Page 22 of If You Claim Me

“Mm... I’m doubtful that will happen.” I roll my shoulders back. “Shall we get this over with?”

“The sooner the better.”

I cover her hand with mine as we enter the living room. In part to keep her from bolting, but also to ground me.

“Did I miss the sad beige children memo?” Mildred runs a hand over her hip as she looks around.

I nearly choke on a laugh.

“We’re a little ostentatious for this crowd, Connor.”

“We’re supposed to be the center of attention, darling.”

“Well, mission accomplished, I guess.”

“Meems is on our team, too, though.” I nod in her direction.

She stands out among my family in her bright teal, floor-length, sequined gown. The rest of the men wear black suits and their partners pale, neutral-tone dresses.

A lovely, authentic smile curves the corner of Mildred’s pretty mouth. “God, I love her so much.”

“That’s how I locked you into this with me,” I murmur.

Mildred’s devastation matched my own at the possibility that Meems’s life might be cut short. I should feel remorse for using that against her, but I don’t. Mildred exudes the same warmth and light as Meems, and making her my fiancée gives me more opportunities to be close to her. I’m hopeful more time with Meems will make up for the nightmare that is being married to me.

Meems swats my brother-in-law’s hand away when he tries to help her out of the high-backed white chair. “I’m old, not made of glass.”

Mildred releases my arm and steps away from me. I instantly want to draw her back to my side.

But Meems is already pulling her in for a hug—and not thekind my family is so fond of, barely making physical contact, air-kissing each other’s cheeks. No, Meems wraps her thin arms around Mildred and squeezes her tightly while Mildred carefully folds her in, like she’s precious. I swallow the discomfort that comes from watching people share genuine affection.

Meems whispers something to Mildred that makes her toss her head back and laugh. It’s carefree, and pretty, and loud, drawing the attention of the hyenas.

I move in again, wanting to protect my future bride as my brothers-in-law’s judging gazes lock on Mildred. My sisters, Portia and Isabelle, stand on either side of their husbands, wearing matching curious expressions. I’ve never introduced them to a girlfriend, so the fact that I suddenly have a fiancée has raised some questions. But they’re easy enough to explain away since I always have been and always will be the outsider.

“You’re just so beautiful.” Meems holds both of Mildred’s hands in hers and turns to me, her approval clear in her smile. “You picked the most perfect dress for Dred.”

“You picked this dress?” Mildred asks.

“Meems had the final say,” I explain.

“He took me shopping earlier in the week,” she adds.

“Well, aren’t you the sweetest,” Mildred says, her earlier sarcasm missing in her tone.

“You two are adorable.” Meems is beaming.

My youngest sister is the first to break rank from the family huddle. Isabelle approaches, wearing a nervous smile. She is the epitome of the perfect daughter. She married Julian, the son of one of my father’s business associates. Julian works for my father and enjoys all the perks of marrying into a family with billions of dollars, including my trophy-wife sister who never disappoints my parents.

I accept Isabelle’s air kisses as she places a hand on my shoulder and whispers, “Mother will be displeased with your suit choice.”

“I’m sure she’ll believe I picked it just to be difficult.” Ipicked it so I would match my bride-to-be and Meems, since we’re our own little team. “Where are our parents, anyway?”

“They had to take a call. They’ll be back soon, I’m sure. Are you trying to be difficult?”

“When am I not?”

She rolls her eyes to the ceiling and taps her chin. “I’m trying to recall a moment, but having difficulty,” she rebuts.