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“Ned,” Ruth whispered, “we have company.”
“The boy’s family now. He needs to know what kind of girl he married.” He looked at Gus. “I bet you never walked out on your family to follow some silly dream.”
“Actually, I’ve walked out on my family more times than I can count, and I’m a huge disappointment to them. So much that my father gave the position of president to my little sister instead of me after I narrowly avoided drunk and disorderly charges and was sued for assault and battery.”
The room was dead silent, except for the hum of the furnace blowing warmed air into the house.
It was probably not the kind of thing he should’ve told his new in-laws, especially if he wanted to impress them at all. But he didn’t much care for the way Ned was speaking about Merritt, and he wanted to get the negative attention off of her and onto himself.
Ned’s eyes were on Merritt now. “Did you know this before you married him?”
“Yes,” she replied as she slid her arm around his and leaned into his side.
He rested his other hand on her knee and felt her tense a little at his touch. “Your daughter knows I’ve changed my ways. She doesn’t judge people for their past mistakes. You’ve raised a pretty amazing woman.” He turned his head and caught sight of Merritt’s pink cheeks just before she turned her head away to hide them.
“What if this doesn’t work out?” Ned motioned to the two of them. “You gonna leave her high and dry?”
Gus noticed Ruth lower her head and stare down at her lap. She was obviously embarrassed by her husband’s attitude, and Gus was becoming more than a little offended by this man’s questions.
“With all due respect, sir, I came here to meet my wife’s parents. I wanted to get to know the people who adopted and raised this woman as their own. But I didn’t come here to be insulted by a man who doesn’t even know me, and who clearly has no faith in his own daughter.”
Ned stared at him with mouth hanging open.
Gus stood and looked at Ruth. “Ruth, thank you for the cookies. I’m sorry, but I think we’ll be going now.” He took Merritt’s hand, and she stood and followed him toward the door.
“Wait,” Ned called after them.
Gus turned and met Merritt’s apologetic gaze.
Ned walked toward them. “I meant no insult. I just want to know that Merritt will be taken care of, no matter what happens.” He rubbed his palm over his beard. “You’re right, I don’t know you. I only know of your family name. But I also know that rich people aren’t always good people. And from what you said, you’ve had your share of problems.”
“And I’ve learned from them,” Gus said.
“I’m glad to hear that, but I’m still concerned.”
“About?”
“I’m afraid you rushed into things without knowing each other well enough. That our girl will end up divorced and alone.”
Gus’s heart sank to his stomach. He didn’t like lying to her parents, and when he looked at Merritt again, he knew she was thinking the same thing.
“I can assure you, sir, that if this whole thing falls apart, she will receive alimony.”
“Gus.” Merritt shook her head. “That’s not necessary.”
He pulled her into his side. “If this gives your family peace of mind, then it’s the least I can do.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “But I don’t plan to let you go, Mer.”
She let out a nervous laugh.
“And I have to say,” he addressed her parents again, “your daughter wouldn’t need my alimony if we did part ways. She’s made quite a name for herself.”
“She has?” Ned asked, confusion creasing his brow.
Merritt’s elbow pressed into Gus’s ribs, and he eyed her.
“I’m doing okay,” she answered before he could.
“I was raised to believe that a man takes care of his family,” Ned said, “and I’ve worked hard my whole life to take care of these two.”