“Oh, all right. When are you and Sydney going to sit down and work things out? I’m sure it was just a big misunderstanding between the two of you.” She turned to him, the smile disappearing.
He already knew the woman had planned his and Sydney’s wedding out in her head. Sydney, in her eyes, would be the perfect wife for him. She came from old money lineage, was well connected, and their families being joined would create a family dynasty.
That wasn’t what he was looking for in a wife.
He wanted someone he got along with, considered a friend, worked well together, enjoyed the same things in life, was attracted to, loved to hear her laugh and see her smile. His attention drifted back over toward Tachina.
He swallowed hard.
“It’s none of your business, Mother.”
“But the girl felt humiliated. Just think. She put in all ofthose years and no ring? No promise of a future?” Nancy whispered fiercely. It sounded as if she and Sydney had been speaking.
“Mom. It’s not going to happen. She broke it off, and it was honestly for the best. I will be okay,” he said. He wanted to remind her that he was her son and that’s where her concern should be.
“I know you will be, son.” She paused as if she wanted to stay something else but thought better of it. She sighed and followed his gaze. “Is there something going on between you and Tachina?”
“What?”
“You’ve stared at her three times since I have been talking with you.” She leaned in. “You aren’t considering a relationship with her? What the two of you have right now is perfect. I know Kian wasn’t planned, but?—”
“Mom. Again, none of your business.”
“You’re right. I’m just an old woman who is trying to help her son get married and have a happy life. Who I am to try to care?” She blinked rapidly.
Vic bit back a groan. Now she was going to play the victim.
“Mother…” He sighed.
“Don’t worry about me. I will be fine. I will go help Kian pick out his cupcake. Maybe he will appreciate what I do for him.” That chin tilt of hers was back again.
“Kian doesn’t need help picking out a cupcake,” he said dryly.
His mother was always overdramatic. He should know this by now. She cut him a look as if he’d just told her the family was broke.
“He will always need help and guidance from his grandmother.” She turned and sailed away with her head held high.
“What the fuck?” he breathed. He couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. If he didn’t laugh, he’d be ripping his hair out.
Vic found Tachina by the shield-toss game, laughing with one of her cousins. That laugh did something to him. It got under his skin every time he heard it.
She caught him staring at her, again. Her lips pulled into a slow smile that curled heat into his stomach.
Get it together, Maxwell.
She excused herself and walked toward him. No, shesashayedtoward him. Her hips swayed, her eyes were bright, and she looked breathtakingly beautiful.
There would be no getting it together when it came to her.
“Having fun?” Tachina stopped in front of him. Her eyes sparkled, and she was completely relaxed.
“Yeah. You?” he asked softly.
“Honestly? This might be the best damn kids’ party I’ve ever been to. Addison certainly outdid herself.”
“I know. I never would have thought of half the stuff she did.” He glanced around. He barely recognized his own backyard. The kids’ laughter and screams echoed through the air. He smiled at Kian running around with a few of his friends.
“Same. Kian is happy,” she murmured. Her gaze was on their son also.