Beck grinned. “Everyone sleep okay?”
Heavenly shot him a reproving glance that went straight over Hudson’s head. “Kinda. Hard to sleep, you know?”
Seth looked at his son, chest swelling with pride. “This morning is a big deal for us, buddy.”
“Yeah.” Hudson shrugged like he was playing it cool, but there was a flicker of excitement in his eyes. “And it’ll be good to see Mom, too.”
“I’m sure she’s looking forward to it,” Seth replied.
Carl and his mom swept into the kitchen next. She was already dressed, her energy buzzing as she made a beeline for the coffee pot and poured herself a cup. “Good morning, everyone.”
“Morning,” Seth said, leading the chorus that Beck, Heavenly, and Hudson joined.
Carl tipped his head and saluted him with a nod and a knowing grin.
“Ready to be a bride today?” Seth asked. His mom’s excitement was endearing.
“As I’ll ever be.”
“You are, and you haven’t forgotten anything.” Carl kissed her softly.
She sent her groom a sheepish smile. “You’re right.” Then she turned to Seth. “So you’ll be back from meeting Laura by two?”
“Should be,” Seth assured her. “Still plenty of time.”
“The wedding is at five, and there’s still so much to do.”
“Like what?”
“Hair and makeup starts at three. And I still need to pack our bag for the honeymoon suite tonight, plus?—”
“Grace.” Carl cupped her shoulder, his tone warm but firm. “We’ll get it all done. Everything is going to be fine.”
She exhaled, visibly steadying herself. “You’re right. Of course you’re right.” She looked back at Seth. “Call if you’re going to be late, okay?”
“We’ll be there way before five,” Beck said easily. “I’ll make sure.”
His mom smiled, then squeezed his shoulder. “Thank you. When Seth was a teenager, I didn’t think he could tell time, since he almost always stayed out past his curfew.”
“That was on purpose, Mom,” Seth quipped.
Everyone laughed.
“I’ll take your tux to the church,” Carl offered. “One less thing to worry about.”
“Perfect,” Seth said. “I appreciate it.”
Mom crossed the room to Hudson, who leaned against the kitchen counter. She set down her coffee, expression softening as she wrapped him in a tight hug. “It’s not just my big day, but yours, too, sweetheart. I’m so excited! Next time I see you, you’ll officially be a Cooper.”
Despite being sixteen, Hudson towered over her as he returned the hug, gently patting her back without a trace of teenage snark. “I’m excited, too, Grandma.”
Seth pinged with pride as he watched their exchange. By his side, Heavenly looked a bit wistful.
Moments later, his mom released Hudson, her eyes glassy as she cupped his cheek. “We’ll have a special toast just for you tonight at the reception.”
“Really?” The teen grinned.
“Yep. Grab your coat and shoes. We need to leave soon.”
