Page 2 of Receiving His Mercy
“Careful,” a cheerful voice said from behind him. “If you keep scowling at the groom like that people are going to think you’re plotting his murder.”
Travis turned his glare on the small woman standing behind him.
Fuck. His eyes widened in shock.
It was her.
Caren Stanford.
What the hell was she doing here? He hadn’t seen her in probably twenty years. She’d been Lacey’s best friend before she had suddenly left without a goodbye. Lacey had been sixteen and devastated.
As far as he was aware Lacey hadn’t heard from her since, so why would she be at Lacey’s wedding rehearsal dinner?
Then again, part of him wondered why he was at a wedding rehearsal dinner. What the heck was there to rehearse? Eating? Drinking? He’d been able to do that on his own since he was around two.
Nope. He didn’t get it.
Then again, he wasn’t in the best mood. In two days’ time, he’d have to watch his baby cousin get married off to . . . that man.
Gray Mathers.
Okay, Gray wasn’t a terrible guy. In fact, he was smart and protective. Most importantly, he took good care of Lacey. But Travis didn’t like the idea of anyone being with his cousin.
“Unless youareactually plotting his murder. In which case, well, I’m afraid I’d have to stop you.”
He snorted. Caren would be lucky if she reached five-feet-tall. When she was around twelve years old, she’d stopped growing and everyone else had shot up past her. She’d been this skinny thing with big eyes who’d followed Lacey everywhere.
“What are you doing here?” he barked.
“Oh, so you do remember me? Cool. I wasn’t sure if you would.” She grinned up at him.
Why was she so happy? It was weird. He didn’t trust people that smiled this much.
Travis crossed his arms over his chest. “Why’re you here? I didn’t know that you and Lacey were friends anymore. You know, since you disappeared without a word n.”
Why that still bothered him, he had no idea.
It just did.
Something passed through her face. “Actually, I moved to Dallas a while ago and when I realized Lacey lived here too, we reconnected.”
Lacey hadn’t told him that.
Why would she tell you about meeting up with an old school friend?
“Still surprised you’re here.” The wedding was supposed to be close family and friends. Not old acquaintances you happened to bump into.
“Ah, well, I guess maybe because ?”
“He’s not coming, Travis.” Lacey raced up to him, clearly upset and pale. He automatically reached for her, placing his hands on her shoulders. “What is it? What’s wrong? Where’s Gray? Don’t worry, I’ll make him pay for upsetting you.”
It would be his pleasure.
“Not Gray! Dad!” Lacey told him.
What the fuck had that bastard done now? His uncle was an asshole. Why Lacey even gave him the time of day, he didn’t know. In fact, he’d thought that she’d severed all ties with him a while ago. Seemed that getting married had given her a change of heart.
Nearly two years ago, her father had gotten remarried to a woman called Brandi. Travis had hoped that might change the selfish bastard.
