Page 100 of Peaches & Pistols

“Everything okay?” he asks, sitting beside me at the table with coffee of his own.

I hesitate, history telling me to keep my thoughts to myself and not burden Greyson. But a warm hand rubbing my back encourages me to be honest. Charlie would want me to advocate for myself, and for Everly.

“I’m conflicted about getting married again.” I hold my breath so tightly my lungs ache; I don’t want Greyson to be angry with me or take back his proposal.

Instead of shrugging me off, chastising me, or backhanding me, Greyson turns in his chair to better face me and gently takes my hand in his.

“Talk it through with me, honey. We’ll get through this.” His reaction is so otherworldly I don’t know what to do—so I say nothing.

Greyson chuckles warmly, his smile doing something to my insides.

“Tell me you’re worried about getting married to me because of my work, and I’ll give it up in a heartbeat. Tell me getting married scares you because of finances and I’ll put your name on every deed and account today. So long as you still love me, we can work through anything else.” He kisses the back of my hand and calmly waits.

“I love you more than I ever knew a person could love someone.” Tears prick my eyes.

“Then we can get through the rest, honey.”

My shoulders drop from my ears, and I exhale the anxiety strangling my lungs.

“I can just say what’s on my mind, just like that?”

“Yea, I’d prefer it actually. Be straight with me and we’ll solve whatever it is together.”

“Okay…I’m afraid I’m following a pattern of relying on a man for stability and safety. Last time I got the opposite of that after being promised the world.” I’m ashamed to admit it, and afraid Greyson will be offended being compared to Carter.

“I respect that you feel that way. The difference though, honey, is Carter’s not a man. He’s a narcissist who used fists and threats to force you to submit to him. He didn’t want a partner in life, he wanted property.”

Greyson pauses, seething from even thinking about Carter’s motives, and takes a moment to ground himself with deep breaths. I appreciate more than he knows his effort controlling his temper. Even though I know he’d never hurt me, he’s so careful not to trigger me.

“I want you to be my equal partner, hell, your happiness and wellbeing are far more important than mine. Not only will I never lay a hand on you in any manner other than lovingly, but I’ll bow at your feet as the queen you are. You are no one’s property.” Greyson’s jaw muscle pulses with the intensity he’s desperately trying to hold back.

I nod my acceptance of his promise.

“I’m afraid of being trapped financially again,” I admit, more empowered this time.

“Honey, I’ve already spoken with James at length about this and he’s ready to draft any and all documents needed to assure your financial independence. I’d gladly sign a pre-nup giving you everything I’ve got to prove I want you to be taken care of, even if you ever want to leave.”

“You don’t have to do that.” I look away from this man who’s so selflessly providing for me and Everly.

“I want to marry you because I’m insanely in love with you. Certifiable. Lock me up and throw away the key. You hold my heart and always will. But I also want to marry you to protect you and Everly. I want to protect you legally, financially, with health insurance, life insurance—every way I possibly can. I want you to have the legal benefits of being my spouse. Benefits you were lawfully owed by Carter which he withheld and used to imprison you.”

I don’t know what to say. What is there to say when you’re being offered the world?

“What else, love? What else is bothering you?” he asks, still as calm and collected as if we were eating family dinner.

“I’m still married to Carter.”

“Not for long, you’re not. He was served with those papers just over a month ago and we haven’t heard a peep. You could petition the court for a default judgment and the judge would make the decision on the divorce and disposition of assets. But men like Carter would never give up their power so readily. We’ll hear from him sooner than later and get this settled.”

“Wait, I thought you said I wouldn’t have to talk to him.” My anxiety ratchets back up, bursting through the top of the pressure gauge.

Greyson scoots his chair back and hoists me into his lap, hugging me tightly.

“You won’t. I’ll never let anything happen to you or Everly. I swear on my life, he’ll never lay a finger on you ever again,” he vows.

Please let him be right.

Another two weeks pass without incident. Each day I vacillate between panicking that today will be the day Carter comes to ruin everything—and sighing with relief Greyson takes such incredible care of us.