Page 78 of A Cowboy's Bride
The outside door opened, and a rush of cold air swept in, swirling around the room. An older couple pushed through the door with wide smiles on faces that seemed eerily familiar. The woman especially looked recognizable, and all it took was a single glance between her and Petra to make the connection.
Holy shit. Petra’s parents had just walked into the room.
Zach and Julia noticed before Petra did. Both of their expressions went from happiness before, as if following a cue card, flashing to panic. Their heads snapped on a swivel to Petra then across the room to Aiden.
Oh shit. Shit, shit,shit.
Aiden had to get to Petra’s side to warn her. “Sorry guys, gotta run.”
Jake didn’t move out of the way, peering over his shoulder and making a fantastic roadblock. “What’s got your— Oh. Who are they?”
“Petra’s parents,” Aiden muttered hurriedly before pushing past them.
The softly saidfucking hellbehind him was amusing and appreciated all the same.
Zach veered off and met Aiden in the middle of the room while Julia headed straight to intercept her in-laws as a greeting committee. A second later, she was enveloped in hugs and happy exclamations.
Zach tugged Aiden to the side of the room. “The congratulations about the baby will keep them distracted for a minute, but Christ, man. What are you going to do?”
“Get to Petra then make it up as we go along,” Aiden said. “Who’s the bigger worry? Your mom or dad?”
Zach paced at his side as they made their way across the room to where Petra stood with her back still to the door, unaware of the drama that was about to hit. “They’re both equally dangerous. If it helps, both Julia and I are here for you guys.”
“Thanks. That means a lot.”
Zach veered away to greet his parents, and Aiden didn’t bother with the niceties, just smiled at the ladies Petra was talking to as he slipped his arm around her waist. “Sorry for interrupting, but I need to steal Petra away.”
He got a bevy of amused grins in return even as he backed Petra up and leaned his lips to her ear. “Don’t panic, but your parents just showed up.”
She cursed softly. “Are you kidding me?”
“They’re here, currently talking to Julia and Zach, but how do you want to do this? Do you want me to take off so you don’t have to deal with introducing me?”
“Of course, they have to show up right now.” She closed her eyes, her face contorting in a mass of frustration and confusion. “No, you’re not taking off. They’re reasonable people, and if I tell them that we should speak privately, they won’t make a fuss.” She squared her shoulders then glanced behind her. “But maybe we should try to be closer to the door than in the middle of the room to keep potential damage to a minimum.”
“After you.”
He kept his hands to himself, thinking that would make it easier if she decided at the last moment not to mention the fiancé thing. Although it was a roll of the dice that no one else would mention it.
Someone else dropping the bomb would probably be worse, especially springing it on them out of the blue.
So he was shocked when Petra linked her fingers in his and gripped tightly, pulling him to a stop in front of her parents. “Mom. Dad. What are you doing here?”
“You might no longer be living under our roof, but you’re still our little girl. Happy birthday, Petra.” Her mom threw her arms open, and Petra slipped in, accepting a massive hug.
Aiden smiled, his expression tightening slightly as he noticed Petra’s dad was eyeing him oddly. But the man returned his focus to his daughter an instant later, offering her a massive hug as well. “Plus, you know it was a good excuse to come visit. We needed to celebrate the coming baby and see your brother and Julia.”
Suddenly, their attention turned. “And who is this young man?” Petra’s mom asked brightly.
Aiden was far too aware that there were locals watching with some confusion.
Petra laughed, a bright sound full of reassuring humour. “You’re such a kidder, Mom. Hey, Aiden and I wanted to talk to you. How about we?—”
A nearly deafening high-pitched clatter echoed through the room, followed by rapid clapping.
Tansy and Sydney stepped forward. Tansy held a vibrating dinner bell in the air as she glanced around the room. “Okay, everybody out of the pool. Grab your coats and head down to the fire pit. We have a surprise in a few minutes, accompanied by the best s’mores you have eaten in your entire life.”
“Adult beverages will be served,” Sydney added. “Nonadult ones as well, and don’t think I’m not watching you, Sasha Stone.”
