Page 55 of Convincing Him
Chapter Eleven
After the wedding, the wedding supper.
“Your tie is crooked,” commented Gabe.
“It is not,” Marshall quickly went to look in a mirror.
“You’re lucky you escaped,” Parker muttered dryly.
Gabe gave a non-committal sound. “Shouldn’t you be with your brides to be?”
“They are scoping out a spot for pictures with the photographer and mom,” Parker had a sip of whiskey. “It was nice of you to let another couple take your spot.”
“Well, I figured someone should be happy,” shrugged Gabe.
“Are you really resigning?” Marshall rejoined them, picking up a tumbler of amber liquid as a waiter passed them.
“I didn’t honor dad’s wishes so yes, I have resigned,” Gabe had a grimace. “The position doesn’t hold much appeal anymore anyways.”
“Three weeks ago, you were willing to marry Britney Crawford to keep the job and the money,” pointed out Parker.
“Three weeks ago, I was an idiot,” Gabe put down his drink. “You are both idiots too if you think you can do this without any repercussions.”
“You fell for her,” crowed Marshall. “It is about time you admit it.”
“We’re not talking about me,” growled Gabe. He had discovered in the past couple of days with explaining to all of his family he wouldn’t be getting married the whole topic was a sore spot with him. “We were talking about the two of you.”
“I’m fine,” Marshall smiled happily. “I’m great even. Got it totally under control.”
“Really?” Parker rolled his eyes. “I highly doubt it.”
“Says the guy who is married to a total stranger,” Marshall grinned. “I however, actually know the girl I have gotten hitched to and we will be fine.”
Parker gave a disbelieving snort before taking another sip of whiskey.
“How can you really know?” Gabe looked at Marshall with interest. “What makes you so certain you’ll be fine?”
“I just do,” shrugged Marshall. “She makes every day a little better. I look forward to talking to her. I want to make her happy. She’s my best friend. It’s pretty simple really.”
Parker rolled his eyes. “Why didn’t you introduce her to us if she’s your best friend?”
“Sometimes I like to have a little mystery,” said a smug Marshall.
Parker snorted.
“Hey, I’m not the one headed for divorce in five years,” Marshall gave his brother a stern look. “If you don’t get it together, you are going to have one unhappy wife and then good luck with the kid.”
“What do you mean?” frowned Parker.
“Your wife could pack junior up and whisk him away to her home country,” Marshall advised him. “You’d better keep her happy.”
“That’s not going to happen,” rejected Parker. “We have an agreement.”
“And after five years, all bets are off,” Gabe agreed with Marshall. “Better to be in her good books. At least try to be friends.”
“It is a business arrangement,” insisted Parker. “We have a contract. Things will be fine.”
“If you say so,” Marshall innocently replied.
