“If…things don’t work out”— Beck cast a glance at Grace—“you’re always welcome in LA.”
“I just might take you up on that. The twins did say the girls are pretty out there…” Matt shook his hand. “I should probably go mingle. If I don’t see you before you head to the airport, it was good to meet you.”
“You, too.”
With that, Matt crossed the room and approached Gene, ready smile on his face.
Beck stayed where he was, coffee in hand, focused on Seth, still circling the thinning crowd like a man trying to outrun his own thoughts.
As the guests began making their way to the door, hugging Grace and thanking her for the lovely brunch, Beck helped clear a few plates. The room had gone from packed to manageable. The energy loosened. Conversations grew quieter as the house emptied out.
Blake’s phone chimed. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen, then turned to his sister. “Uber’s five minutes out. Ready?”
“Yep.” Cat turned to her dad and Grace. “Sorry we have to leave so soon.”
“It’s all right, sweetheart. We know you two have to get back,” Carl assured, setting down his mug before hugging his daughter tightly.
“We’re just so happy you came for the wedding,” Grace said, smile warm but tinged with sadness.
“Me, too.” Cat’s eyes were glassy.
Blake pulled his father into a tight hug. “I’m thrilled to see you happy, Dad. You deserve it.”
“Thanks.” Carl’s voice was rougher than usual. He quickly cleared his throat. “Let me walk you two out.”
Grace wrapped her arms around Cat, hugging her a beat longer than necessary.
Seth clasped Heavenly’s hand before striding over to the group. He gave Cat a sisterly pat on the shoulder, then Heavenly gave the girl a warm hug. He shook Blake’s hand before Heavenly did the same. After more goodbyes from Matt, Gene, and Hudson, Carl escorted his son and daughter out the door.
“Have a safe flight,” Grace called after them. “Text when you land!”
“I will,” Cat promised, waving over her shoulder.
“It will be a while, but I will when I get there,” Blake quipped.
Everyone laughed. Then the door closed behind them.
The house began settling back into its hum of conversation and clinking dishes. Fewer voices, less movement. Beck exhaled, glancing around. Just family now. And Gene, who was clearly an honorary Cooper.
Grace moved through the room with a fresh pitcher, topping off glasses. “Who else wants a mimosa besides me? We’ve got plenty of champagne left.”
“I’ll take one,” Matt said, holding out his glass.
“Me, too.” Gene lifted a flute.
Grace poured with a smile, the tension from earlier—the twins bailing, Danny’s absence—seeming to melt away. She looked lighter now, more at ease. Especially when Carl wrapped an arm around her waist and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
The social obligation part of the brunch was over. Beck hoped that whatever had been eating at Seth all morning would ease now that hosting duties were largely over. But when Beck looked at him across the room, Seth didn’t look any more relaxed.
Grace poured another mimosa and frowned. “Seth, honey. We’re running low on orange juice. Would you mind running to the mini-mart? Just in case more people come by after the late mass.”
“Sure.” Seth all but ran for the stairs. “Just need to grab my wallet.”
“Thanks,” Grace called after him. “My car keys are on the hook.”
Beck started and frowned. What the fuck is wrong with you? But he couldn’t ask. Seth had already taken the stairs two at a time and disappeared from sight.
Seth bolted up to his childhood bedroom, grateful for a few minutes of peace.
