“Oh, none of it was from West,” he added, smiling wryly. “But Miles and Easton have had plenty to say over the years.”
Something in my chest twisted. It wasn’t just that my brothers had gotten to know her before I had, it was the realization that they already knew her better. But I tamped down the jealousy and forced a grin.
“Miles and Easton may have met her first,” I said, glancing down at her. “But she’s mine, and I promise, they don’t know her like I do.”
Easton cackled behind me, and Blue’s cheeks turned a shade of pink that made my heart do something dumb. I was just about to confess the whole damn thing about us being married when security stepped in for a quick pre-flight check.
When we boarded the plane, Jesse finally took her chance to introduce herself to Blue with a warm greeting, “It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
Blue relaxed beside me, her whole body softening. “It’s so nice to meet you too. I mean, seriously.”
I thought Jesse may have sat with us for the flight, but Easton stepped in and led her to the seats in the back, while Grams and Gramps sat facing us near the front. The plane was cozy, polished with just enough luxury to feel special without being obnoxious.
“Buckle up,” the flight attendant chirped. “Captain John will have us in the air in no time. Can I get anyone something to drink before take-off?”
“Water for me,” Blue said sweetly, then tapped my hand. “Can you bring West a bourbon on the rocks?”
Betty—her name tag said—smiled. “Of course. And for you two?” she asked Grams and Gramps.
“Water for me,” Grams replied. “But bring this one a bourbon, too,” she added, nodding toward Gramps. “He’s going to need it.”
Betty laughed and disappeared, and suddenly we were left in a bubble of anticipation again.
“You two hit it off quick,” Grams said, her voice light, teasing.
“That’s actually what we wanted to talk to you about…”
Grams straightened, her hand flying to her mouth as she turned to Gramps. “We always made sure these boys had condoms?—”
“Grams,” I cut in, groaning. “I’m thirty-six. I stopped needing you to provide me with condoms a long time ago.”
“Well, apparently not,” she said, still nodding like she had the inside scoop. “Good Lord, West. I mean, you’ll be a great father. Even though I can imagine you hiring someone to burp the baby and his first onesie may be a designer suit. But I know you’ll be present and do anything you can. Blue, dear, you’re going to have your hands full. Not with the baby, with West, but–”
“No one’s pregnant,” I said over my Grams, as Blue let out a small laugh.
“Rumors are flying around Harmony Haven,” Grams went on. “You’ve spent more time in town in the last two weeks than you have in years. You bought the bar. You’ve been acting funny. What else were we supposed to think?”
“You were supposed to think that I bought the bar. Then I met Blue. We fell for each other. And now we’re here, introducing her to you. This wasn’t supposed to happen on a plane. I was planning to tell you over dinner tonight, but yeah, things happened fast.”
I glanced at Blue, who somehow still looked calm, though I could feel the tension humming through her. I decided to rip off the Band-Aid.
“And we got married.” I lifted her hand gently, showing them the ring.
There was a pause, long enough to make my heart thud in my ears. I thought they’d flip. Or at least ask if it was real. Maybe even ask why. But instead of outrage, I got blank stares.
It felt like this was less shocking than the idea of Blue being pregnant, but apparently by telling them we were married, I broke them.
“I know it’s fast. But Gramps was just telling me a couple weeks ago that I needed someone to dance with on the front porch. And I’ve never been one to drag my feet when I know what I want.”
Still nothing.
Blue shifted beside me, about to speak, but I squeezed her hand, just wanting to give them a second.
Then finally, Gramps nodded and patted Grams’ hand like he was grounding her. “Well that’s good to hear,” he said, making me blink in surprise.
Grams smiled softly at Blue, then leaned over and placed her hand gently over ours. “Congratulations, you two. It’s not what I expected, but we always welcome new members to this family. And we’re grateful you found each other.”
Gramps nodded in agreement, his usual charm in full effect, and for the first time in what felt like hours, I exhaled.
