I make a beeline in that direction, and Bree waves me over to the empty spot next to her.
“Just saving it for you—my other bestie.” She gives a cheeky wink. Her hair is yet again freshly dyed blonde, no doubt in honor of tomorrow’s nuptials.
Rory is too busy barking orders at Lexy to notice me, something about hot pink banners and paper flowers. Gag me.
All of the usual suspects are here. My sweet twins are being minded by Emma and Barron, Mom is holding Jaxson, and my sisters are both staring at their phones, as are Drake and Ethan. Ellis and Giselle are scarfing down the appetizers set out. Wesley is vying for Laken’s attention, but Coop is seated between them and he’s shaking his head at whatever Wes is trying to tell them. Emily has that pale water balloon of a boob out and is nursing Ella while the rest of the littles are running around playing tag in the corner of the room.
I can’t help but note that Ezrina and Nev are missing. Not a shocker. Ezrina probably gave Rory some excuse about Alice having a runny nose, because face it, Ezrina and Nev are the last people to play along with bullshit. Believe me, I’m almost there myself. And, of course, Marshall. I asked him earlier if he would be here and he completely ignored the question.
Tad walks into the events room, his pants hiked up over his ankle bracelet as if he’s trying to show it off. And he gives his belly a slap. “Just cleared the pipes and made room for some good eats. Let’s fill her up!”
Gross.
I watch as he takes a seat next to my mother and wonder what the hell she ever saw in him, and then it hits me. He’s not Demetri. For that I can be forever thankful.
I give Logan a half-smile as I make my way next to Bree. Thankfully, Laken is seated across from me. I’ll be needing her support, seeing that Emma is within touching distance.
Barron offers me a peaceable smile. “Chloe, how are you doing?”
“I’m well, thank you for asking.” Leave it to Barron to be a saint no matter what the circumstances.
Emma snarls my way while bouncing little Barron on her lap. Judging by the way he’s kicking and slapping, he’d much rather be in on that game of tag with his brother and cousins than being pawed by the wicked witch herself.
“Chloe.” Emma’s lips twitch as my sweet angel finally makes a break for it. “I was just telling Barron we need to find a decent wife for Gage. He’s so very lonely.”
I roll my eyes.
What?Chloe balks.You’d better ask her who she’s thinking about, or I’ll be forced to take over again.
Chloe, you didn’t smack, Lexy. I did. Andyou’re not supposed to be able to take over,I remind her.
Have you met me?
Touché.
“And?” I pluck a nacho chip smothered in cheese off the platter before me. “Do tell. Who made the short list?”
My heart begins to drum against my chest, and a part of me wonders if that’s Chloe’s doing or mine, probably both.
Emma shrugs it off. “Of course, Kresley is my top pick. Always has been. She and Gage get along famously. Plus, she’s a natural with children. And she’s so very beautiful these days.”
These days meaning post her elective surgery to resemble Laken. Ezrina went in and did another quick round to rectify it once Wesley’s scheme was exposed. I’ll admit, she’s pretty, but who the hell cares. Gage certainly won’t.
I shake my head. “You’re delusional as usual, Emma. Gage isn’t into Kres. Never will be.”
A choking laugh emits from her. “And you think he’ll take you back? You’re the delusional one, Chloe.”
“Have you met your son? He tried to pass himself off as the father of my child. And have you seen what’s he’s done to the world?”
A quiet hush falls over the table, and I glance to the masses.
“As you were,” I snap, and just like that, I have all the privacy I want to tell off my witch of an ex-mother-in-law. “Look, Emma, let’s be real. Skyla gave you two little princes, three really. You get to play Grandma with Jaxson, too. There’s no need to shove an unappetizing, unwanted plate under your son’s nose just to spite her.”
“This isn’t about grandkids, Chloe. This is about Gage spending his life with someone. This life can be a lonely journey, and he should have someone to share it with.”
My eyes bug out as I look to Barron, and he shrugs.
“Oh, come on.” It’s me scoffing now. “Gage had Skyla. She’s the only woman he’ll ever come close to having anything genuine with—that is, if what they had was genuine.”
