She even cranes her neck, like he might suddenly appear down the hallway.
“He’s not home, Ma. He had just started a new project when his sisters found out I was getting married.”
My smile transforms into a bright one as I remember Miles fighting security guards to get to me.
“A hardworking man,” Dad says with a nod. “I like him already.”
“He’s amazing,” I say. “I’ll invite you both over again soon so youcan meet him.”
I conveniently skip over the part where he’s younger than me and I might be pregnant with his baby.
“I can’t wait,” Mami says warmly. “Or you can come visit us too. You know you never need an invitation.”
“Well,” Dad says as he pushes to his feet. “Glad we were able to come by, see you doing well, and ease your mind about the Ryans.”
He puffs his chest out proudly.
“Take all the time you need to get back on your feet. I can’t wait to see what you do next.”
“Thank you, Dad. Ma.” My throat tightens. “I love you so much.”
We stand at the same time, and like they’ve done my entire life, they pull me into a giant double hug with me trapped right in the middle.
“Don’t be a stranger just because you’ve moved to this peaceful little town,” Mami says as I walk them to the door. “I’m always one phone call away.”
After waving goodbye, I close the door and grab my phone off the charger.
I need to chat with the girls ASAP.
The second my phone powers on, a huge number of notifications explode across the screen.
There are messages from people at the club, but I ignore them. I have zero interest in hearing what Charlotte society has to say about my runaway bride moment.
A few of them are Miles, sent before he made it to the wedding.
Miles: Boss, I don’t know what the fuck is going on but don’t marry him without speaking with me first. Please.
Aww, this man.
Then I notice over a hundred unread messages from the girls. Mostly in the group chat.
I type quickly.
Penny: Hey, I’m back.
Carly: Penny! Thank fuck. Where are you? I’m taking the day off.
Ruin: I just dropped the kids off at Mama’s. I was going to take the helicopter to Raleigh for the day, but I can meet wherever you are right now.
Rain: She’s at Miles’s. I’ll be there in ten.
Penny: How do you know I’m here?
Daisy: Small town, remember? I’m closing the yoga studio. I’ll be there assoon as I can.
I cackle at their complete lack of chill.
Penny: I’ll be here waiting.
