“Yeah, I was shocked, too. So if that two-timing douchecanoe invited you and you don’t feel like celebrating the fact that I found out what an asshat he is before it was too late, please feel free to leave our little shindig here. You can hit up the pool, watch movies in your room, and tomorrow you can go to the spa or the golf course, but you’re also free to leave the resort if you want. Seriously, we’re going to party it up tonight and for the next couple of days. So thank you to everyone who came here to celebrate, whether you decide to stay or not. Mygirls here, my grandparents, my second family, and my brothers,” she motions to Haven and Rachel, my parents, Amelia’s parents, and the table full of Sinclair and Boyd kids in turn. “I’m so very thankful for you all.”
Lizzie pauses for a minute, getting her bearings. Then she turns and smiles at me. “Dad, thank you for being so amazing. You paid for this whole thing without question, even though it exceeded any kind of normal standards. You’ve always been there for me, even when it wasn’t easy on you or fair to you.”
She turns slightly toward Amelia, with tears glistening in her eyes, and takes her hand. “Minnie, you’ve been my best friend since we were like seven. You’ve been the best best friend I could have ever asked for. You didn’t make me feel bad for not making you my maid of honor, even though I know it hurt you, and you deserved the title. And you still ended up doing so much of the work. Without you, I wouldn’t have had a bachelorette party or a bridal shower. Without you, I would have had roses everywhere, even though I can’t stand them, I would have a cake I’m slightly allergic to, and there would have been glitter and confetti in the invitations.”
Cringing, she laughs a little and shakes her head before continuing.
“This last week, I dragged you out to the falls, up a mountain, and over to the coast, and while you complained a lot, you went. I love you. Thank you for being my biggest fan, my biggest support system for so long.” I see Amelia squeeze Lizzie’s hand. Lizzie sits back down and hugs Amelia to her. “And thank you for giving him another chance,” Lizzie whispers close to Amelia’s ear.
“Love you, too, Bean.”
I lean over a bit. “A cake you’re slightly allergic to?”
“Yeah, Mom tried to order one with raspberry filling. But the baker called me to confirm, and I was like ‘no, fuck that,I’d rather have roses than a cake I can’t eat’. Which didn’t make any sense to her, but whatever, she made the cake I wanted instead.”
“There is definitely something wrong with that woman,” I say, scowling as I look toward Tiffany. "As fucked up as everything else she’s done has been, trying to order a cake that the bride is allergic to? That really takes the cake.”
Amelia snorts, and Lizzie groans.
“Oh my god, that was such a dad joke, Dad!” She scowls at me but then she grins and laughs when I wink at her.
The bar opens and the cake is brought out, already cut into pieces.
“Dad, I’m calling dibs on Minnie for the first dance, the second dance, and the right to cut in at any moment later,” Lizzie says.
I frown and pretend to think it over. “Alright, but only for tonight. Future deals will be discussed as opportunities arise.”
“Hmmm, I’ve missed Boardroom Alex.” Amelia tucks her bottom lip between her teeth, making my dick twitch and my brain start to play out some office fantasies.
“None of that right now. We’ve got a dance floor calling our names.” Linking her arm through Amelia’s, Lizzie drags her away.
While they open the dancing to the theme song fromFriends, I walk to the bar and order a Scotch for myself and a chocolate mint martini that I assume is listed on the specialty menu solely for Amelia.
Tiffany slinks up next to me while I wait. “She didn’t thankmefor putting this whole thing together.” Her voice drips with resentment.
“Why the hell would she?”
“I spent months working on this wedding!”
“You steamrolled her. I wish I’d realized how much you’vebeen doing that her whole damn life. It fucking stops now, Tiffany,” I demand.
“She needs guidance. I’ve tried to mold her, but that rebellious streak of hers is so hard to fight against. Especially with that little bitch of a best friend?—”
“Enough,” I growl. “I don’t want to hear another word about Lizzie or Amelia come out of your mouth.”
“Amelia,” she spits, her eyes narrowing and dropping to my chest, even though she can’t see my tattoo through my suit. “She’s young enough to be your daughter, Zander.” She scrunches her face up disapprovingly.
“She’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. And we don’t give two shits what you think, Tiffany. Either keep your opinions and thoughts to yourself or get the fuck out.”
I put a twenty in the tip jar, grab the drinks, and find a table close to the dance floor to claim as ours for the night. Amelia catches my gaze, raising an eyebrow to ask me if everything is okay. She must have seen Tiffany accost me at the bar. I shoot her a smile and a little nod, and she blows me a kiss. I feel my smile get even bigger. Lizzie looks over her shoulder and grins, then continues dancing with my girl.
When the third song starts, Amelia makes her way to me and I finally get to take her in my arms for a dance.
“This is nice,” she says with a soft sigh as we sway.
“Mmhmm,” I hum in agreement.It’s too fucking nice.
She leans back and tilts her head. “You sound like you’re in pain.”
