Page 59

59

HARPER

I give Ford a look.

A “we can’t leave yet, you maniac” look.

I don’t have to say it out loud.

Ford knows.

But does he care?

Not even a little.

I sip my champagne, watching him from across the room, pretending not to notice the way he’s glaring at me like he’s one second away from launching across the table and dragging me out of here.

Like he’s waiting for an excuse.

I cross my legs slowly, just to see what he’ll do.

His jaw ticks.

I bite back a smirk, lifting my glass to my lips.

He’s been on edge all night.

Because of me.

Because of this dress.

Because of the way I’ve been toying with him.

Because he hates waiting for anything.

Especially me .

Jake groans. "Jesus Christ, Harper. Can you stop torturing him?"

I glance at him innocently. "Who, me?"

He snorts. "Yeah. You. The woman who just married the world’s most possessive man and is currently watching him become completely unhinged."

I grin. "I have no idea what you’re talking about."

Jake just shakes his head. "You’re a menace."

I glance over at Connor, expecting him to jump into the conversation.

But he’s not remotely paying attention.

His eyes are locked on one person.

Allie.

She’s currently drunk, barefoot, and standing on a chair, belting out the lyrics to “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” into Gram’s flask like it’s a damn microphone.

Jesus.

Connor looks wrecked.

"She’s trying to kill me," he mutters, gripping his drink like it’s the only thing keeping him upright.

I snort. "She’s just existing."

"Yeah," he mutters. "And I don’t like it."

I grin. "You’re in deep, Byrns."

He glares at me but doesn’t deny it.

Instead, he throws back his drink, looking miserable.

Too bad for him—Gram sees it.

Her eyes narrow on him, laser-focused.

I groan.

Because if Gram sees it?

She’s about to make it everyone’s problem.

She grabs the microphone, still sipping from her flask, and the whole room goes silent except for drunken Allie.

"Alright, everyone, shut the hell up!" she hollers.

Complete and utter silence.

Even Allie stops singing.

Daltyn sighs. "This is gonna be bad."

I hum in agreement, still sipping my champagne.

Gram grins. "As we all know, my grandson, Ford, married the love of his life.” She points to me. “Harper.”

She pauses for dramatic effect.

“Which means…” she shoots a wink at Ford. "The world’s most possessive caveman now has legal rights to carry her off whenever the hell he wants."

The entire room erupts in laughter.

All except Ford.

He cracks his knuckles, his eyes feral.

I know exactly what’s coming next.

I smirk, crossing my leg, revealing my bare thigh.

Just to push him a little further.

He snaps.

He doesn’t wait for speeches. He doesn’t wait for the cake. He doesn’t wait for shit.

He stalks across the room, grabs my wrist, and hauls me up.

I gasp, laughing. "Ford! We still have?—"

"Don’t care," he growls. "We’re leaving."

"But—"

I barely get the word out before he throws me over his shoulder.

The crowd goes wild.

"Hell yeah!" Gram cheers, holding up her flask.

Connor groans, his morose eyes on Allie. "Can’t believe this is my life.”

Allie, still standing on the chair, resumes singing.

And Connor is still staring at her like she’s the only person in the room.

He’s so gone for her.

And she has no fucking idea.

The room rushes by in a blur as my caveman carries me over his shoulder.

I close my eyes, a smile lighting up my face.

It’s time to enjoy time with my husband.