.
Now he understood why Kat had wanted to stay away. She was right. Working for Parker would put her too close. He couldn’t have her around after kissing her like that. He wasn’t the strongest of men. He was weak. Weak for Katrina. And he couldn’t do that to Parker.
And he definitely couldn’t tell Parker about this or she’d swear he was breaking his promise. She wouldn’t understand it was a reenactment and it was all his grandmother’s fault. Or maybe she would, and then she’d ask why he didn’t say no in the first place.
He could’ve done that. When he saw Kat he could’ve refused. Told his grandmother to find another groom. But there wasn’t any part of his body that wanted to back out at that point. It was full steam ahead and consequences be damned. The perfect excuse.
“Grandma, I’m marrying Parker.”
She harrumphed. “After that kiss?”
He kicked the dirt. His insides tensed, and the word “yes” struggled to get out.
“Great job, you two!” A reenactor came forward and shook Drew’s hand. “You lucky dog, you. I had told Muriel I’d play the part of the groom, but she wouldn’t have it.” The older gentleman winked at Muriel.
“Harry, you know you’re too old. Stop being a pervert.”
He put a hand over his heart and feigned shock. “Too old! Now, Muriel, you know older men married young, pretty things back then. Especially that bride. Such big, beautiful brown eyes.”
“Yes, you!” Muriel’s voice rose. “You think I’m going to have some scruffy-bearded”—she yanked on the man’s salt-and-pepper beard—“old Casanova like yourself play the groom when my grandson is the perfect match?”
“Well, that is the truth. You two looked like a real couple standing up there at that altar,” Henry said with an enthusiastic nod. “When are we going to see your wedding for real?”
“In a couple of weeks,” Muriel answered for him.
“Nextweek. I’m marrying—”
“Soon as I get the girl on board, and my knuckle-headed grandson,” Muriel interrupted with a sharp look to Drew.
He risked chastisement by rolling his eyes.
“You need convincing?” Henry said in an incredulous voice to Drew. “After holding her in your arms and kissing her, you’re tellin’ me you can’t get her to the church?” He peered at him through slits. “Do you need help, son? Because I’ve romanced many a fine woman in my day—”
“The last day passed decades ago,” Muriel snapped. “He doesn’t need your kind of help, Henry.”
Henry bellowed.
