Page 20 of Married to Murder
“Oh, that’s too bad,” said my mother, pushing out her lower lip while giving him an empathetic look. “Well, we’re your family now.”
Seth smiled for the first time since we’d arrived. “That’s sweet of you to say.”
“Do you like adventure?” Grandma interrupted, leaning forward.
“Um…” Seth looked puzzled. “I guess.”
“I assume you must. Why else would you marry a man you’ve only known for six months?” She chuffed.
Seth met my gaze, and then he addressed her. “I like your grandson. He’s kind and I find that attractive. But to be honest, the main reason I agreed to marry him is to help him save his inheritance. I think the marriage stipulation you put on his trust is unfair.”
Grandmother narrowed her eyes. “Is that right?”
“Yes.”
“And I think young people of today underestimate the value of marriage.” She lifted her chin.
“But is forcing your feelings on that subject really fair?” Seth asked quietly.
“It’s my money. I can make demands if I like.” Her eyes had a steely glint.
Seth laughed softly. “Yes you can. That’s where I come in.”
She arched one brow sternly, but I noticed her lips twitch. “Well, my little annoying stipulation will make both of you very rich men.” She turned her dark gaze onto my father. “You, on the other hand, will just have to wait until I kick the bucket to get your big payoff.”
Dad winced. “Mother, don’t even jest.”
“Pfft. Please.” She sighed. “I just pray you don’t gamble it all away the first year.” She shook her head.
“That’s uncalled for, Mother,” Dad growled, crossing his arms while looking embarrassed.
I winced and met Seth’s curious gaze. I couldn’t explain to him while sitting in the room with everyone, but my father had gone through a rough period where he’d gambled away so much money he’d almost lost our family home. My grandmother had bailed him out, with the understanding if he ever gambled again, she’d disown him.
And if there’s anyone who’d follow through on a threat like that, it’s Abigail Trenton.
“Do you two plan on having children?” Grandmother asked abruptly.
Seth sucked in a quick breath and looked to me.
“We haven’t discussed it.” I could feel Seth tense beside me. He already knew my views on the subject, but I couldn’t tell my grandmother the truth. She had no idea Seth and I only planned on staying married the required minimum of three years.
“Well, who the heck will run Trenton’s Treats in the future if you don’t have kids?” She scowled, her mouth a grim line. “You can’t live forever, Tanner.”
“He didn’t say they won’t have a family, Abigail. He said they haven’t discussed it.” My mother gave me a weak smile.
Seth cleared his throat. “I like kids. I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t hire a surrogate or something… in the future.”
I knew he was just trying to pacify my grandmother, which I had to appreciate. But there were only so many ways I’d let my grandma dictate my future. Being forced into being a parent wasn’t one of them.
“Well, okay then.” Grandma nodded. “At least one of you knuckleheads has a brain.”
Seth gave a husky laugh, and Grandma glanced at him, looking pleased.
Dad’s cell buzzed, and he looked down at it, scowling. When he saw the number, he tensed. “Oh, I uh… I have to take this.” He got up and hurried out of the room.
Mom frowned after him. “What is going on with that man? He’s constantly getting phone calls that make him look like he’s about to have a stroke.”
“Who knows with that one,” Grandmother grumbled. “He’s always been hard to read.”
