Chapter 148

Almara’s Pov

The moon is a silver crescent high in the sky casting just enough light on my parents faces to accentuate the concern wedged in between their furrowed eyebrows. I lock my eyes onto theirs hoping they pick up on the utter exhaustion and save this conversation for later. Of course, they don’t.

“Why have you guys been so cold to Arthur? You’re acting like you don’t even know him.” I say and slightly regret the attitude in my voice. I’ve never been rude to my parents, but they barely know the half of what I’ve been through and my tolerance for inconveniences is at an all time low.

Maybe that’s the point. Lily says and tough I question what she means, I’m already beginning to understand. You have been through a lot. How would you feel if Grace went through all the stress and legal trouble you went through for a guy?

Whose side are you on? I shoot back, but hate to admit she might have a small point. But Arthur isn’t just some guy, he’s my husband. I know he would do the same for me.

“Well, sweetheart maybe it’s because your mother and I came to the realization that we don’t really know him.” My father says interrupting my internal thoughts.

“What do you mean?” I ask with a sigh, growing more and more tired of all this beating around the bush.

“We’ve only met him a couple of times and the last time was less than ideal.” This time it’s my mother who answers.

I shake my head, knowing she’s referring to the first wedding that went haywire. “But, he came after me. You guys know he loves me. Isn’t that enough?”

“Not always. We want to make sure he can keep you safe.” My father says.

“Safe? It was Arthur who was in danger not me. The only reason this whole mess happened is because he was coming to my rescue.” I say and immediately regret my words, realizing they don’t know the whole Noah incident.

My parents look at one another sharing in their confusion and concern. I wave it off. “All I’m saying is, being cold to him won’t make you know him any better. Try to remember you are guests here.” I say. My mother looks at me like she’s been wounded and I guess in some way she has.

I don’t mean to make my parents feel unwelcomed or that they aren’t family here, if they’re going to treat Arthur like that then why shouldn’t I either? Still, it hurts my heart to see my mom looks upset.

“I’m tired.” I say as an apology. “Can we start fresh in the morning? Then you’ll see how perfect Arthur and I are together.” My parents nod in agreement and I wrap my arms around each of them for a much needed hug. “I’ve missed you both.” I tell them, only after saying it realizing how true that is.

“We miss you too.” My father says, squeezing me back a bit tighter. We’ve only been outside for five minutes, but it feels as though the temperature has dropped significantly. A breeze rustles in the trees and my mother says we should get inside.

Once through the doors we’re greeted with a warmth that touches the heart. It’s good to be home. Though one look on my parents face, I can tell it doesn’t quite feel like home to them. Not with the marble tiling, expensive light fixtures, and grand staircase.

They take in the impressive scenery surrounding them with wide eyes and open mouths. “Well, it sure is stunning.” My mother admits with an embarrassed laugh when she sees me watching her with amusement.

“I’ll show you to your room.” I say and they follow behind me up the curved staircase.

Finally, I settle myself into bed. I sink onto the mattress and feel the exhaustion begin to leave my body.

Arthur wraps his arm around me and I simply melt into the sharp cervices of his muscles. “So, your parents hate me?” He says, though I know he’s joking I let out an annoyed sigh.

“They don’t hate you, they’re just overprotective of me.” I tell him. Arthur pulls be closer and rests his chin on the top of my head.

“Oh, well so am I.” He says, “I’m glad we have that in common.”

“Just make sure they see that.” I tell him and before long we’re both drifting off to sleep.

The next morning, Arthur and I arise after everyone else. It was early when I heard Roman and Robert leave for a walk, and not too long after that I heard the rustling of everyone else’s movements.

I was going to get out of bed, but Arthur convinced me to stay for just five more minutes. Well, five minutes turned to forty and by then my growling stomach couldn’t wait for food much longer.

Before we walk into the kitchen, I hear laughter. Relief fills my soul as I take refuge in knowing there’s nothing a good night’s sleep can’t fix.

I walk into the kitchen, expecting to see his parents and my parents seated around the table enjoying one another’s company while sipping on some coffee.

“There’s just no way that’s happening.” I hear Elenor say, her tone an octave higher than usual. That’s when I realize the laughter I heard wasn’t one out of pleasure, but rather absurdity.

“What’s not happening?” Arthur asks.

“Almara’s parents here want to take baby Grace away.” Elenor says as if that’s the craziest idea she’s ever heard. She even pulls Grace into her chest protectively.

“What?” I ask, looking at my parents for an explanation. My mother leans back in her seat and shakes her head.

“That’s not what I said.” She says looking pointedly at Elenor. “All I said was that maybe when you’re father and I leave here, we can take Grace with us and show her where her mother grew up.” My mother then looks at me, her eyes filled with hope. “You’d come with us of course.”

I stand speechless, not knowing what to say. Luckily, Arthur keeps his cool and strides past both our parents and lifts Grace out of his mother’s arms as if to just say good morning to his daughter.

“That doesn’t sound like a bad idea. I would love to get more familiar with where my wife grew up.” He says and gives me a sleepy smile and instantly my ager melts away.

I guess Arthur is right. Elenor can be dramatic at times. It’s completely reasonable that my parents would want to spend some time with their granddaughter, just as Elenor and Roman have.

“We think this is best if it’s just a family trip.” My father says putting his hand over my mothers. Instantly, my anger comes back. Even Elenor’s lips pull into a smirk as if to say ‘I told you so.’

“Arthur is family.” I remind my parents rather sternly.

“It’s just we haven’t had any alone time with our daughter in,’ my father blows hair from his cheeks and shakes his head, “a long time.”

“That’s what happens when your child gets married. She grows up and moves away.” I say, moving closer to my parents.

“Yes, but typically they don’t move into the grooms parent’s house.” My mother says quietly, raising her coffee to her lips.

“That’s it.” I say, putting my hands up. “Arthur and I are going away, with Grace, on a much-needed trip.”

“Honey, we’ve only just got here.” My mother says rising to her feet.

“Yes, well unfortunately the timing is just all wrong.” I say. Arthur comes to stand next to me and put’s a calming hand on my lower back.

“We’ll return in a weeks’ time and after then we’ll schedule a visit.” He says and I admire his ability to act completely normal, as if my parents we’re just being incredibly rude right to his face.

I stand straighter and united with Arthur, thankful he’s backing me up on this.

“We hope you have a great time.” My mother says, tears building behind her eyes.