“Yes, ma’am. I’m a personal trainer at the gym I own.”
“Is that how you injured your face?” she asked, clearly disapproving.
Cash reached up and slid his hand over Jade’s, which was still wrapped around his arm. “The cut is from the emergency landing we had to make yesterday. That’s why your daughter missed the rehearsal, so stop making excuses and lying for her.”
Jade gasped. Cash ignored her, tightening his hold on her hand as he forged onward. Because this woman was a grade-A bitch and Jade didn’t deserve the condescending treatment. Lana could throw out whatever she wanted to him, he didn’t give a shit, but he wouldn’t just stand here and not defend Jade.
“The black eye came from a fight at Taps. I’m sure you remember the local bar from when you lived in Haven,” he stated.
“A bar fight?” Lana repeated, her hand to her heart. “Really, Jade. This is what you bring to meet your family? And on the day of Ruthie’s wedding no less.”
“Maybe you missed the part about the emergency plane landing,” Jade defended. “Cash controlled the plane that could’ve crashed and saved my life.”
“Yes, and I’m grateful. I’m focusing on the bar fight right now.”
“Mother—”
Cash moved his arm and wrapped it around Jade’s waist, tucking her into his side and settling his hand perfectly over the curve of her hip. She fit his palm too damn good—something he couldn’t concentrate on right now.
“The bar fight came from when some asshole publicly humiliated your daughter. I approached him, gave him an opportunity to apologize to her, but he mouthed off and I provoked him. I let him get in one good punch so I’d have a reason to beat the hell out of him.”
“What?” Jade whispered.
He glanced to her, taking in her wide eyes, rimmed with too much dark liner. Even with all the spackle on her face, Jade was a beautiful woman, and right now he couldn’t tell if she was just shocked or if she was pissed at his admission. He’d never wanted her to find out about his altercation with Brad, but Lana needed to know her daughter was worth more than a verbal punching bag.
“I love him already.”
Jade pulled from Cash’s side and turned at an elderly female voice. When she gathered her skirt and moved away, Cash shifted to see a petite lady embracing Jade.
“Millie, this is not your concern,” Lana said. “I’m having a conversation with my daughter and her supposed boyfriend.”
Jade eased away from the women, but for the first time since arriving, he saw a genuine smile on her face.
“Cash, this is my Nana Millie. She’s my dad’s mom.”
Jade introduced them with pride, and Cash had a feeling he’d just met the reason Jade had come to the wedding.
“Nana, this is Cash.”
The petite woman, in a navy dress, sans pearls, and bright red lipstick, stepped forward. Cash thought she’d shake his hand, but she pulled him into a fierce hug with more strength than any nana should possess. This little sprite of a lady was strong and damn impressive.
“I heard enough to know this young man is a real hero.” She stepped back and patted his arms. “And quite beefy, too. Well done, Jade.”
For the first time ever, Cash noted Jade’s flushed cheeks. He couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m a personal trainer, ma’am,” he explained. “I try to stay in shape.”
“I’d say you do more than try.” She sized him up with her blue eyes. “Former military?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She nodded her approval. “I can tell. Your self-control around my outspoken daughter-in-law and the way you came to Jade’s defense are all telltale signs.”
“Shouldn’t you be getting back to the pictures?” Lana scolded Jade like a child.
Jade’s eyes landed on him, and he couldn’t stop the dramatic thump to his heart. Where the hell had that come from? He hadn’t allowed his heart to be a factor with any woman since his wife left. There was no way he could let this happen with Jade.
“Go on,” he told her. “I’m sure Nana and I can get along just fine.”