Page 58 of The Wrong Husband (The Davenports #6)
I’m guessing it’s because Arthur’s worried he’s going to run out of grandsons to marry off after Brody. Bet he’s charming them by providing them a family-like atmosphere away from home, so he also has the chance to manipulate them into getting married before too long.
The other reason is because they come from business families whose contacts could prove beneficial to growing the Davenports’ influence. Perhaps, the latter more than the former. And no, I’m not being petty when I say that.
“Congratulations.” James hugs Phe.
He glares at me over her shoulder.
“You take care of her, or you’ll have me to contend with.”
"I don’t need you telling me how to take care of my wife. I suggest you watch out for yourself."
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 nods in 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.
"Instead of worrying about me, why not worry about your own relationship.”
"Connor"—Phe nudges me, her eyes wide with surprise—"don’t be rude."
I blow out a breath. She’s right, of course. "Sorry about that," I say stiffly to Arthur.
He chuckles. "Getting married is already making you a better man. Which is why"—he turns his attention to Brody, who’s busy on his phone—"it’s my hope that my last single grandson will also be married before the year is out."
"Sure, Gramps." Brody raises a shoulder. “If that’s what you want."
Arthur seems taken aback. "You’re open to getting married?"
"You won’t rest easy until the lot of us have settled down.
And you certainly won’t let me access my trust fund or confirm my position as CEO unless I do.
So, I figure, why resist?" He turns a bland gaze on Arthur.
"I plan to save us all time and step up to the altar as soon as I find someone who fits my specifications.”
I exchange glances with Nathan.
Brody is determined to pursue his ill-conceived course of action. I don't imagine anyone can talk him out of it. Stubborn bastard . He thinks he's immune to love, despite watching us fall for our soul mates.
Arthur’s face, which had been wan, is now flushed with color. His eyes gleam. Whereas, he’s been sitting back, seemingly listless, he’s fairly bouncing in his seat with excitement now.
If this was Brody’s intention, he’s achieved it. Arthur definitely looks like he’s been given a new lease of life.
Imelda spots it, too. She leans over and tucks the blanket around his knees. This, despite the fact it’s the height of summer in August, but Arthur doesn’t protest.
"You worry too much, old girl." He squeezes her arm. "What I needed to get a fresh infusion of energy was this new project."
"He means you," I mutter in Brody’s direction.
"I’m aware." He merely gives me a mild look.
"Dodged that bullet." James pretends to mop his brow.
Famous last words. But I don’t say that aloud. I have enough drama of my own to sort through. Starting with why my wife seems so tense at the thought of speaking to her parents. As if my thought conjured them, a voice calls out from the doorway.
"Phoenix?"