“More than okay,” I whispered back.
He nodded and sat up straight, looking back to his mother who was whispering something to Greg. He pulled away and smiled at her, before leaning in and kissing her on the lips. It was so sweet and tender. I was so happy she had found her person after everything. Sandy turned to the rest of us and lifted her wine glass.
“I would like to propose a toast,” she said, holding her glass to the center of the table. Greg, Chandler, and Nathan followed suit with their beers in hand. I lifted my water glass.
“To my family being together. Nothing makes me happier.” She looked toward me. “It finally feels like my family is whole.”
“Cheers!” said Greg happily, and I could see the joy that his conversation with Chandler brought him. We all clinked our glasses together. It made me so happy to see this family mend what was broken. They deserved it. I felt so grateful to be there to witness it. The feeling was so overwhelming that I reached under the table to find Chandler’s hand open and waiting for me. I intertwined my fingers in his, feeling home through his touch. I felt so loved by him and his family.
Chapter 56
Chandler
“Right here is good,” I said, leaning forward to let the driver know to drop me off outside the church. I climbed out of the car before he could come around and open the door, eager to get inside. On the curb, I straightened my suit and buttoned my jacket. I had it custom made for tonight. Black on black, with a little bit of subtle flair in the satin lapels. I thanked my driver, and walked up the steps of the church.
I had been here earlier to oversee the florist I had hired, and Gabriella had stayed behind to get ready with my mother for my mother’s big day. The two had become fast friends since our dinner two weeks ago when everyone came together and made amends. I was eager to see them both. I walked through the church to the side door where the bride and groom chambers were.
I popped my head into the first room, and saw Greg adjusting his bowtie and looking defeated, while Nathan was holding up his phone with a video on how to tie a bowtie. I chuckled and stepped inside, seeing how badly they needed my services.
“Let me do it,” I said, waving Nathan away and stepping up to Greg, who looked happily surprised to see me.
“If anyone would know how to do this, it’s you,” said Greg, looking my suit up and down. “You trying to show me up on my wedding day?” He raised a brow, a playful smirk crossing his lips.
“Never. I made sure Sergio made you the very best. You look sharp,” I said, reaching for the bowtie. Sergio would be appalled if he saw the shape it was in. With a few folds and tucks, it was looking as it should and I turned Greg toward the mirror.
He sucked in a nervous breath as he ran his hands down the light gray lapels of his jacket, making sure the buttons were secure.
“Nervous?” I asked, standing beside him.
“Very. I don’t know why. I’ve been with your mother forever. It just feels…”
“Big,” I said, finishing his sentence.
He nodded before turning to me and placing his hand on my shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here, son,” he said.
“Me too.”
I hadn’t tried out calling him “Dad” yet, but hearing “son” felt right. Maybe one day…
“I should probably go check on Mom. If you’re nervous, I can’t imagine how she is,” I said. “I’ll see you out there.”
I turned to Nathan and pointed at him. “Don’t forget the rings.”
He patted his jacket pocket to let me know they were secure. We were both standing up there today as the groomsmen, but I was walking my mother down the aisle first. My mother had asked Gabriella to stand up there with her. It had been a surprise to her, but she accepted wholeheartedly. I was so happy she was part of the family.
I slipped out of the room and continued down the hall to the bride’s chambers where I found my mother standing in front of a tall oval mirror. She wore a cream lace dress that skimmed the floor with long sleeves that hugged her wrists. My heart swelled at the sight of her. She hadn’t seen me yet, so I admired her happiness from the doorway just for a moment. If anyone deserved their happy ending, it was my mother. I was thrilled for her today.
“Chandler,” she said in surprise as her eyes landed on me through the mirror.
“Hi, Mom,” I said, stepping into the room and closing the door behind me. “You look absolutely beautiful.” I walked up to herand gave her a hug, careful not to mess up her hair that was pulled into a sophisticated chignon.
I stepped back and admired her up close.
“Wow. Really. Greg is going to drop dead when he sees you.” I shook my head in awe.
“Did you see him?” she asked eagerly, looking toward the door. “Is he okay?”
“He’s nervous. It’s pretty funny. I never see him nervous.”
