Mason's Winter

“I’m not sure yet. I’m going out of the country next month for about two months and won’t be back until the middle of March. If the business is still hanging on, I’ll check it out. And I’m good at ignoring women like Ms. Grable.” Come to think about it, he’s just as bad as the rest of us when it comes to staying away from women.

“Are you all available for New Year’s Day?” my mom interrupts.

“We don’t have any plans.”

“Goodie. Mason and Winter are getting married here at the house, so we expect you to be here.” I stare at her like she’s crazy, but she waves me off. “What Mason, it’s only a week away. You need to invite people before it’s too late.”

“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Mrs. Hunt,” James adds.

“Same here, Mrs. H,” Rob chimes in.

“We’d love to have you all there,” Winter adds.

My mom pats Harry’s knee then stands and addresses us, “Great, now if you’ll excuse us ladies. We have to talk dresses.” She leads Winter and Rebecca out of the room.

“Wow, your mom is one tough woman,” James says, blowing out a harsh breath.

“That she is. That she is,” I mutter, chuckling to myself.

Chapter 17

Mason

We just returned from a quick honeymoon on Isla Nubia when we got a call from the Will County sheriff’s department wanting us to come in for an interview regarding the attack on James and his sister.

“I’m not looking forward to this.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I know this is fucking hard, but I’m not leaving your side.” Of all the damn people, her own mother was more ruthless than even the Grables. They were just petty and Carissa Grable jealous. It takes a lot more than that to put out a hit on your only child.

“I know. I know, but do you ever worry that I’d be like her?”

“God, no. Do you? Would you ever hurt our babies?”

“Never. That’s a horrible thing to even think.”

“Look, remember when I finally told you about my father. What did you say?”

“First, it was your mother who let it slip that he was an adulterous bastard. And I told you that I’m nothing like my mother, so I know you don’t have to be like him.”

“Sure, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, but I’ve come from my mom too, and you are part of your dad.”

“Stop making so much sense.”

“That’s what I’m here for. I don’t like seeing you sad. It pisses me off and makes me want to knock someone out.”

“Chill Rocky. This is going to be a somber day for me, and we’re going to a police station. I can’t have you locked up for popping a cop in the mouth.”

“I’ll behave. Maybe hit the home gym afterward, or maybe I’ll take you hard and fast as soon as we get home.”

“Damn you, starting something you can’t finish. Let’s go in, big meanie.” She swats my arm and walks ahead of me, swinging the door open. She halts, freezing in her spot. “What the fuck are you doing here?” I get in and see both Grables standing there, talking to a man in a suit. When he turns, I remember he’s the detective we spoke to previously. He steps up to us and shakes our hands.

“Hello, Mrs. Hunt. I’m so glad you could make it. We hope we didn’t ruin your honeymoon,” he remarks, rubbing in our marriage to them.

“Thank you, but we returned the night before,” I say, relishing the scowl growing on her face.

“You two are married?” she shrieks.

“Yes, despite your lies,” Winter adds with a smirk.

Ms. Grable throws her hands up in the air then points her finger at her. “Goodness, I hate you. Your mother is ruining our good name, and you are just as trampy as her. You better watch out Mason, or you’ll end up one of her victims too.”

I lose my shit because no one talks to my wife like that. I slide Winter slightly behind me and warn Ms. Grable, “You better watch what you say about my wife, or I’ll just warn off my friends in the industry.”

She throws her hands up in the air, screeching about the stupid company, and storms out of the station.

Winter’s former step-father comes closer, takes a deep breath, and speaks, “Sorry about her. About all of this, Winter. I really wanted to care for you, but between your mother and Carissa, I just couldn’t get over the tension. Congratulations on the marriage. I’ve learned a great deal in the past week, and I’m truly sorry.” He walks by us without another word.

“Wow,” the detective mutters.

“Yeah, we were a dysfunctional family. Our story could be a soap opera. Can we just get this over with?” Winter asks, holding onto my hand a little tighter.