Page 92 of Heal For Me

I think Janelle is the first to snort, but then Payson giggles by my side, and I snap a look at her. This is not funny.

“I’m not bloody asking permission.”

“Well, I’m not giving it.” He challenges.

He cannot be serious. Even if he is, I don’t fucking care. I do not need permission to marry Payson from anyone. If Paul were here, sure, I would ask, but even if he said no, I think I would still do what I want. Throw caution to the wind and all that. I’m marrying Payson Murphy one day, either people accept it, or they don’t, it makes no difference to me.

“I’ve been wearing the ring for a while, Uncle Jet. That was just a public proposal. It’s not a big deal.”

Finally, he drags his eyes from me, and turns to her. Something like love, Jethro’s version of it anyway, warms his face when he looks to his niece. I kind of hate that he is the family member she clung to after everything. He’s just such a dick. I know she says she can see us becoming friends, but I do not see that happening anytime soon.

He leans forward and lowers his voice. “It doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have liked to be a part of it.”

Payson’s lower lips puffs out, her hands come together, and she picks at the skin on her thumb. “I didn’t know you’d want to.”

Neither did I. I knew he cared about Payson, but it seems they are closer than I thought. Great.

“Invite me to the wedding.”

“We’re not—” But Payson cuts me off.

She lays a soft hand on my lap, a new almost excited look in her eye that I don’t understand. A faint smile pulling on her lips, then she turns to her uncle.

“Actually, I have a better idea. Think you’d want to walk me down the aisle?”

My mouth drops, as does Janelle’s, and Jethro’s parts. He is quick to snap it shut, and his jaw works overtime. Then, he dips his chin. “I would be honored.”

They share a smile, or she smiles and he doesn’t scowl, at least, but then she settles back into her chair and leans into my open chest.

“I thought you didn’t want a wedding.”

She turns her head to look up at me, a new softness in her eyes. There was one point I looked into Payson’s eyes and saw only sadness. It’s still there, as I’m not sure it will ever go away. But more prominent now is ease, peacefulness, and it has to be my favorite look yet.

“His daughter is a bitch; I doubt she will ever get anyone to agree to marry her.”

He’s busy chatting with Dad, so he doesn’t hear, but when I bark out a laugh, he glances our way and rolls his eyes.

I drop a kiss to her forehead. “Fuck, I love you.”

She doesn’t reply, and when I look down, I know why. She’s looking at something over our shoulders. “Uh, remember that. Okay?”

What—

“Gracey,” Mum cries. My spine steels, and Payson sits up but keeps her hand on my lap.

“I invited her. Please be nice.”

“When?” I growl. When would she have had the time?

“When you were getting ready. That’s why I asked to have dinner pushed back, give them enough time.”

Grace stops on the edge of the table, next to Payson, and looks down at her. I can see the apology before she even says it, but I’m still not happy. She can apologize until she’s blue in the face, but I saw the look on Payson’s face after she yelled at her. Knowing my sister, my own flesh and blood, caused that look of embarrassment and discomfort doesn’t sit right.

“Thank you for inviting me.” Grace places a wary hand on Payson’s shoulder. I can’t see her face, but her cheeks round as if she is smiling. How Payson forgives so easily after everything, I’ll never understand. “I am sorry for the way I acted the other night. I have no excuse.”

“Do you mind if we speak alone for a moment?”

Grace agrees, and before I know what is happening, Payson stands and walks away with my sister. I could smirk because Payson is walking different than normal and I know why, but what the fuck is going on?

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