Page 30 of Temporary Wife Temptation

“It was a pleasure having you over,” Garrett said as he and Natalie led Norma down the corridor.

Natalie fidgeted beside him as they made small talk waiting for the elevator. As soon as the elevator doors closed, her excitement burst free.

“Did you hear her?” She jumped up and down with her hands clasped in front of her chest. “She called us a family.”

Her amber eyes sparkled in her flushed face and happiness radiated from her. Garrett stared at the beautiful woman in front of him with overwhelming pride, and a familiar grip of possessiveness strummed through his veins. Steeped in her joy and relief, Natalie didn’t seem to notice anything odd about his silent appraisal. Then, with a suddenness that surprised an “oof” out of him, she threw herself at him, winding her arms tightly around his neck. His arms instinctively wrapped around her as he chuckled into the wild tumble of her curls.

“Easy, there.”

“Garrett, I...” Her words were muffled against his chest so he leaned back, loosening her death grip from his neck. He sought her eyes but she lowered her thick lashes with endearing shyness. “Thank you for tonight. You were wonderful.”

“It was nothing.” Her genuine gratitude felt undeserved. Considering what was at stake, Garrett only wished he could’ve done more. Even so... “Wonderful, huh?”

“Don’t let it go to your head.” Her attempt at a stern expression failed miserably. “But, yeah. You kind of were.”

He wouldn’t have been able to hold back his ridiculous grin even if he’d wanted to, and her answering smile was blinding. It took a moment for him to remember he still held her in his arms. The soft swell of her full breasts pressed against his chest, and her warm vanilla fragrance assailed his senses. He dropped his hands from her waist and took a hasty step back.

“Do you have an extra one of those?” he said, pointing at the baby monitor. “I should keep one in my room tonight in case Sophie wakes up.”

“Why would you...” Natalie’s eyes widened and she waved her hands in front of her. “No. Really, there’s no need. I...”

“I wasn’t asking for permission. I wouldn’t have offered you wine if I hadn’t intended to keep my word.” He strode to the counter and picked up the baby monitor. “You’re exhausted. Go to bed and don’t get up. I’m on baby duty tonight.”

Garrett Song was a good man. A kind and wonderful man. He’d won over Norma and secured them an ally. And her husband’s calm, rational arguments had convinced the Davises to consider supporting her adoption application in exchange for moving to New York after her promotion.

They didn’t discuss any specifics about Garrett moving to New York since their marriage would probably be annulled before then. Besides, the Davises’ main concern was having Sophie near them.

The very competent—and expensive—lawyer Garrett had hired was managing the legal angles in court. Against the odds, Natalie might really become Sophie’s mom in every sense of the word.

With everything proceeding smoothly, Natalie was ready to tackle whatever the day hurled at her.

But not this.

Madame Song had invited her to her home at seven o’clock. Sharp. The woman hadn’t even shown up for their wedding, which was literally in her backyard. What could she possibly want with Natalie now?

There was no time for introspection. Besides, Grace Song would tell Natalie exactly why she was summoned with unapologetic frankness. She vacillated about calling Garrett. Perhaps he had some insight about his grandmother’s unexpected invitation, but he had a hectic schedule and she didn’t want to bother him. In the end, she settled on sending him a quick text.

Meeting your grandmother. Will call you later.

She had less than two hours to get herself ready to meet the infamous Song matriarch, and she had no idea what to do. Mrs. Kim would know. Throwing everything she could grab into two giant shopping bags, she drove straight to her old apartment building.

“Mrs. Kim.” Natalie was close to tears when her friend opened the door. “I need your help.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake. Come inside.” Her friend stepped back from the entrance and pointed to her sofa. “Put those bags down there and have a seat.”

“Garrett’s grandmother wants to meet me but I don’t know what I’m supposed to say or do when I see her. I don’t even know what I’m supposed to wear.”

Mrs. Kim sifted through the bags Natalie had brought and gasped as she held up her bridal hanbok. “Oh, it’s beautiful. A new bride should wear her hanbok to visit her husband’s family for the first time.”

“I need to wear all that fabric and present myself to her without falling flat on my face?” She’d packed it just in case, but was hoping she wouldn’t have to wear it for her first audience with Garrett’s grandmother.

“Breathe, girl.” The older woman appraised Natalie with her head tilted to the side. “Now let’s get this hanbok on you.”

Once Mrs. Kim tugged, spun and muscled her into the skirt, Natalie gasped, “Is it supposed to be this tight?”

“Well, yes.” Her friend pulled the ties another half inch tighter around her bust. “Your girls are lovely but not really ideal for a hanbok. If I don’t bind you snugly enough, the cropped top is going to flap up in the front, and it’ll look all wrong.”

“Great.” One of the few things she remembered about her mom was her telling everyone about how big boned Natalie was. It took her years to accept her body, big bones and all. Even though the hanbok gaped and stuck out in places, she refused to feel bad about her figure. “I guess I’ll have to forego breathing to make a good impression on Grandma Grace.”

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