Chapter 3 - The Reception

The ceremony itself was beautiful. Owen forgot a line of his vows and had to start over. My dad cried. I loved every second of it.

Our reception was at our favorite restaurant — exactly where Owen had wanted it. Denise had complained for months that it wasn't formal enough. Owen never budged. "I want the pasta from our first anniversary, those potatoes you always steal off my plate, and tomorrow I don't want us cleaning up after a hundred people." That settled it. We wanted food we loved without any of the fuss afterward. It felt like us.

Priscilla hugged me the moment she arrived. "This feels exactly like you two."

Denise gave a tight smile. "I still think they should've chosen somewhere more appropriate."

Priscilla frowned. "I don't."

Denise noticed. So did I.

Later, I found her needling my father near the bar. "This must all feel rather different for your family."

I stepped between them. "Dad. Please. Let her walk away."

He lowered his voice once she'd gone. "You keep protecting people from the consequences of what they say to you."

"I just want one peaceful night."

"I know you do." He shook his head. "But you're taking responsibility for her behavior. There's a difference."

A few minutes later I passed Denise and Priscilla near the bar. "Sabrina would've organized this differently," Denise was saying.

Priscilla's frown deepened. "Why are you talking about my daughter?"

"You know I've always thought she and Owen would've suited each other."

"Maybe years ago. But Owen loves Vera. Leave Sabrina out of this."

Owen appeared beside me. "She's right, Mom. Please stop."

For the first time all day, Denise looked genuinely uncomfortable. Something about the way Priscilla's jaw tightened made my stomach turn.

Before I could ask anything, Owen took my hand. "Dance with me."

On the floor, I rested my hand against his shoulder. "I'm sorry," he said.

"Stop apologizing for her."

"I don't know what else to do."

"Neither do I." For once, I didn't turn it into a joke.

He looked at me carefully. "After tonight, we figure it out."

May you like

My Daughter Brought Her Fiancé Home Before the Wedding — Then He Said Fo...

Chapter 1 - The Dinner Before the Wedding"Mom, those are the good plates."I looked down and realized I was holding the china we on...

My neighbor tore up my late husband's garden with his motorcycle and shr...

Chapter 1 - The Garden Walter BuiltMy husband built that garden without asking me a single thing about it.It was the summer of 199...

My Husband Said I'd Never Touch His Money Again — Then His Mistress Disc...

Chapter 1 - The Envelope on the TableDerek Whitfield had always liked arriving early when there was an audience. That morning was...

"After tonight," I agreed.

Then Denise cut my hair.