Love Triangle Six Books of Torn Desire - Willow Winters Page 0,402

much hope, only to rip it away the following day.

“That’s around Molly’s due date.” I look at Wes, burying the memory, coming up with any reason why we can’t get married on that date. “She’s agreed to be my maid of honor. I can’t get married without her by my side.”

“I wouldn’t ask you to.” He faces his mother, an air of confidence about him. “There must be another date to choose from, something more convenient for all involved. Even if we have to get married somewhere more private, less sought-after.”

“Brooklyn begins her PhD program in September,” she shoots back. “I don’t see her finding time for all the fittings and pre-wedding requirements when she’s defending a thesis.” She shifts her cold eyes to mine. “Do you?”

I can’t help but feel her presence here is just a way to persuade me not to marry her son. I wish I had considered his family when I said yes. I should have expected Mrs. Bradford to fly in and take control of everything. From the few times I’ve visited with them, I quickly deduced she’s all about appearances. And her baby boy getting married? She’ll want to turn it into the social event of the year, even if it doesn’t occur in the south. Would I have answered Wes any differently if I had stopped to consider his mother? Yesterday, I would have said no, that I’m marrying him, not her. But now, I’m a mess. I can’t answer anything with absolute certainty.

“I’m sure I can find the time.” My voice lacks any conviction. I’ve already started stressing about how to balance my job and the requirements for my classes. Due to budget cuts and being short-staffed, I work over sixty hours a week. I have no idea how I’ll be able to find enough time in the day to give my cases the attention they need, prepare for my classes, and plan a wedding.

“You know you won’t have to work once you marry into this family, don’t you? Perhaps you should reconsider your plans for the fall semester. Or your current employment.” Mrs. Bradford pinches her lips. “Or both. That would solve the problem of rushing to get this wedding taken care of before you return to class.”

“I love what I do.” My response is pointed and sharp, particularly after Drew’s snide comment yesterday that I’m only marrying Wes because of his money. If I quit my job and pull out of next semester, he’ll think that’s the case. “I don’t care that it pays less in a year than what your family probably makes in a day. I didn’t agree to marry your son because he’s well-off. Hell, when he asked me to marry him, I was wearing a dress I got off a clearance rack at a discount clothing store.”

“And you looked stunning,” Wes chimes in, leaning toward me, his breath on my neck warming my skin.

I steal a glance at him, my heart expanding at how much this man has supported me since the beginning of our relationship. “I’d rather have a fulfilling career that allows me to support myself. Wes understands this.”

“Yes, but what about children?”

“Dear,” Mr. Bradford interrupts. He gives me a comforting smile before looking at his wife. “It’s admirable Miss Tanner plans to continue her education to better herself. They’re both young. It’s common for couples to have children later these days.” He returns his gaze to mine, his eyes practically identical to his son’s. For being in his early seventies, he’s a rather handsome man—a full head of gray hair, brilliant smile, and kind eyes. If Wes ages half as well as his father, I should count myself as lucky. But looks aren’t everything. “When the time is right, they’ll have kids.”

Seemingly nervous about the direction the conversation has taken, Wes attempts to steer us back on topic. “I’m sure we can come to an agreement. Perhaps something before the start of the fall semester but not so close to Molly’s due date?”

I fling my eyes to his. “Like, earlier this summer?”

He shrugs, trying to play peacemaker between his mother and me. I have a feeling he’ll spend the rest of his life doing that very thing.

“That’s not an adequate solution,” Mrs. Bradford says, much to my surprise, which is short-lived when she speaks again, revealing her reasons. “What about the pictures, and Molly’s…condition?”

“Condition?” I repeat, unsure I heard correctly. “You mean the fact that she’s pregnant and will be bringing a beautiful