I rub my arm. “Ouch.”
She wags her finger at me, her expression pinched. “That’s for telling me that you were married on a voicemail.” She sighs, her expression easing. She turns to Ellie.
“Ellie! My goodness, look at what a lovely young woman you’ve grown up to be.” She pulls her into a hug.
“It’s good to see you again, Mrs. Connors,” Ellie says when my mom lets go of her.
My mom waves a hand. “Oh, no more calling me Mrs. Connors. You call me Cece. Or better yet Mom,” she says excitedly.
Ellie smiles and says okay. I stand there and stare at my mom, stunned that she’s not angrier.
She looks between Ellie and me. “Are you two hungry? I made your favorite food from when you were kids. Mac and cheese.”
I hold up a hand. “Is that all?”
Mom just laughs. “Honey, you know I always cook enough to feed an army.”
I shake my head. “No, I mean…you’re not more upset about me getting married and not inviting you?”
She crosses her arms and aims a pointed look at me. “Of course I’m disappointed, Camden. I had to find out that my only child ran off and got married through a voicemail. But then, when you said you married Ellie, I was ecstatic. Partly because my son managed to avoid marrying one of those puck bunnies who are willing to wed the first professional hockey player they see.”
“God, Mom,” I say through an exasperated laugh. Ellie stifles a chuckle.
She ignores me and looks at Ellie. “When he said that you two reconnected and got married, I was so happy. You’re a sweetheart, Ellie. My son is lucky to have you.”
Ellie flashes a warm smile at my mom. “That means a lot, Cece. You have no idea.”
They hug again, then Mom leads her to the kitchen. I follow behind.
“You’re right on time. Just a few more minutes until the mac and cheese is ready, and we can all sit down to a proper meal and catch up.” Mom turns to Ellie. “And don’t worry, I remembered to use gluten-free pasta and non-dairy cheese, just like I made it when you were little.”
Ellie gives her a grateful smile.
Mom pulls a bottle of champagne. “I even picked up a bottle of the bubbly stuff to celebrate.”
I chuckle and shake my head, surprised and relieved that she’s taking this so well.
An hour later, we’re finishing up dinner at the dining table. Ellie is sitting next to my mom, showing her pictures of Coach Porter’s wedding in France and Sophie and Xander’s wedding in Napa.
Mom rests a hand on her chest when she looks at a photo of us all dressed up, standing outside the chateau.
“Just look at you two. So beautiful,” she says softly.
As I watch them chat and laugh, a warm feeling settles in my chest. I like seeing Ellie and my mom get along.
I’ve never had a serious girlfriend that I brought home to meet my parents. I didn’t know it could feel like this.
When Ellie shows my mom a photo of us at city hall the day we got married, my mom’s eyes practically light up. “Oh, Ellie. What a beautiful bride you are.”
“You’re so sweet, Cece. Thank you.”
She nudges my shoulder. “My son’s a lucky man to have such a gorgeous wife.”
I smile at Ellie, who’s blushing. “I definitely am.”
“You look so handsome in your suit, honey.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
