Midnight Sky (Book 1/3 The Anderson Brothers Series)

Low Blow

Lauren

Moving to the kitchen, I saw my grandmother and Aunt J prepping lunch.

"Hey grandma. Hey Aunt J," I greeted.

They both stopped what they were doing and came over to give me hugs.

"Hey babes, didn't know you were joining us for lunch," Aunt J said.

"I wasn't planning on coming over, but I needed to see my dad. Andrew is with me.
I hope that's okay."

They both looked at me and smirked.

"Of course it's okay. Your boyfriend is always welcome," Aunt Jamie stated.

"Thanks for being so welcoming. He's comfortable around you guys."

They both smiled.

"He brings out a different side of you, squish. A side I haven't seen in a while."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. You're more relaxed. More confident. You're that spitfire we know and love so much. You had lost your edge," Aunt Jamie chimed in.

"My edge?"

"Yes, your edge. You will stand up for yourself and for what you believe in, regardless of what anyone has to say. With Carson... I'm sorry I know it's a touchy subject."

I shook my head.

"You can say it, Aunt J."

"With Carson you were just not yourself. You were hiding certain elements as if to appease him. Sweetie, if a man doesn't love you wholeheartedly for who you are, he's not worth it. You settled, for a long time. I'm happy that you moved on."

"So am I."

My grandmother looked over at me. She examined my face. Oh boy.

"What happened? I can see it in your eyes. You've been crying," my grandmother quizzed.

I sighed.

"Carson came to the house today."

My grandmother immediately stopped what she was doing. If you think the men in this family are crazy, the women are just as wild.

"Carson is here?"

I nodded.

"Not only did he show up at the house, he also proposed."

"He what?!" they simultaneously exclaimed.

"Yeah. I'm glad Andrew pulled up when he did."

My grandmother shook her head.

"That boy needs to get a damn grip and move on. Tyler!"

I heard footsteps coming our way. Once grandpa saw grandma's face he already knew what she wanted.

"It's being handled, Isabella."

"That's all I keep hearing. She was alone and I'm sure scared when he popped up."

"Grandma..."

She held up a hand silencing me.

"Lauren...."

"I know, grandma. Trust me, I've done all that I can. I know how dad is. Grandpa and Uncle Brandon are a riot. Throw in the rest of my uncles and cousins, plus Andrew. Colt and Cody are going to go to war with their baby brother, no questions asked. This can get really messy and that's something I'm trying to avoid."

"Well then let it get messy. He's harassing you at this point and he needs to be put in his place. He's been warned, Lauren."

"Isabella..."