Page 203 of Mountain Grump

Because her mother, this vile human in front of me, used to buy her shoes that were too small. On purpose.

This creature used to force my perfect fucking Starlight to wear dresses that were too small. On fucking purpose.

This biological sack of shit let my wife’s cousin threaten her life overmoney.

I inhale the rage.

“You do not get to call her that.” My voice comes out so low it’s almost a whisper. “You don’t get to call her anything. You are so fucking far from deserving the title of mother… You’re not even in the same species.” I think about my mom. I think about the love she would havepouredover Tilda. And I think about the way Tilda felt in my arms just this morning. “If my wife decides she wants you in her life, that’s her choice. But until she does, you will not step foot on this property ever again. You will not contact her. You will not so much as think her fucking name.” I exhale the anger. “I won’t ever be violent toward a woman. No matter how much you might deserve it.” I slowly turn my head until I’m looking Ralph in the eye. “But I will hurt a man.”

I see fury reflected back in his gaze.

But it’s a selfish fury.

One of greed and jealousy.

A fury that can never match the heat of my own.

Because mine isn’t for me. It’s forher.

Chapter 110

Tilda

Tears blurmy vision as I yank open the front door.

My aunt lets out a shriek of surprise as the whole group turns to face me.

But I don’t look at them.

I look at Ethan.

At his handsome face and the protection shining in his eyes.

Never. Never ever have I felt this much gratitude toward someone.

But I feel it now.

I hold my hand out. “Come here, Husband.”

Ethan doesn’t hesitate. He strides forward, shouldering through my family.

Looking exactly like my avenging angel.

His hand closes around mine, and the calm I haven’t felt since he left this morning returns in a wave.

Behind him, my family reanimates, realizing I’ve been home this whole time.

“What the fuck—” Ralph’s curse turns into a shout as Quackers flies up from beneath her bush.

He tries to swat her down, but he’s not Ethan. And Quackers isn’t messing around this time.

Loud, angry quacks fill the air, and everyone finally rushes toward the vehicles.

Still holding Ethan’s hand, I step onto the top step so I can watch the mayhem.

Quackers dive-bombs Ralph, and I think I see a chunk of hair in her mouth when she flaps back up, out of his reach.

He screams something at me, but it’s jumbled.