Chapter 30
Isit on the stone steps with a sigh, crystal champagne flute in my hand as I watch everyone on the dance floor. The stars are sparkling in the sky above us, the gusts of wind are cooler now that the sun has set, but it feels good against my warm skin. Dad twirls mom and she tips her head back laughing. Lydia has her arms wrapped around one of Jason’s groomsmen. I even find myself smiling at Kate staring into Jason’s eyes. Elise sits next to me and nudges her shoulder with mine.
“Hey,” she says.
I nudge her back. “Hey yourself.”
“How are you holding up?” I toss her a questioning look and she shrugs in reply. “I kind of overheard some of your talk with Kate this morning. It sounded heavy, so I just wanted to check in on you.”
Another smile touches my lips. “I’m alright. Kate is Kate, you know? She’s going to do her thing, just like Lydia is. I can’t fault them for that. But I can control how I react. So no more being a yes man.”
“That’s a great idea.”
A waiter carrying a tray of champagne starts to pass the stairs. When he makes eye contact with me, I lift my empty flute in signal. He walks the steps and I lift two glasses off.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Of course.”
I press the crisp glass into Elise’s hand. She arches a brow at me. “To setting boundaries.”
“And to holding them.”
“And to family who cares, even if they aren’t related by blood.”
Her smile widens at my words and she clinks her glass with mine. I take a sip and sigh. “Oh, that’s good.”
“Is it?”
I turn to look at her. “Did you not drink it? It’s bad luck to not drink after a toast.”
She breaks eye contact with me, instead focusing on the bubbles popping in the champagne glass. I take another sip as I wait for her to finally say, “I actually can’t drink right now. For a few more months.”
I choke on the champagne. “Wait, what?” I sputter around the coughing fit. Elise brushes a hand to her stomach. When she lifts her eyes to me and my gaping jaw, she smiles.
“Surprise,” she says, using her free hand to wiggle her fingers in a jazz hand.
“Oh my god, congratulations!” I wrap my free arm around her and pull her in for a hug. “You’re going to be such an amazing mom.”
“And you’re going to be a wonderful aunt.”
I release her and settle back. “When are you due?”
She beams. “Early February.”
I’m still staring at her with wide eyes, trying to wrap my head around due dates and how long she’s been pregnant. Which, “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”
“Before Kate’s big day? Yeah, no thanks. I’ll wait until she’s back from her honeymoon.”
“Wow, I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks.” She smiles wide, her fingers instinctively finding her belly.
With another grin, I stare back out at the dance floor. My eyes catch on Reid dancing with my mom now. I’m not sure when he cut in between her and my dad, but I’m sure they’re both having the time of their lives. He’s giving her a gentle spin before resting his hand back on the middle of her back. Mom makes eye contact with me as he spins her my way and she winks.
“I’m happy for you too, you know,” Elise says.
“Me? Why?”
