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Grayson groans. “Don't make me feel worse.” He pauses. “Really, I think I was just angry because I thought you knew me better than that.”

“What do you mean?”

“I thought you knew you were family. That you dating Meredith wouldn’t have pissed me off. You’re like a brother to me, man.”

I smile at him. “You’re like a brother to me, too. I guess I just didn’t want to disappoint you. I know I’ve never been good enough for her?—”

“Of course, you’re good enough for her. She’s crazy about you, and you’re a hard worker. I know you’ll take care of her. And the baby.”

I nod. “I will. I promise.”

Something tells me that Meredith will want to take care of herself. She’s stubborn and independent, and now that things are better, I expect she’ll want to go back to college or at least advance in her career.

But until she does, I will make sure she and the baby have everything they can ever need or want.

I’m glad that Grayson knows that.

We arrive at the doctor and a couple of hours later, my ribs are wrapped, my nose is set, and I have a prescription for some pretty strong painkillers.

Grayson insists on paying for everything and when we return to his mother’s place, Meredith sits on the couch, and her mother is embracing her, and they’re both crying.

“Who died?” Grayson asks, his face going pale.

Mallory hiccups and laughs, pulling away from Meredith. “Your sister is getting married!”

Grayson glares at me. “You didn’t think to tell me this while we were out and about?”

I grin sheepishly. “Blame it on the pain of my broken bones.”

He laughs, and Mallory stands up, embracing me in a big hug. “I can’t believe you’re finally going to be a real part of the family.” She beams at me. “It’s about damn time.”

“I called Dad and told him, too.” Meredith wipes her eyes. “He said he was happy for me, but he seemed a little upset.”

“I’m sure he’s just a little sad his little girl is growing up. You always were a daddy’s girl, after all,” Mallory points out. “This calls for a celebration! The family dinner will now be a dinner party and it is back on. It’ll be tonight, and that way, Lillian and the kids can come, too, if that is okay with you, Grayson?”

Her eyes lower as Grayson frowns.

“Look, I miss you, and I want a chance to get to see all my grandchildren grow up. I missed so much already because I was stupid.” She sighs. “I’ve learned my lesson, and if that is okay with you and Lillian, I’d like to apologize and start over, please.”

“I’ll have to talk to Lillian. Besides, Kylie had a cough, so we’ll see.”

Meredith nods. “Thank you. It means a lot that you are at least talking to her about it. I really am sorry for all I’ve done.”

She turns to Meredith, and they start talking about how to decorate and what to server, and I look over at Grayson.

“What do you say we lounge a bit in the pool? Might be good for my ribs. You can even do a few laps.”

“Take one of your painkillers first, and you’re on.”

I nod and do as he says before kissing Meredith’s temple.

She waves at me, and I laugh.

For someone who claims to hate the high society lifestyle, she certainly gets excited about certain parts of it.

The painkillers have kicked in and I’m treading in the water. “What’s it like?”

“What’s what like?”