“I’m sorry you heard that.”
“Don’t be.” He turns into the parking lot. “Not to change the subject, but I think we should talk about the honeymoon. I was thinking Paris or Tahiti, but we only have a couple of days, so maybe Comfort. It’s kind of the same thing. Only different.”
Laughing, I lean across the cab and hug him. “Sounds perfect.” Then I swing open my door and slide out.
Parker walks around the truck, but his focus is on the gravel parking lot. “I hate how she speaks to you.”
Talking about my mom will only sour my mood, and I’d rather not think about her. As if that’s even possible. But I can avoid talking about her. “I’m used to it. But she’s wrong. Very wrong. You’re a great guy.” I loop my arm around his.
He’s rescuing me from a bad situation. We aren’t marrying for love, but we’re friends. And that’s more than I can say for what I had with John. With Parker, I can be myself.
I give his bicep a squeeze. “And you no longer look like a kid.”
“Good to hear.” He smiles down at me, and the knot in my stomach dissolves. Parker has a way of making me feel like everything will turn out just fine.
* * *
Wednesday morning,my phone buzzes as I park outside the main house. But there is zero chance of my answering my mom’s calls before the wedding. And only a slight chance after.
It’s early where she is, but I guess the fact that I never called back is bothering her.
I slide out of the truck, eager to see Dad. He’s meeting me here this morning.
Parker pulls in, and I stop, waiting for him. “Morning.”
“Hey there.”
He blows out a breath, then rolls his shoulders. “Wish me luck.”
“Why?”
Brow furrowed, he cocks his head. “Because I’m seeing your dad, who I did not ask about marrying you before I talked to you. And I know we don’t need his permission. I just...” He shrugs. “I’m nervous.”
“Dad always liked you.” I loop my arm around his and tug him toward the building. “It’ll be fine.”
When we round the corner, Dad is standing on the far end of the porch with the phone to his ear. He smiles and waves, but his eyes betray his anger. I don’t have to guess who is on the phone. Only one person brings out this side of my dad.
“Yes, I’m aware that my daughter is getting married. That’s why I flew back here.” He winks, then turns and gives us his back. “No. I will not advise her to change her mind. And you are not the person she needs to be taking relationship advice from. She’s smart and can decide for herself who she loves.”
Parker presses his arm to his side, squeezing my hand. His gesture is a small reminder that he’s beside me. And what my dad is saying is a huge reminder of my deception.
Except it’s only deception if I don’t love Parker, right? And while I’ve never thought about him in a romantic sense, I do love him. Maybe pretending the romantic part will cause it to be real.
Parker and I step to the side, listening as the conversation continues. I can’t hear anything my mom is saying, and I probably don’t want to.
My dad clenches the fist that isn’t holding the phone. “She’s not like you. She wants someone who makes her happy, not someone with loads of money. I’ll give her whatever she wants. Thankfully, I didn’t lose anything in the divorce thanks to our pre-nup.” He yanks the phone away from his ear, then shoves his phone in a pocket. After standing still a second, he spins around. “That could’ve gone better. I’m sorry you had to hear that.”
“I’m sorry you had to deal with her. I’ve been letting her calls roll to voice mail.” I step away from Parker and hug Dad. “I called her last night to let her know about the wedding. She didn’t take the news well.”
“I’m not going to placate you by saying that she loves you and doesn’t know how to show it. She loves herself, and your marrying Parker doesn’t help her in any way.” He extends a hand to my soon-to-be husband. “No offense.”
“None taken.” Dumplin’ somehow manages to stay calm no matter the situation. “It’s good to see you again, Mr. Moore.”
“You too, Parker. And congratulations to both of you. I’m really happy she’s marrying a good guy.”
“Thank you, sir.” Parker shoots me a side glance, and the way his eyes twinkle, it’s clear that his nerves have settled.
We all walk inside, and the normal corralled chaos fills the room.
