Summer’s POV
I was enjoying the warm winter afternoon on the garden swing when Max’s frantic barking shattered the tranquility. His deep, territorial woofs echoed from the front of the house, growing more insistent by the second.
“Max!” I called out, hurrying across the lawn. “What’s going on, buddy?”
As I rounded the corner, I saw James’s car pulling up the driveway. Max was in full guard–dog mode, his fur standing on end as he barked at the unfamiliar visitors stepping out.
“Max, quiet!” I commanded, grabbing his collar. Those are guests, not intruders! No more barking!”
Max whined but settled down as I watched James help an elegant older woman from the car. A distinguished–looking man followed, while Desmond struggled with several pieces of luggage in the background.
The woman stopped abruptly when she saw me, her eyes widening. Her lips parted, and I could have sworn she whispered something before the man beside her squeezed her hand, giving her a warning look.
“Hello there!” I called out with my brightest smile. “You must be Brandon’s uncle and aunt! I’m Summer, Brandon’s wife. It’s so nice to finally meet you!”
They exchanged surprised glances before looking at James, who nodded in confirmation.
Mr. and Mrs. Stark, this is indeed Brandon’s wife, Summer Taylor, James explained formally.
“Oh!” I realized why they looked so shocked. “Brandon probably didn’t mention we were married, did he? I’m sorry about that. Please, come in! Brandon’s in his study upstairs. I’ll go get him right away.”
I gave Max a final warning pat before hurrying inside and up the stairs to Brandon’s study.
Brandon was at his desk, surrounded by stacks of papers. When I entered, he set down his pen and rubbed his temples, looking exhausted.
“Your uncle and aunt are here,” I said softly, moving behind him to massage his tight shoulders. “How’s that? Better?”
Brandon leaned into my touch. “Much better,” he murmured.
“Good.” I pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “Then let’s go downstairs. Your family is waiting.”
“Did you meet them already?” Brandon asked, catching my hand.
Just briefly in the garden,” I explained. “Though I think I might have startled them–they looked pretty shocked when I introduced myself as your wife.”
“It’s fine,” he assured me. “They would have found out sooner or later Gavin and Meave are the most open–minded people in the Stark family. I practically grew up with them–they’re very important to me.”
I understand, I noted. “I think I made an okay first impression?”
Brandon’s expression softened into a rare, genuine smile. I have complete faith in you,” he said, rising from his chair. “Let’s go.“
He took my hand as we headed downstairs. When we entered the living room, Gavin and Meave were seated on the sofa, speaking in hushed tones that immediately ceased when they spotted us.
1/3
Mon, May
Chapter 231
“Uncle Gavin, Aunt Meave! Brandon’s voice carried unusual warmth It’s been too long.”
Meave’s
a darted to our joined hands, a mixture of relief and curiosity replacing her earlier tension.
94%
“Too long indeed,‘ she agreed, her tone lightly scolding. “Long enough for you to get married without telling any of us! Since when did you grow up enough to make such decisions without consulting mily?”
Brandon’s fingers tightened around mine. “I’m telling you now, aren 17 I promise you and Uncle Gavin are the first to know about our marriage.”
“And what about your parents?” Meave pressed.
Brandon remained silent, which was answer enough.
Meave sighed dramatically. “You didn’t even mention your marriage on the phone! Gavin and I came completely unprepared. This is our first time meeting…”
“It’s Summer, Mrs. Stark,” I jumped in quickly. “Brandon has been wanting to introduce us for a while now, but I kept putting it off because the timing never seemed right.”
Brandon squeezed my hand. “Aunt Meave, you must be tired from standing. Let me help you sit down.”
“I’ll make some tea,” I offered, heading to the kitchen. I returned minutes later with a carefully prepared tray. “Mr. Stark, I’ve made your tea the way Brandon takes his. Mrs. Stark, I prepared chamomile for you–it’s milder and should be soothing.”
Meave’s expression softened as she accepted the cup. “How thoughtful! Brandon, she’s not only beautiful but considerate too!”
I felt my cheeks warm. “You’re too kind, Mrs. Stark.”
“This estate,” Gavin spoke up suddenly. “Did you redecorate it?”
I blinked in surprise at his perceptiveness. “You noticed? I didn’t change much, honestly. Brandon’s original decor was already beautiful. I just switched out the plain white curtains for these warmer cream–toned ones and added a few abstract art pieces. Nothing major.”
Gavin nodded slowly. “You understand him well.”
“Not really,” I demurred. “We haven’t known each other that long, which is partly why we kept our marriage quiet at first. I hope you don’t hold that against us, Mr. Stark?”
“Marriage concerns not just two individuals but two families,” Gavin stated, his tone serious but not unkind. “While leave and I have no right to express disapproval, traditionally, families should be informed.”
I nodded. “You’re absolutely right. That was an oversight on our part. But inviting you here today is our first step toward properly including family. My own family situation is… complicated. I’d rather not involve them in our marriage right now. My grandfathers, George and Jonathan, do know about us though, and they both think very highly of Brandon.”
“Really?” Gavin’s eyebrows raised slightly.
“Yes, Uncle,” Brandon confirmed.
Gavin studied us both. “I see. I know you’re careful in your decisions Brandon. If you chose not to tell us earlier, you must have had your feasons. However, regarding your parents and grandfather William…”
“When the time is right, I’ll tell them,” Brandon replied firmly. “For now, I’d appreciate your discretion.”
2/3
Chapter 231
“It’s your business,” Gavin acknowledged. “Though you should inform your father soon. Your mother’s situation is more… delicate, especially with Elle Sinclair in the picture. How do you plan to handle that?”
I felt Brandon tense slightly beside me at the mention of Elle Sinclait.
“That situation is under control,” Brandon replied, his tone brooking no argument. “Since you’re here, why not stay for a couple of days? The air is fresh, and you won’t be bothered by any unwelcome interruptions.”
Gavin’s expression shifted to something almost like approval. “You little rascal,” he said, rising from his seat. “Brandon, come upstairs with me. I need to discuss something with you privately.”
As the two men left the room, I found myself alone with Meave Stark, who was still watching me with that peculiar look in her eyes -as if she were seeing a ghost instead of me.
