Claire blushed and shook her head. “I guess I can’t remember the last time I’ve had girlfriends.”
Veering from the impulsive sex-capades topic, Sophie said, “Aside from relationships, Grady is good at everything, because he won’t allow himself to fail. As he was always under so much parental pressure to excel, he holds himself to inhumanly high standards.”
Freya nodded vigorously. “Enviably well rounded, yet he’s so afraid of failure, he’s... fragile.”
Blood rushing turbulently through her veins, Claire fisted her hands at her sides, feeling impotent in her ability to make Grady see how genuine and normal he was. That he didn’t have to try so hard. “I know we’re still so new, but trust me, there is nothing I want more than for Grady to be happy.”
Claire found herself enveloped in Freya and Sophie’s octopus arms. Lip quivering, Claire bit down, nearly drawing blood as she struggled to stop the tears that threatened. Lack of sleep and adrenaline and... dang emotions. The last week had been one of the best, but, well, also one of the worst.
Her new friends were as teary as she was. Freya looked deeply into her, the corners of her mouth turned up in a subtle smile. “I expect to pick out my own bridesmaid dress.”
Grady’s eyes flutteredopen to find Claire draped over him, waking from the best dream only to find he had landed in a better one. As he stirred, she shifted her hair out of her face to reveal a sleepy smile. He slid a stubborn lock of hair off her forehead.
Fully awake in a heartbeat, Claire rose to her elbows and pinned him in her hold, so he could see nothing but her. Grady leaned up and indulged in a lingering kiss before rolling her under him to draw out the kiss. Her fingers teasing in his hair, Grady slipped deeper into the fantasy.
Until his phone buzzed. And buzzed again. And buzzed again.
“You should answer that,” she whispered against his mouth.
“They can wait,” he said.
And again.
“Fuck.” He reached over and checked his phone.
“What is it?”
“Patricia.” Sitting up, he tugged the blanket over his lap and glared out the window at the sparkly blanket of snow.
Claire wrapped her legs around him, encircling him from behind, trailing kisses along his shoulder. “Just get it over with. In a few days, we’ll be on our way to Phoenix and vacation. You can meet my family and they will adore you.”
Hand over hers, he relaxed into her. “If they’re anything like you, I think we’ll get along brilliantly.”
Clicking send, he held the phone to his ear. Claire nuzzled against him.
Patricia’s grating voice clanged against his eardrum. “Grady. I can’t tell you how relieved I am that you’re okay. And Claire. She’s okay?”
“Yeah. We’re both fine.”
“Wonderful. Bill had a friend plow our driveway so the guests can get in, and Ryder’s off to the airport to pick up Haley. Did you know she was coming?” Patricia fired away with rapid speed. “I can’t believe she’s coming. Apparently, Nate couldn’t make this trip but she says she’s got great news to share.”
Grady cringed, trying to figure out exactly what Haley’s plan was. As far as he could tell, it was a disaster waiting to happen. Or, fuck, what if she was pregnant? Shitty timing.
Patricia powered on so he couldn’t get a word in anyway. “Won’t this be incredible? Ryder engaged to an intelligent woman, Haley and her surprise, and I’m sure you’ll figure out some way to shine.”
His eyes rolled back in his head and he leaned into Claire. Nope. This was going to go exactly how he’d feared.
“Please say your friends aren’t afraid of a little snow and will make it?”
“They’re planning on it. Are you sure you don’t want to put it off, with the power still out? I’m sure most of the out-of-town folks won’t be able to make it.”
He could picture her huffing and stiffening. “We have already heard several regrets passed along, but many are still looking forward to coming. It may not be as grand as usual, but I think it will be even more magical with an intimate group and low lighting. And most importantly, all three of my children together. I can’t remember the last time you’ve all been in the same place at the same time. I hope the photographer can make it. But the champagne truck turned over on the highway.”
“What? I hope the driver’s okay.”
“I’m sure he’s fine. But, well, we’re making adjustments. Do you have any extra stock? Of that beer that won the award? I mean, we always share a toast to the year ahead. And wouldn’t that be a great way to celebrate your new business endeavor, with toasting your award-winning brew instead?”
Grady tensed. Her angle was clear, but unexpected. If he had no fiancée and no other accolades, perhaps his “little hobby” would make an acceptable brag after all.
