Page 82 of Until Joy

“What? I'm just saying what everybody else is thinking.”

I found Joy's shoulder, and squeezed it gently. My woman was mortified.

“Mrs. Magill, I want you to know that Joy is my priority. Nothing's going to happen to her on my watch.”

Joy's mother smiled through her tears.

“I can see that. Thank you, Graham. For taking care of our girl.”

“It's my pleasure, ma'am.”

And it was. Taking care of Joy had become the most important thing in my world.

Little Grandma leaned forward again, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Now, Graham, tell me about your family. Are your people good stock?”

“Little Grandma!” Joy's voice cracked with embarrassment.

“What? A girl's got to know these things.”

I chuckled, the first genuinely relaxed sound I'd made since the call started. This woman was going to be the death of me.

“My father lives in Bangor, Maine. He’s retired Air Force, my mom passed while I was overseas.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, son.”

I nodded. It still hurt.

“Maine is a long ways away. Do you like it in Tennessee?”

“I do.”

“Siblings?”

“Just my brothers in the club.”

“Oh yes, I heard about that. You’re part of a motorcycle club. Laverne told me. I like that loyalty. They sound like good boys.”

I winced.

Joy looked like she wanted to crawl under my table.

“Nobody asked for your approval, Little Grandma,” she murmured.

“Child, I've been giving my approval whether it's asked for or not since before you were born. I'm not stopping now.”

Aunt Pattie laughed. “Mama's never met a situation she couldn't improve with her opinion.”

“And I've been right every time,” Little Grandma shot back. “This young man's got good sense, strong shoulders, and he clearly cares about our Joy. What more could we ask for?”

My face heated again, but I couldn't stop smiling. Joy's family was something else.

“I appreciate the vote of confidence, ma'am.”

“You'll do just fine.” Little Grandma's expression grew serious, and I felt the weight of her scrutiny. “Just remember, that girl's precious cargo. We're trusting you with our heart.”

“I understand, ma'am. You won't regret it.”