Page 134 of The Wrong Husband

James frowns. "What do you mean?”

I nod in Arthur’s direction. "The old goat loves having projects to work on. If you’re not careful, you’re going to find yourself next on the list to get married off."

James snorts. "He can try, but I’m good at avoiding such machinations." He looks from me to his sister, then back at me."Unlike you, apparently. But since it’s my sister you married, I’d say Gramps is onto something. Of course, Phe is too good for you, but since I know you to be an honorable man, I’m confident you’ll do everything in your power to keep her happy. If not—" He doesn’t complete the sentence.

"Her happiness is my priority. She’ll never want for anything. I’ll do everything in my power to ensure she’s taken care of."

James’ shoulders seem to relax. A smile curves his lips.

“I’m tempted not to forgive you yet for intruding in my life, but given I wouldn’t have met my husband otherwise… I suppose, I should give you the benefit of doubt.” She sniffs.

He grins at her with relief and kisses her temple. “Thanks, Sis. You know the family and I only have your best interests at heart.”

"Speaking of.” She steps back from his embrace. “Did you tell…”

James must guess who she’s referring to, for he nods. "They’re our parents; I had to inform them."

Phe stiffens, then seems to force herself to relax.

I hold her close. "You okay?"

She nods. "I’m good.” Her smile is too bright.

Clearly, she’s lying. Why is she so tense at the mention of her parents?

She nods at James. “It’s only right that you told our parents. Saves me the need to do so."

Just then, Arthur beckons us over. Best to get this over with. I let Imelda lead us to Arthur, with James trailing behind.

She takes her seat in the chair that's next to Arthur’s.

Arthur holds out his hand to Phe, and she takes it.

"I’m glad you’re feeling better, Grandad."

His faces softens. "I can see why Connor wanted to elope and seal the deal. He finally showed some good sense." He nodsin my direction. "Best to put your ring on her finger before someone else beat you to it."

Phe stiffens. The tension rippling off her turns the air sharp. I track the strain tightening her jaw, the way her shoulders lock—and I know whatever Arthur said has rattled her. The idea that she’s still thinking about Drew? That the ghost of that man might still hold any part of her? It burns through me like acid.

He may have asked to marry her, but she didn’t say yes. She didn’t belong to him.

She belongs to me.

And if she hasn’t realized that yet, if she still holds onto memories of him, then I haven’t gone far enough.

Not yet.

But I will.

I’ll make damn sure there’s no room left in her for anyone but me.

I shift closer, put my arm around her, and pull her into my side. She resists for a few seconds, then melts into my side. Her muscles relax.

Arthur lets go of her hand and looks at us with sharp eyes which haven’t missed a thing.

Phe raises her hand and places it on my chest. I cover it with my hand, unable to stop myself from rubbing her wedding ring. It feels good that the entire world knows now that she’s mine.

"You make sure you’re good to her." Arthur scowls at me.