Page 257 of Mountain Grump
I sigh. “Fine.”
I place my hand on her back and lead her toward the house.
But before we can reach it, we’re stopped by the sound of another vehicle on the driveway.
We turn back around, and Tilda tenses as I keep my hand on her spine.
“Don’t be nervous.” I press a kiss to her hair.
I feel like maybeIshouldbe nervous—meeting Sandra’s mystery boyfriend, having her meet my wife. But Tilda and I discussed it last night and agreed we were going to be truthful. About all of it.
Sandra is pretty much my only family, and therefore, pretty much Tilda’s only family. And we don’t want to censor our history around her.
So no, I’m not nervous. I’m excited. Ready for the two most important people in my life to meet.
I kiss Tilda’s hair again. “My bedroom is at the end of the hall, and you can use the bathroom in there. The first room you pass in the hall used to be Sandra’s, but she took her furniture a long time ago and now it’s an office that never gets used. There’s another bathroom next to that room. The living room and kitchen are all connected. And I already set the table on the back deck, so the only thing we still need are water glasses and they’re to the right of the sink.”
Tilda beams up at me. “You’re the actual best. You know that?”
I lift a finger and tap it to the tip of her nose.
She bites her lip.
Then the vehicle comes into view.
A vehicle that is not my sister’s car.
But… it’s still familiar.
“What the…”
Tilda glances at me, then back at the truck. “What is it?”
The afternoon sun reflects off the windshield, preventing me from seeing inside. But I know I know that pickup.
I slide my hand down Tilda’s back, silently comforting her, even though I feel like I’m going to want to throw a punch in about ten seconds.
The truck comes to a stop behind Tilda’s.
The passenger door opens first, and my sister hops out.
Her smile is huge as she waves. “Hi!” She slams her door shut and hurries around the front of the truck toward us. “Now, before you lose your shit, I want you to remember that you just told meyesterdaythat you’remarried.” Sandra puts her hands on her hips. “So keep that in mind.”
My jaw works.
And then the driver’s door opens.
A tall man with wavy hair and a dopey grin climbs out.
“Afternoon, Ranger Grant.” He lifts a clear package of cupcakes in greeting. “Congratulations on the nuptials.”
I heave out a breath and turn to my Sandra. “Fisher? Really?”
She lifts a brow. “Married? Really?”
Chapter 143
Tilda
