Wedded to a Wayne: A Finn World Holiday Romance

by R. G. Alexander

  “We have a big shower, baby. We’ll make room.”

  And there are a lot of creative ways to take her in a chair. I’ll show her as soon as I have a minute to recover.

  Maybe two.

  Chapter Seven

  Tanisha

  “So, she’s amazing.”

  I hide my smile as I exit the kitchen, leaving Hugo and Robert to corner Emerson after dinner.

  Hugo likes me.

  I brought my biryani dish as a side, at Lang’s request. Apparently, it’s a hit with the entire Wayne family, as well as their significant others.

  I’m walking back toward the main dining room to gather up more of the dirty dishes when I find an obstacle in my path. A giant, handsome, Samoan obstacle.

  “Is our babysitter still in New Zealand?” Royal asks, glancing down at his phone. “Because I really want to tease him for missing this meal just so he can search for Lord of the Rings memorabilia with Elliot, but I’m not sure if he’s up or not.”

  “I think he’s in the air. Unless he changed his reservations, he’ll be back tomorrow morning.”

  I see a hint of disappointment in Royal’s eyes and know exactly how he feels. With JD joining his friend Fiona at the Finn dinner, and Joey unable to get an earlier flight due to a weather delay, we’re the only familiar faces at the Wayne holiday gathering.

  “But I heard we’ll have visitors for Christmas, right?”

  With that, his ever-present twinkle returns. “That’s right. Personally, I can’t wait. I’ll need to record JD having an anxiety attack when he finds out Stewart and Manwich are showing up, too. For posterity.”

  “You’re so mean to him.” To be fair, that news makes me nervous. If only because of how often Stewart’s brothers tease him in public about…private, embarrassing things that I shouldn’t know about. That’s what I get for reading his book on wilderness survival. “I can’t wait.”

  What I really can’t wait for is Joey’s return. Not only does the situation with Jae need to be handled, but I have so much to tell him about, well…

  Dot Dot Dot?

  So many dots.

  “Tanisha, you look flushed, dear. You should sit down.” Cassandra Wayne, my new mother-in-law, wears a smile tempered with concern. I know that look. It’s a natural reaction most people have until they get to know me better and realize I’m not as limited as I seem.

  I think it has to do with our dinner conversation. Lang brought up my prosthesis. Not specifically, he’d been discussing servos and microprocessors and shocking all his aunts and uncles, other than Shelley, with his technobabble. But it was referenced.

  She’d been nodding along with him and putting her pink braids up in a bun when she caught me staring. “Smart means curious with a tendency to overshare in this family. Should I change the subject?”

  “I’ll change it,” Emerson said beside me, and I placed my hand over his.

  “No, it’s fine. I’m impressed at how much he already knows about it.”

  Seriously, it’s like he memorized the owner’s manual. He knows more about it than I do.

  And I’m proud of him, even if I did get a few familiar looks I was hoping to avoid during my first holiday with my in-laws.

  “I’m fine, Mrs. Wayne,” I tell her kindly. “I ate more of that dessert than I should have, so I was trying to walk it off. Everything was delicious. And I loved listening to what everyone was thankful for.”

  Royal puts his arm around me and gives a supportive squeeze. “We’ve been thankful for her for years. With one magic leg, this girl’s been running circles around Joey since they were twelve. Of course, we didn’t know she was also running his company. Silently.”

  “We’re partners. And I was only silent until recently. Anyway, Matilda knew.”

  “My mother knew?” He acts scandalized. “I feel so betrayed right now. I literally can’t even.”

  “Aww, poor baby.” Austen puts her hand on the rounded curve of her stomach and smiles like the Madonna at her husband. “You’ll get over it.”

  “I don’t think I will,” he argues. “And now she’s got a computer for a leg and all I have are years of lies.”

  “You’re still such a ham.” I love that about him.

  “Twelve?” Langston asks beside me, his hand curling into mine, as if offering comfort. “You lost your leg when you were my age?”

  I hadn’t realized he’d joined the conversation. I swallow a resigned sigh.

  “I was eleven when I lost it. Royal and Joey didn’t meet me until I was twelve.”

  They’re staring now. Waiting. I can feel it.

  It’s human nature. They can’t help but wonder. Can’t not think about it. Not once it’s out there. I make the story as quick and emotionless as possible. “It was a car accident. I was in the very back, where I couldn’t buckle in.” I look down at Langston and wink. “Which is why I’m really strict about seatbelts, so thank you in advance for not being stubborn about it.”

  “I won’t be stubborn.”

  I squeeze his hand affectionately before letting it go. “I know you won’t.”

  The mood is different now. It’s a shame, because it felt like things were going so well. At least the food I brought was a hit. “I think I’m going to pop out for some fresh air. Excuse me for a minute?”

  I don’t wait, turning toward the door and grabbing my jacket off the hook before stepping onto the chilly porch.

  It’s snowing again. Just a little, but I’ve been told there’s more where that came from.

  I’ve lived on the West Coast all my life, so snow is rare unless you’re in the mountains. But it happens here every year.

  I adore it.

  I step away from the overhang and put my hood up, ambling slowly toward the garage. There’s an apartment above it that Emerson said he lived in for a while, but I can’t rationalize taking stairs that steep in this weather just to imagine him inside.

  God, I hate being awkward, but I don’t like talking about the “How I lost my leg” incident either. It was so many years ago, I never think about it unless someone asks me what happened. At least I try not to, because there’s no point in dwelling on things you can’t change.

  I can’t imagine driving through a storm without making sure Lang and Barry were secure and okay.

  Your brothers were okay.

  Niraj was in a car seat with Arush buckled in beside him, watching a video and ignoring his irritating sister. I was smaller and we didn’t have that far to go, so I got put in the rear hatch with the spare tire, jumper cables and some luggage in case one of us needed a quick change. My mother always prepared for a mess.

  I made it fun. I hung from the cargo netting, made a castle fort and used my sock as a puppet to make dirty faces at Arush behind his back. I was fine. I didn’t want to watch that stupid show anyway.

  They said it happened fast. A truck swerved and spun out behind us, shearing the tail end of the car away like it was made of butter, along with a large chunk of my leg. Too much, as it turned out. Thankfully, I don’t remember any of it after my mother screamed. Not until I woke up after the surgery.

  Which is not the kind of conversation you want to have at Thanksgiving. I feel like I’ve failed my first holiday test as a married woman.

  I was really looking forward to tonight. They called it the pre-Christmas prep dinner instead of Thanksgiving. After we cleaned up, the Waynes would be voting on group photography themes, drawing names for Secret Santa gifts, and deciding how to convince the mostly male Finn family to go caroling. Cassandra really wanted to make that happen.

  It was exciting to be part of the crazy for once, instead of watching it play out on a television show or listening to gossip via FaceTime.

  I roll my eyes and tuck my cold hands into my pockets. This is what happens when I’m disconnected from my best friend for more than a week. I get all emo.

  Joey, and now Emerson, were the only people who accept me, embrace me exactly as I am. They
’re the ones who challenge instead of pity me. I’ve never felt less than in their eyes.

  Emerson.

  After the last four days with him, I barely recognize myself. I feel so disorganized and out of step. I’m thankful for the great team I’ve put in place in the new office, because it’s been impossible for me to concentrate on anything but the next time I can be alone with my husband.

  My only comfort is that I’m not alone in my new obsession. Emerson is always impatient for me. Tireless. Inventive. And the things he says to me, does to me…

  I had no idea that kind of intimacy existed. Even when we’re not behind closed doors, I feel him watching and waiting. Dinners have become one long marathon of foreplay and sensual torture.

  I feel sexy.

  I’m cute. When I have the right clothes on and my hair is in place, I’ve been called adorable, and most people under the age of ten believe I’m a princess. I even have a tiara collection. But when Emerson looks at me, I’m pure temptation. The only woman he desires.

  It’s addictive.

  It’s given me hope that this marriage has a chance beyond the imminent court case and my family’s visit, which I just found out yesterday is happening a week from now.

  My parents want to meet my new family. I’ve already made hotel reservations, and Emerson promised to be at his old-fashioned impressive best, even though I know he still has an issue with their treatment of me.

  I like that he’ll do it for me. That he understands why my family is important.

  I’m afraid to jinx it, but I’m almost sure I’ve fallen in love with him.

  It’s too soon. We’re supposed to take it slow. I had a rough draft of a schedule that projected where our marriage would be in a year. In two. But that flew out the window almost as soon as I moved in.

  I already love the boys. I’m already attached. Emerson has already seen me naked. On multiple occasions.

  So many occasions.

  I need to stop thinking about that.

  “Tani? Are you coming back in?” Austen is bundled up in a warm jacket and walking toward me carefully.

  “You shouldn’t be out here.”

  Her smile is stunning. “Neither should you. Look at us. We’re rebels. Risking icy driveways to damn the man. Or overprotective men, in this case.”

  I snort as she comes closer and slips her arm through mine. “I hear you’re responsible for my West Coast sales boom. I was wondering why all those orders stopped coming in. Now I know you moved closer to the source.”

  “Your skin cream is my one true addiction,” I tell her honestly.

  “I could listen to that all night. I’m sorry if things got weird in there.”

  “That was me. Everyone else is fine.”

  Austen nudges me. “You’re fine, too. I’m very impressed with my brother right now. And it’s obvious he and the kids are both nuts about you.”

  Is it obvious? And what would she think of me if she knew how I proposed?

  “A little birdie also told me you’ve been dreaming of Paris. You know Royal took me there right after we first met? A hot minute before he proposed and we came back to a double wedding with our friends, Brendan and Miller. It was wonderful, and Brady Finn has a place there he says I can stay at whenever I want. So, if you ever want to take a sister-in-law week and go shopping—”

  In the crisp night air, the sound of a car door slamming is loud enough to startle us and stop our conversation. We turn to see someone stalking up the crowded drive.

  Her pictures really don’t do her justice.

  Rowena Wayne is moving toward us like some avenging angel through the snow, and at first, all I can think is, it’s my first Thanksgiving with the Waynes.

  “What in the name of Jane is she doing here?” Austen mutters.

  “No idea.”

  I really wish this wasn’t happening tonight. I’m out of my element and that makes me vulnerable. I knew I’d have to confront her eventually, and I discovered enough about her from my research to know she’s a woman used to getting her way. But tonight of all nights?

  “Hello, Rowena. Happy Thanksgiving.”

  She stops a few feet from us, momentarily startled by my greeting, before pushing back her white-fur hood dramatically. “I’m surprised you admit to knowing who I am. Ignorance would have been an excuse for why you didn’t introduce yourself before plotting to steal my life out from under me.”

  “Really? That’s what you’re starting with?” Austen challenges. “Were you at drama class for the last six months? Is that why you dropped off your kids and disappeared?”

  But Rowena has a point. She’s the boys’ mother. I should have asked to meet her or sent her an email for that reason alone.

  “The court case complicated the situation,” I say instead. “But I’m sorry. I do wish we’d met under better circumstances.”

  Austen looks at me in surprise, but Rowena sneers attractively.

  Even her sneers are attractive.

  “How did he luck into snagging such a little submissive to play his obedient wife? And one with all that money in the bank. Emerson thinks he’s so clever. I’ll admit, you’re the whole package. You’re rich, you work with children, you’d get the judge’s sympathy vote for being disabled. He’s really trying to make me look bad.”

  She stares pointedly at the prosthesis hidden by my skirt and then I’m holding the pregnant Austen back with both hands. “Say it again and I’ll get you a sympathy vote.”

  “Austen? Go inside and let Emerson know we have company?” I ask her, pleading with my eyes. I’d never forgive myself if Royal’s pregnant wife landed on her butt in the snow because she threw down with an Amazon while defending me.

  “Fine. But I’ll be back.”

  “Yes, Austen. Go get my husband,” Rowena taunts. “But take your time. Ms. Chahal and I have things to discuss.”

  “I’d prefer it if you called me Mrs. Wayne, thank you. But if you want to discuss the custody hearing, I’m afraid you’ll have to speak to our lawyers.”

  She waves a gloved hand in my direction as if swatting a bug. “Do you know the first time I spent Thanksgiving with Foster and Cassandra Wayne, I thought I’d died and gone to happy family heaven? My mother was too busy at the bar drinking herself to an early grave, so I ate this up with a spoon.” She made a face. “It is like ice cream though, isn’t it? This family? Too much and it can make you sick to your stomach. It doesn’t even come in other flavors. Just vanilla day after day, week after week.”

  I’d started feeling sorry for her, but now she’s insulting this family. My family. “If you wanted to see the boys for Thanksgiving, you just had to call. I’m sure Emerson would have made it happen.”

  “Because he cares so much about my feelings? Or yours? Does he have you fooled?” She crosses her arms, shivering now. “That man doesn’t care about anything but his family. Believe me, I was married to him for years and he never once told me he loved me. If you’re waiting on that, you’ll be disappointed. I know I was.”

  The barb hits, but I take it on the chin. “If you want to see the boys—”

  “I wanted to talk to Emerson and get a look at you,” she interrupts. “My lawyer says you complicated things, so I thought I’d see how serious you were about going through with this.”

  Tonight? When she knew everyone would be gathered together? “I think it’s safe to say my husband and I are very serious about the children. But you know that. Rowena, did you want to come in and see them?”

  She grimaces. “God no. I’ve got a man who says he loves me now. He took me to Europe and spoils me rotten. Now he wants to go home to his estate in Arizona and marry me. His estate. We’ll see how long it takes for the glitter to wear off, but right now I’m doing fine without the almighty Waynes. The only thing we’re waiting on are my kids. He wants to bring them along for the ride.”

  He wants?

  She doesn’t sound too happy about it. And I’m surprised my glare i
sn’t lighting her on fire right now. “The kids should stay here where they belong. If your fiancé wants children, why don’t you have some with him instead of breaking up this family?”

  She takes a step toward me. “Oh, don’t get judgmental on me, Mrs. Wayne. I’m having a pleasant conversation with you instead of ripping your eyes out. You think I’m not maternal enough? You aren’t the one who got fat and sick and couldn’t wear any of your clothes for nine months. Twice. Which is why I made sure I wouldn’t get pregnant again years ago. Nothing is worth going through that again. But I did, so they’re mine.”

  I’m incredulous. And pissed. That’s the word. I’m definitely pissed. Does she know what I would give to—

  No. This isn’t about me. “You shouldn’t be telling me this without your attorney present, Rowena. You shouldn’t be telling me this at all.”

  “Fine. I’ll wait for Emerson, and maybe I will say hello to the boys before I go.”

  “After what you just said?” I step forward, and now she is literally towering over me. Not that I care. “You tell me you’re hurting your children, hurting your ex-husband, and wasting the court’s time, all to pacify a man who wants to play at being a dad? You need to leave. You’ll get near those boys tonight over my dead body.”

  “Not that submissive then.” A gleam enters Rowena’s eyes “You’d almost think you were playing at being someone’s mommy. None of what’s inside that house will ever belong to you. They are an island unto themselves and they will drop you in a heartbeat if you step out of line. Not that I couldn’t get it back if I still wanted it. Between you and me? There’s no contest.”

  My research wasn’t missing anything about Rowena. “I know part of you regrets what you’ve done. You have to. You left your children. You did that. And now you want to take them from their father and grandparents and the only home they’ve ever known. You want to uproot them from their school and friends on the whim of a man that the glitter might wear off of. Because it will hurt the almighty Waynes? Did you know that since you called, Barry’s been a wreck about having to leave? Lang tries to be strong for his brother, but he’s decorating for Christmas like it might be his last. Do you care what this is doing to them? Are you so selfish that you can’t do what’s right for your children instead of yourself?”