Page 27 of Keeping My Wife
“Something about wanting security for her granddaughter. Supposedly for Maxie’s mom too but she seems...difficult.”
She snorted. “That’s an understatement. Marcella is a hot mess express.”
I laughed. “Mom.”
“What? Is that not the term?”
“Kind of.”
She pulled the jar over from the center of the table and took out a few sugar cookies. “She prefers to be in Saratoga where the action is.” She made quotes in the air. “More like where the rich guys are. I’m actually surprised Marcella never trapped a husband.”
I choked on a carrot.
“She’s not a nice woman. I always liked Maxie though. She used to tag along with Gus for dinners in the summer.”
“Oh, I remember.”
She laughed. “You always did have eyes for her.”
“Still do.”
“Is that so?”
I nodded. “She needs my help. Problem is, I don’t think it’s a formality for me. Is that nuts? I mean I’ve known her since I was a kid, but not...”
“Your father and I got married with only knowing each other a few weeks.”
“Really?”
She nodded. “How have you not heard that story?”
I shrugged. “Too busy sanding shit.”
“That’s a fact. We never could get you out of the garage once you learned how to use the tools.” She laughed. “Of course, you’re going to fall for a woman who has a perpetual project house.”
“I didn’t think of it that way.”
“There’s no timetable for love. Look at us. Six kids and one grandkid so far.” She folded her hands around her mug. “Are you going to beat Sully to the aisle?”
“Maybe. Maxie wants to just go to the courthouse.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Mom. We have Sully’s wedding coming up next month. We can’t plan a wedding before that. She needs it done quickly so she can take care of the house. Her grandmother tied up all the money in the stipulations for the will. You should see the rooms. It needs a ton of work.”
“All I hear are excuses. Gus can marry you in the backyard.”
“What? How?”
“He got some sort of certificate to help people get married in Brazil. That would work for you, right?”
“Well, yes, but?—”
“No buts. No son of mine is doing a courthouse wedding. We have a big backyard, and we’ll just wrap it up into Thanksgiving. And look at that you’ll never forget your anniversary.”
“Like I’d forget,” I muttered.
She covered my hand. “Does Maxie know you’re in love with her already?”
