04: I HAVE GOOD EYES

KADEN.

Marriage itself already made me sick to the stomach, so the last thing I wanted to do was marry someone who was already expecting a child.

Raven’s clear blue eyes looked up at me with a mix of emotions when she finished clearing her insides out, but what I didn’t see there was fear.

I sighed internally and left without a word.

Moving purposefully back to my car, I took a bottle of water from the cupholder and made my way back to Raven.

“Drink this.”

A surprised look flashed through her face before she took it and said “Thank you.”

“You didn’t think I was that bad to leave a sick person behind, did you?”

“I just didn’t put it past you.” She passed me the bottle when she was done and continued. “It’s not what it looks like if that’s what you’re worried about.”

I made an unintelligible sound in response.

“Let’s go. The guests will be looking for us by now.”

Her eyes narrowed on me as anger crinkled her smooth skin. “That’s on you, not me,” she said.

I shook my head and turned in the direction of the barn, with Raven following behind.

When the crowd was in sight, I put my hand on her lower back and guided her into the hall.

Immediately we were spotted, guests started making their way to us to say their congratulations and wishes.

I dipped my head to Raven’s ear when they were close. “You do not want anyone asking questions, so put a smile on your goddamn face,” I said through gritted teeth.

After minutes of fake smiles and ‘thank yous’, the guests started to retreat to the bars and the dance floor.

“I need a drink,” Raven said after a beat.

We moved to the bar where she ordered one and swallowed the whole thing in a go. I didn’t think it was a good idea, but I didn’t care either.

I did a slow scan of the room and my eyes fell on a familiar frame. “Shit.”

“What is it?” Raven snapped her head to me and trailed my movement to who my eyes were on. “Is that…”

“My grandfather.” And he was coming toward us.

“Kaden.”

“Grandfather. You made it.” There was no enthusiasm in my voice.

“Why would I miss your wedding?” He then turned to Raven. “Hello, angel. Congratulations on your wedding.”

Raven was mirroring my facial expression since both of us did not want this arrangement.

“Thank you, sir. I have to find my parents,” she said hurriedly, and took off. He said nothing.

Miller Hawksworth single-handedly raised me since my parents upped and left when I was ten.

I loved him, but he sometimes made decisions that had me questioning what he felt for me.

“I didn’t think you would show up.”

“Like I said, I wouldn’t miss your wedding.”

“You can’t call this a wedding. I don’t even know her.”

“I do, so trust me on it.”

“My wife is supposed to be my choice, grandfather,” I said in a collected voice that was the opposite of what I was feeling.

“A choice that you wouldn’t have made in the next twenty years.”

Maybe he was right. At thirty-five years old, I didn’t see myself getting married up until weeks ago. Women and I didn’t agree on romantic levels, but that didn’t mean I needed him to pull the strings for me.

“Then you don’t have to make me pay for it. A suggestion would have been nice. Not threatening to take away my birthright if I refuse.”

He gave me a knowing look. “This is what’s best for you.”

“And how do you know that she is? Raven?”

“I have good eyes, Son. I did my part right by raising you to be a ruthless businessman. I do not want you to only be fulfilled in that aspect. Life can give you so much more, and I want you to have that.”

His eyes scanned the room and settled on Raven talking to her dad and mom with a few guests at the corner of the room. I did the same.

Raven was beautiful, no doubt, but she wasn’t my type. Not by a stretch. I didn’t even like her.

“I do not want this.”

“You don’t know that yet.”

I let out a frustrated grunt and ran a hand through my hair.

“The dance floor won’t make moves for itself, so I had better get out there.” He echoed a humorless laugh that was reserved for his jokes and stood up.

At eighty-two, Miller Hawksworth still had the agility of a sixty-year-old. He patted me on the back with a proud, broad grin and moved to the dance floor.

I drained the drink the bartender put in front of me and asked for another.

Sensing someone walking toward me, I whipped my head to the left to see my driver.

“Raymond.”

“He’s been calling nonstop, sir.”

I took the phone from him and looked at the name flashing on the screen. “You should have brought it when it first rang.” I reprimanded him with my look.

I dismissed him and headed to the nearest exit to get some privacy.

Before I could make my way out, Raven’s hand brushed my arm. “Where are you going? It’s almost time for our first dance.”

“I’ll be back.” I didn't want her touching or talking to me.

She reluctantly let go of my hand and I placed the call before I even crossed the door.

“Did you get my message?” I asked.

“I did. We’re good to go.”

“I do not want any mistakes. Her name is Raven Cross. She’s twenty-six years old. She will be living with me in a week, so that is covered.”

“You’ve got it. I’ll get to work immediately.”

“Good. Anything else?”

After a brief pause that meant he was contemplating his next words, he asked, “Do you really think this is a good idea? I mean, you just got married to her.”

“Ask me questions when I get on your payroll. Not when you’re on mine. Get it done.” I hung up with that.