Thelma lets out a noise that sounds like a combination of a laugh and a cough. “Get used to the meddling, girl. You’re getting a reception.”
“Oh,” I say softly. “Okay.” As I’m processing the suggestion, a horrifying thought occurs to me, “Oh my God, Caleb’s parents aren’t coming, are they?”
The day we applied for our marriage license, he called to let them know. His mother was none too pleased. I could hear her shrill raised voice through the speaker loud and clear as she told him how foolish he was. Caleb didn’t expect her to be happy, but I don’t think he expected such a nasty reaction either.
Despite her outburst, showing up at the reception sounds like the exact kind of thing she’d do.
Salem wrings her hands. “I didn’t invite her.”
“Oh, thank God,” I blurt out.
With a laugh, she smooths a piece of my hair. “Yeah, she’ll never win an award for mother-in-law of the year. Just remember, her behavior isn’t your fault. She’s miserable and takes it out on the people around her.”
She steps back, and Thayer loops his arm around her waist. It’s obvious in their every interaction that, after so many years together, they’re still sickeningly in love.
I can only hope that’s how Caleb and I will feel ten years from now.
“We’re going to find our seats.” Salem gives my wrist a squeeze as she passes.
The words make mechuckle. Like she’s worried the place will be full. I don’t need a roomful of people, though. All I need is the people who truly care about us.
“Good luck, sweetie,” Thelma says, heading past me into the room.
It’s perhaps the nicest thing she’s said to me.
Naturally, the moment that thought crosses my mind, she ruins it by turning around and saying, “Oh, but dear, do make sure to close the blinds next time.”
Horror washes over me. I cannot believe she’s seen Caleb and me…no, I can’t let my thoughts stray there before I meet this man at the altar.
Is there even an altar?
I suppose it’s more of a symbolic altar?
Down the hall, the bathroom door squeaks open and my brothers step out wearing coordinating suits.
The breath whooshes from my lungs at the sight. They look so dapper.
“When did you guys get those?” I blurt out.
“We told Caleb we wanted to dress up, and he delivered.” Casen adjusts the sleeve on his dark blue suit.
In this moment, they look so mature. Every bit of their almost fifteen years.
“How do we look?” Quinn turns, arms out, so I can see every angle.
“Like men.” I swallow past the lump in my throat.
It’s moments like this that remind me of just how close they are to graduating from high school and going to college.
“Don’t you dare cry and ruin your makeup,” Casen warns as he pulls me into a hug.
Quinn hugs me next. “All right, sis. Let’s get you to your husband.”
Husband.
My husband is waiting for me.
My brothers each offer an arm. I take one at a time, keeping a careful hold on the bouquet from Thayer.
