Page 115 of Wedlocked

“She’s at the spa with the girls.” I clarified.

Gram laughed and swatted Kruger. “You do have a way with words.”

Kruger glanced at his watch. “They should be done soon. I know she’s anxious to show you her dress.”

That meant he was anxious to put his eyes on his wife.

“Oh, well, I am equally as anxious to see it,” Gram said. “I just need to get my bags from baggage claim. I tried to pack light, but how could I when there’s a wedding to attend?”

“I’ll carry your suitcases for you, Gram. All twelve of them,” I teased, holding out my elbow for her.

“Don’t you worry about a thing, Gram. We’re at your service,” Kruger said, already hefting her carry-on onto his shoulder. “We’re just glad you could make it on such short notice.”

“Posh!” she said. “I would never miss your wedding. You’re family.”

I don’t know why, but my eyes slid to Arsen when she said that. As though I almost thought he’d be mad.

He was smiling. “How was your fight, Teresa? How about I get you a coffee while we wait for your bags?”

“That would be lovely.”

“Decaf vanilla latte with skim milk, right?” he asked.

“Oh, you remember,” she said.

“I’ve got it stored permanently,” he replied, tapping on the side of his head. His onyx hair was a little disheveled from wearing a hat all morning on the mountain, but that just gave him an effortless appeal.

And yes, Gram drank decaf.

“Decaf.” Kruger scoffed as we started walking toward baggage claim. “That’s like having sex without an orgasm.”

My mouth dropped open. I might have been operating on a half-functioning brain, but that certainly got in.

Arsen and Gram laughed, Kruger grinned like he got away with murder, and I shook my head. Who made sex jokes to theirgram? Not me.Ew.

“You’ll understand when you’re my age,” was all she said.

A familiar hand slid over my lower back, settling confidently. Arsen’s side brushed against mine as he leaned in. “How about a mocha, princess?”

I glanced at him, my heart squeezing a little. Something must have slipped through in my gaze because concern flashed on his face, then softened.

“Extra whip. Fully caffeinated.”

“Bear,” I murmured.

He leaned in and kissed the side of my head, lingering there for long moments even though we were walking.

“I’ll be right back, baby,” he whispered before pulling away. “You want anything, Kruger?” he asked.

“I’m good, bro.”

“Meet you guys at baggage claim,” he said, giving me one last look before disappearing into the crowd toward the nearest coffee place.

The urge to call him back was strong, so much so that my lips parted, but Gram interrupted. “How has vacation been so far, honey?”

“Eventful,” I answered, eyes going back to where I last saw Arsen, but he was already gone. An empty feeling howled through my middle, but it was much different than the vacant one I mentioned before.

This one was painful and aware, offering a minuscule glimpse of what it would be like if he walked away for good.