Chapter 4 Dinner with Grandmother

If nerves could be bottled, Leah was certain she could power a small city.

She checked her reflection in the mirror one last time - soft curls, neutral lipstick, the black dress Adrian's assistant had delivered that morning with a note that simply read, "Dinner. 7 p.m. Dress code: elegant."

Elegant. Right. The last "elegant" event Leah had attended was a hospital fundraiser where she'd spilled champagne on her supervisor.

Her phone buzzed. A text from Adrian:

> Driver's outside. Don't be late, Mrs. Blake.

Leah rolled her eyes. "Bossy much," she muttered, grabbing her clutch and heading out.

---

The car ride to the Blakes' estate felt like something out of a movie - long driveway, manicured hedges, and a mansion that could easily double as a luxury hotel. Leah stared out the window, trying to ignore the knot forming in her stomach.

"This is ridiculous," she whispered to herself. "Just smile, be polite, and don't faint."

The driver opened her door, and there he was. Adrian stood on the steps in a charcoal suit that looked tailored by angels. He checked his watch again - of course he did - before turning toward her.

"You're on time," he said, sounding almost surprised.

"Try not to sound so shocked," she said, stepping out.

His eyes flicked over her briefly - assessing, approving, maybe even impressed. "You clean up well."

"Gee, thanks," she said flatly. "You make it sound like I usually crawl out of dumpsters."

His lips twitched. "I meant it as a compliment."

She gave a small huff and followed him up the stairs.

---

Inside, the house was a museum of perfection - gleaming floors, crystal chandeliers, and artwork that probably had its own insurance policy. Leah tried not to gawk, but her eyes betrayed her.

"You live here?" she whispered.

"My grandmother does," Adrian said. "I have an apartment downtown. Less... dramatic."

"'Dramatic' is one word for it. 'Castle' might be another."

Before he could respond, a voice floated from the grand staircase - warm, commanding, and utterly delighted.

"Adrian! And this must be my new granddaughter!"

Leah turned, and there she was - Eleanor Blake - the kind of woman who could run a company, a family, and possibly a small country without breaking a sweat. Her silver hair was swept into an elegant chignon, pearls gleaming against a tailored navy gown.

Leah smiled nervously. "Mrs. Blake, it's such a pleasure-"

"Oh, nonsense," Eleanor interrupted, taking both her hands. "Call me Grandmother. We're family now."

Leah blinked. "Right. Grandmother."

Adrian gave a faint cough, clearly suppressing amusement.

---

Dinner was served in a dining room large enough to host a wedding reception. Leah sat between Adrian and Eleanor, who seemed determined to learn everything about her new "granddaughter."

"So, Leah," Eleanor began, ladling soup with graceful precision. "Adrian tells me you're a nurse. How wonderful! You must have such a kind heart."

Leah smiled, trying to appear composed. "I like to think so. Though sometimes my heart's just tired."

Eleanor laughed softly. "Honesty. How refreshing. Adrian could use a little more of that."

Leah risked a glance at him. "Oh, I don't know. He's very... straightforward."

"Stubborn," Eleanor corrected.

"Focused," Adrian countered smoothly.

Leah added, "Control freak."

Eleanor's laughter filled the room. "You two are perfect."

Leah nearly choked on her soup. Adrian shot her a warning glance that clearly said, Don't ruin this.

---

Halfway through dinner, Leah started to relax - at least until Eleanor said, "So, how did you two meet?"

The spoon froze halfway to Leah's mouth.

Adrian didn't flinch. Of course he didn't. The man probably had backup stories for backup stories.

"At city hall," he said smoothly. "I was signing documents for my firm, and Leah was there-"

"Filing for a marriage certificate," Leah blurted before she could stop herself.

Eleanor gasped, delighted. "Love at first sight?"

Leah blinked. "Um-"

Adrian cut in, "Something like that."

Eleanor clasped her hands together. "How romantic! I always knew you'd find someone unexpected, Adrian. The universe has a way of surprising us."

Leah forced a laugh, praying her face didn't look as guilty as she felt.

---

Dessert arrived - something French and delicate that Leah was afraid to touch. As she toyed with her fork, she felt a nudge against her hand. Adrian's.

She glanced up, startled.

Eleanor was watching them with an indulgent smile. Adrian leaned in slightly, voice low. "Smile," he murmured through his teeth.

Leah's pulse jumped. "You're enjoying this way too much," she whispered back.

He didn't deny it. His thumb brushed her hand, just once, before pulling away.

The gesture was simple - necessary, even - but Leah felt her stomach twist all the same.

---

After dinner, Eleanor insisted on a photo "for the family album." Leah stood beside Adrian, trying to ignore how close he was - the faint scent of his cologne, the warmth radiating from his arm.

Eleanor positioned them expertly. "Closer, darlings. Yes, like that. Oh, Adrian, put your arm around her - perfect!"

The photographer snapped the shot. Leah exhaled, willing her heart to calm down.

When it was finally over, Eleanor kissed her cheek. "I'm so happy you're part of the family, dear. Don't let him work too much."

"I'll try," Leah said softly.

"Good girl. And Adrian," Eleanor added, turning to him, "I expect you both at the charity gala next week. I want everyone to meet your lovely wife."

Leah's smile faltered. "Gala?"

Adrian gave a tight smile. "Wouldn't miss it."

---

Outside, the cool night air hit Leah like relief. She folded her arms and turned to him. "You didn't mention a gala."

"It slipped my mind."

"Slipped-Adrian!" she hissed. "I can't go to some high-society event pretending to be Mrs. Perfect! I don't even own shoes that won't murder my feet after two hours!"

He looked at her, calm as ever. "Then I'll buy you a pair."

"That's not the point!"

"Then what is?"

She hesitated. "The point is... I don't belong in your world."

Something flickered in his expression - just for a second. "Maybe not," he said quietly, "but tonight, you handled yourself better than most people I know."

Leah blinked, caught off guard. "Was that... a compliment?"

His lips curved. "Don't let it go to your head."

She sighed, climbing into the car. "You're impossible."

"And yet," he murmured, holding the door for her, "you agreed to marry me."

Leah shot him a look. "By accident."

He smiled faintly, the corner of his mouth lifting in that maddeningly confident way. "Accidents can be... interesting."

As the car pulled away, Leah stared out the window, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest.

Six weeks, she told herself. Just six weeks.

So why did it already feel like trouble?

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