Finally, James pulls himself together enough to explain. “We found the box in Chad’s closet that first week we were working on his house.”
“You knew we were married this whole time?” I verify.
They’re all nodding, still trying to suppress their laughter as James answers. “We figured you would tell us when you were ready.”
“Then there was the Princess comment,” Drew adds.
Mark smirks. “And you told us to leave so you could get him naked after the fireplace, so we knew you were actually together and it wasn’t just some drunk thing in Vegas.”
“Oh, it was absolutely a drunk thing in Vegas,” Chad clarifies. “But I knew we were meant to be together. I just needed a bit more time to convince John.”
A laugh escapes my throat as I finally let go of the tension I was holding in my shoulders in response to their admission, and I join Chad on the couch, placing a kiss on the top of his head as I do. “I’m glad you didn’t give up on us, Princess.”
“Bluh.” Mark makes a gagging sound. “Who knew John would end up being the sappy brother.”
I smirk at him.
“Ugh, I want to be sappy, too,” Drew mutters, surprising me. He doesn’t normally draw attention to the fact that he’s single.
The doorbell rings before I can question him about it though, and I get up again to let my parents in. My mom hands me a three-tiered cake in greeting. “I know you have no interest in celebrating your wedding with a big party, so I like to pretend the festival Blake and Liam threw was actually a reception for you. But I didn’t get to prepare anything that day, so I decided to make you a wedding cake today.”
“Oh,” is all I can get out as I take in the cake. I’m actually really impressed she made it. “I didn’t know you could bake.”
“Well, I’ve gotten pretty good in my retirement. Maybe Chad will convince you to come around more and you’ll see for yourself,” she teases.
“Your mother makes the best lemon squares,” my dad adds.
“What about you?” I ask him. “Any hidden hobbies I should know about?”
“Yes. I’ve taken up rock collecting,” he deadpans.
“Wait, seriously?”
“I guess you’ll have to come around to the house like your mother said to find out.” He winks, and for the life of me, I have no idea if he’s fucking with me or not.
Chad must have wondered what was taking us so long because he joins us all by the front door. “Oh my God! That cake is amazing! Where did you get it?”
“My mom made it for us since we didn’t have a wedding cake,” I explain weakly, still shocked by the gesture.
“Holy shit!” He directs his wide-eyed attention at my mom. “Sorry for swearing, Mrs.Sullivan, but damn! I had no idea you were such a talented baker! Will you teach me?”
She lights up at his praise and looks even more thrilled by his question. “Of course, sweetie! Come over any time, and I’d be happy to bake with you.”
“Don’t tempt me with a good time or I’ll be over there every day,” he teases.
I realize I still haven’t thanked my mom for the cake so I hurry to put it down safely in the kitchen while Chad and my dad join the mini donkeys before I go back to hug her properly. “Thank you, Mom.”
She squeezes me tightly. “I’m just so happy you found him. You were so sad for so long after you lost Luke.”
“I’m glad I found him too,” I agree, my throat tight with emotion.
“Thanks for eventually telling us about your relationship this time,” she adds in a less serious tone as we finally pull apart, confirming for the first time that she knew Luke and I were together. I stare at her with wide eyes. “What? I’m your mother. I know everything.”
“Apparently.” I laugh; I can’t help it. I thought I did such a great job at keeping everyone at arm’s length, but I guess myfamily has just been waiting for me to realize they were there, ready to support me all along.
“I know Chad is really good for you,” she continues. “I also see how happy you make him, too. I think Luke would be happy for you guys.”
I smile, fighting back the emotions welling behind my eyes. “Yeah, he would be.”
