Page 138 of Far

Margaret takes a step back to admire my fiancé. “Aren’t you a vision? Connor, she’s even prettier than you described.”

“Please. You’ll make her uncomfortable,” I say.

“Nonsense!” Margaret gives Mary’s hand a pat before releasing it. “Now, lunch is ready in the dining room. Come along. I’m sure you two have an appetite.”

Mary glances up at me. “I like her already.”

“I knew you would.” Sliding my arm around her waist, I guide her toward the dining room. “Just wait until you try her cooking. You’ll be begging to take her home.”

“Over my dead body,” Ezra, my little brother, is already digging into the shepherd’s pie. “We’re keeping Margaret, thank you very much.”

Margaret swats at Ezra with her oven mitts, scolding him. The table is laden with my favorites – roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh bread. The scents alone are enough to transport me back to my childhood.

“Come give your old man a hug. We’ve been waiting for you two.” My father’s voice appears behind us.

“Sorry, it’s my fault.” I pull him into a quick embrace, clapping him on the back.

After releasing me, his focus shifts to Mary.

She thrusts out the wine bottle like a peace offering. “Mr. Milton, it’s wonderful to finally meet you. I’m Mary Wempton.”

“Please, call me George.” He takes the bottle, studying the label. “An excellent choice. You have good taste.”

Tension bleeds from Mary’s expression.

“Come on in. Sit down,” my father says.

Mary stands still, her eyes darting between the several chairs.

“Love you.” I lean in to press a kiss to her temple.

She tilts her head up. “Love you, too.”

When I nudge her toward a seat, I notice my father and brother watching us, identical grins on their faces.

My father raises his glass, waiting until we’ve settled in our seats and filled our plates before speaking. “We’re happy to have you here, Mary.”

“Thank you,” Mary says.

Ezra leans forward. “What did my brother threaten you with to get you here?”

My father regards Ezra with raised eyebrows. “Ezra.” His gaze moves to Mary, apologetic. “Please forgive my impertinent offspring.”

“Oh, just the usual threats.” I reach for Mary’s hand beneath the table. “Nah, I didn’t have to threaten her at all. One look at this handsome face, and she was begging me to bring her home.”

Mary rolls her eyes, the hint of a smile playing on her lips.

My dad chuckles. “Well, whatever you did, I’m glad she’s here. It’s about time I got to meet the woman who managed to capture my son’s heart.”

“I hope I can live up to whatever Connor has told you about me,” Mary says.

“I’m sure you’ll exceed any expectations,” my dad says. “Connor tends to be a bit sparing with his compliments. If he says you’re remarkable, you must be truly extraordinary.”

Mary glances at me, eyebrows raised. I just shrug, not about to get into how enthusiastic I’ve been about her with my family. No need to embarrass myself further.

“So, Mary,” my father says. “Tell us about yourself. Connor mentioned you work at your father’s company. Hotels?”

The conversation flows easily throughout dinner. Mary charms my dad and Ezra with her quick wit and warm humor. I find myself unable to take my eyes off of her, captivated by the way her eyes light up as she speaks and marveling at how seamlessly she fits into this part of my world. Like she belongs here, with me, with us.

---