Maximum Commitment (Sin City #13) - Tricia Owens Page 0,35

you, too?”

Realizing his error, Max smiled gently at her. “Of course. I didn’t mean to leave you with the impression that we don’t care.” He rested his hand over Ethan’s, though only briefly. He was aware they were in a conservative area and didn’t want to draw any negative attention to the Winters. “We care very much about formalizing our union in front of our families. I only meant that the two of us aren’t concerned with the details, and that our primary concern is that you and my parents find enjoyment from the ceremony. That means a great deal to us.”

“Just seeing Ethan at the altar with someone who loves him...” Mrs. Winter trailed off, her eyes shiny. “That’s all Dale and I want in the end. The rest is just for the neighbors, I guess.”

“Oh, come on, Mom. Admit you’ve been having fun figuring out the decorations and choosing the cake.” Ethan grinned at his mother. “I give you permission to live vicariously through me, though I draw the line at choosing a garter. That’s for Max’s eyes only.”

“Ethan!”

“You don’t draw the line at the dress?” his father asked, eyebrows raised. He once again sent an exaggerated wink at Max, as though the two of them were on the same team. Max hid his amusement behind his napkin.

“I’m ignoring everything you just said, Ethan, except for the part about the planning.” Mrs. Winter shook her head in exasperation. “Marcela and I are taking our duties very seriously, you should know. You may say you don’t care, but you will care when you have to look at photos of your special day for the rest of your lives. It’s important, Ethan. I need to get this right for you.”

“Mom, I get it, and I love you for caring so much. But trust me on this—and I speak for Max, too—we will be thrilled with absolutely anything that happens. Whether we end up having KFC in the park, or we’re all dolled up in a fancy hall drinking cider and Budweiser. The last thing we want is for any of you to become stressed about it. That’s why we stopped by. To make sure you’re having fun and not getting worked up needlessly.”

“Well, it has been a little challenging,” she admitted before sending an apologetic look at Max. “Your mother and I don’t get to connect nearly as often as we’d like. The time zones make it hard and well...we have slightly different opinions on some things.”

Max didn’t doubt it. His mother was a dominating force when it came to household affairs such as decorating and entertaining. During many of the social events held at their homes, Max had felt as though he were an interloper who dare not make a mess. His mother knew exactly what she wanted and made sure she got it. Stacked up against Jeannie—Max felt nothing but sympathy for Ethan’s mother. Presenting her own opinions must feel like arguing with the Queen.

“Just remember,” he told her, “you’re an equal partner in this project, so your opinions are as valid as hers. I want this wedding to reflect you as much as it does her, otherwise it won’t be a true merging of our families.”

“That’s a nice way to put it,” she said with a squeeze to his forearm. “You’re so eloquent, Maxmillian. Thank you.”

“Max can talk the pants off of anyone.” Ethan blinked, seeming to realize what he’d just inferred. “Actually, I’m not taking that back because it’s pretty much true.” With a laugh, he shrugged and reached for his soda.

“I was hoping some of Max’s eloquence would rub off on you, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. I’m disappointed in you, Ethan.”

“Don’t worry, Mom,” Ethan said with a glint in his eyes that he shared with Max, “if I were more like Max, he wouldn’t be interested in me. He says I’m perfect just the way I am.”

“That’s right,” Mr. Winter said approvingly. “That’s how true love is formed.”

The comment managed to bring a blush to Ethan’s cheeks. Even Max felt slightly warmer at the romantic declaration, though he couldn’t refute it.

“Your son is indeed perfect,” he murmured, much to Ethan’s further embarrassment and his parents’ delight. “No matter how this wedding turns out, nothing will change that fact. So please, Jeannie, you have nothing at all to worry about. I promise you.”

“It’s just, you’re such a good man...” She fumbled for her napkin and pressed it to the corner of her