Page 56 of Kisses Sweeter than Wine

“I’d say that’s highly probable.” His father nodded. “Zinny is on bed rest, so she and her family will stay here. Riesling, Trey, and their family can stay at Trey’s biological father’s house. No one would dare mess with them there. But that leaves everyone else we’ve got to figure out. I don’t want anyone alone. I don’t trust that man as far as I can spit.”

“I can call in some reinforcements,” Corbin said. “My entire team is on leave, plus I know some other guys. But it will take a day to get people here.”

“If you can make that arrangement, I won’t say no,” his father said. “For now, we hang tight. If we have to all crash here for a night, we’ll make it work.”

“That’s a lot of people under one roof,” Merlot said. “I can make some calls to some old friends I know. I can at least get a few guns to stand guard.”

“Do it,” his father said. “On a brighter note, Mom and I are getting married.”

“Not anytime soon.” His mother glanced over her shoulder and glared.

“We’re getting married. I proposed in a way that was agreeable to you and you accepted, so I’m holding you to that promise, woman.” His father stood and planted a wet one on his stunned mother’s lips.

“Your parents aren’t married?” Corbin asked.

“No. They divorced before the twins and Zinny were born,” Talbot said.

Corbin stuck his finger in his ear and wiggled it. “They are his though, right?”

Merlot laughed. “It’s a very long and convoluted story, but yes. And my parents have always been a couple, but they couldn’t live together for many years. Obviously, they never stopped having sex.”

“I don’t need to know about my grandparents’ love life,” Corbin said.

“Not to make this conversation any weirder, but I’m spending the night with your mother. I mean, it’s for protection and all,” Merlot said.

Corbin smacked his hand against his forehead. “On the one hand, that makes me ridiculously happy. On the other hand, your delivery is highly inappropriate when speaking to your child.”

“You’re a grown man. Serving in the Army. I think it’s safe to assume you’ve had sex. Or do I need to have that conversation with you?” Merlot asked.

“Jesus. Please don’t,” Corbin said.

“Oh my God. The two of you are impossible.” Talbot shook her head. “But at least the mood is lighter.”

“Hey, Mom,” Merlot called. “Does everyone else know about your pending nuptials?”

“No. And we’re not going to tell them,” his mother said.

“Oh, yes, we are.” Merlot reached across the sofa and slapped Corbin’s shoulder. “Go tell everyone the news.”

“Corbie. Don’t you dare,” Merlot’s mother said.

“Keep calling me that, and I’ll do exactly what my father just asked me.”

Merlot glanced to Talbot, his heart thumping in his throat.

Talbot wiped away a tear.

“Fine. I’ll never call you that again.” His mom folded her arms around her middle.

“I’ve got no skin in this game. I’ll go tell them,” Talbot said, jumping to her feet. “Sorry, Weezer. It’s about time you and Carter officially tied the knot again.” She scurried off toward the kitchen.

“I’m not giving you the recipe for my mac and cheese,” Weezer scoffed.

“No worries. I’ve got it.” Merlot smiled.

“Traitor.” Weezer shook her head.

“I love this family,” Corbin said with a serious expression. “I won’t let that asshole come back into my mother’s life and hurt her again. Or any of you.”

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