I follow her as she walks to the happy couple.
“Finn,” I say, swallowing the prickle in my throat as if I’ve swallowed a ball of holly. “There’s been a problem with the Candy Cane Key development. Maxwell Cross is getting cold feet or wanting to renegotiate. I have to fly out this afternoon.”
“You’re not serious?” He rolls his eyes. “Can’t someone else go?”
“I’m sorry, son. It has to be me. You know that.”
“Fine. I’ll see you when you get back.” He says it so nonchalantly, as if he’s not fazed or surprised.
“Enjoy your evening.” I squeeze his shoulder, then lean over and give Shelly a kiss on the cheek.
Shelly has the same sympathetic smile as Merry did. Like concern, but with a hint of sadness laced with disappointment.
As I turn around, I hear the faint voice of Finn say, “I told you, Mum. He’ll never change.”
My heart plummets to my stomach. Acid burns my throat like guilt eating away at my insides. The way Merry looked at me with dull eyes and a sad smile makes me think she expects nothing from me either. Like they are so used to me abandoning them, they don’t even get mad anymore.
I slink into the back of the SUV. “I need to get back to the house, Gary, then the airport as quick as you can.”
“Yes, boss.” Gary puts his foot on the gas, leaving a trail of dust behind us. I stare through the blackout window. Everything seems dull and grey, reflecting how I feel. The marquee in the distance grows smaller and smaller like my heart, shrivelling to an empty shell as all the life’s sucked out of it.
My hand runs over my face, tired from the constant flattery and kissing ass for the sake of a deal. I don’t want to spend Christmas with Maxwell Cross any more than I want to spend it with Ebenezer Scrooge. I have three days with my family before Boxing Day when the newlyweds take off on honeymoon and my ex-wife takes off for good.
Gary slows the car down in front of the house and I jump out, climb the steps of the porch and rush inside to pack my bag. If I can get there, sort this out, I might be able to salvage Christmas day at least.
In my closet, the green Tiffany box sits on top of the drawers, taunting me. I open the box and gaze down at the rose gold band encrusted with rubies. Red was always her colour.
My palm rubs the ache in my withered heart. Without her smile to brighten my day, her laugh to warm my soul, I’m nothing. Any good times that lie ahead would be so much better having her to share them with.
I close the lid on the box as if closing that part of my life for good.
I’ve just made the second biggest mistake of my life.
Chapter Eleven
MERRY
After Marley’s speech, I rise to toast the bride and groom. I take a deep breath and stand before a crowd of unfamiliar faces. The only people I know here are the wedding party and then I spot Blanche at a table, waving at me with a bright smile, telling me all is well.
“Good evening, everyone.” I smooth a palm down my sea-green floaty chiffon dress. “I’d like to thank you all for being here today to celebrate this beautiful moment. As Finn’s mother, it fills my heart with so much joy to see so many loved ones gathered together to celebrate his marriage to Shelly.” I give everyone my best fake smile, even though my heart is filled with sadness as I look out at the crowd, knowing there’s one person who should be here.
Memories flood my head of the last time I was left looking out at a crowd without him. I was standing on a podium giving a speech. It should have been a happy occasion. A turning point in my career as I won a seat in parliament. But with no one to share in the moment, it didn’t seem as joyful as it should have.
The mic trembles in my hand. “Standing here today, I can’t help but reflect on the boy who grew into the incredible man sitting before me. From the moment I held him in my arms, I knew he would grow up to be someone special. Finn, you’ve always had a kind heart, an adventurous spirit, and a determination that has never wavered, no matter the challenges life threw your way.
“But what stands out to me most about you is the way you love. You love deeply, with all of your heart, and seeing the way you look at Shelly tells me you’ve found someone who understands and returns that love in the most beautiful way.
“To both of you, marriage is a journey, not always an easy one, but a beautiful one when shared with the right person.” My voice cracks, emotions getting the better of me.
“You’ll have your ups and downs, but never forget the love you feel today. Be patient with each other, support one another’s dreams, and always remember?—”
My mouth parts as Alex enters the marquee. Our eyes connect across the space.
He takes long strides as he navigates the large round tables, straightening his tie.
The pulse in my neck quickens as he reaches the head table, taking the mic from my hand. It could only have been seconds, but it feels like I’ve been standing here for minutes.
Alex brings the mic to his lips, and says, “I think what my wife was about to say is, always remember that family comes first.” He places a hand on Finn’s shoulder while standing behind him.
