A Turn in the Road Part 42

With one hand on her hip, Ruth said, "If you'd been dressed like that when we first met you, you would've saved me a lot of grief."

"Sorry about that."

"As you should be."

Max laughed out loud. "And this has to be the famous Royce."

Royce thrust out his hand. "Glad to make your acquaintance," he said.

"Likewise."

"We were talking to Rooster a few minutes ago," Ruth said. "He was wearing a suit. suit. And a tie." And a tie."

Bethanne nodded. "He cleans up pretty well, too, doesn't he?"

"You two certainly played me for a fool."

"Ah, Ruth, would we do that?" Max teased.

"It appears so. Now, you listen to me, young man. For whatever reason, this girl loves you. I can't understand it myself. She was married to my son and I have to tell you, she-"

"Ruth," Bethanne interrupted, convinced Ruth had had one gla.s.s of champagne too many.

"She deserves a man who'll love and appreciate her," Ruth went on. "If that isn't you, then I suggest you leave now before I make a fuss and embarra.s.s my grandson and his bride on their wedding day."

"I'm your man," Max said. "I plan to love Bethanne for the rest of my life."

"I can shorten that life if you fail me."

"What's going on here?" Robin, Grant's sister, rushed over to them, reading the situation all wrong. "Should I contact the authorities?"

"Oh, hardly," Ruth told her. "This doesn't concern you." She planted her hands on her daughter's back and steered Robin away. "By the way," Ruth said over her shoulder, "Max, this is Robin. Robin, Max."

He sent her a small wave.

"Is there anyone else I should meet before I take you someplace private and show you how much I've missed you?"

"I'm not sure." Bethanne looked around, conscious of all the people watching her and Max.

"Well, I am." With one sweep of his arms, he lifted her completely off her feet.

Bethanne gave a cry of surprise as she slipped her own arms around his neck. His right arm was around her waist and the other supported her legs. He started toward the exit.

It was such an outrageous, romantic thing to do, Bethanne didn't know how to respond. "Put me down," she gasped.

"Not on your life."

"Then at least tell me where we're going!"

"We're headed," Max whispered, his eyes br.i.m.m.i.n.g with love, "for the rest of our lives."

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