Page 130 of Say You Will

“The dress suits you to perfection,” Janessa says.

I smooth the ivory fabric over my thighs. I decided against a corset to give me a fake hourglass figure, and, instead, had the dress altered to actually fit my body, apple shape and all. The bateau neckline shows off my collarbones, and my hair is in a loose mass on top of my head, exposing my neck. Henry really likes my neck.Henry really likes all of me.

I worried the long sleeves would be too hot, but they’re made of soft, sheer lace, and I’m not overheated. Sparkly crystals encrust my custom tennis shoes.

Phee, a small tiara nestled in her mass of blonde ringlets and wearing a toddler version of my dress, runs to me and tries to pass me my bouquet with two hands. “Penis!”

Sydney’s brown eyes go wide, her eyebrows shooting up, and she leans at the waist to look at Phee.

Bronwyn’s lips twitch as she looks at her officially adopted daughter. “I beg yourfinestpardon, miss?”

Phee holds up the bouquet to her mother. “Pretty Pe-Nis. Pink penis. Penis.Penis.”

“It doesn’t even sound like a real word, anymore,” Janessa says in wonder.

“Yes, Phee Bee. Aunt Franki haspeonies. So do you,” Charlotte says.

Bronwyn straightens and lifts her fingers to her mouth. “That was a poor choice of phrasing.”

Charlotte gives her a confused look. “What do you mean? I was helping her to say the word correctly.”

“AUNT FANKEE HAB PENIS. MOMWYN HAB PENIS. I HAB PENIS.” Phee sings.

Charlotte blinks. “I may have made an error in judgment.”

I pray aloud. “Dear God, please allow me to be present when she tells her father Momwyn has a penis.”

Bronwyn mock scowls. “My brother’s sense of humor is rubbing off on you. You’re supposed to be a calming influence on him, not the other way around.”

“Henry is hilarious. The last thing I want to do is calm him down,” I say.

Everyone, even Charlotte, snorts in laughter.

Sydney nods. “That right there is proof that there’s someone for everyone, because when I tell you—”

Janessa nudges her elbow into Sydney’s side.

“—how utterly perfect you two are for each other is what I wasgoing to say.” Sydney gives a huge, cheesy smile.

“Good thing you fixed that sentence. I don’t tolerate Henry slander.” Someday, I’ll tell her that Spencer thought she’d make a good wife for Henry. I haven’t managed to find that funny, yet.

I put my hand out, and Phee gives me the bouquet. “Thank you for myflowers. Where are yourflowers?”

“My fowers are by the window.” She runs to her basket and lifts it carefully.

“Thank you,” Bronwyn mouths, and I wink in response.

A knock sounds at the door, and I turn to see Henry’s grandmother, Rose, standing in a peacock-blue gown. I’ve attended family functions with her many times in the last seven months, and she’s always been gracious to me. Still, I can’t help but remember the conversation I heard that night in Henry’s penthouse. She thinks I’m a liability. It doesn’t matter how polite she is to me; it’s something I’ll always be aware of.

I swallow and glance around. No one else has tensed the way I have, though Bronwyn sends me a commiserating glance. She knows how it feels to be on the receiving end of Rose McRae’s disapproval, though she has the advantage of also being loved.

Mrs. McRae comes closer, and I step forward, meeting her in the middle. We’re of a similar height, so she looks me straight in the eyes. I fight the urge to look away or down at my feet and keep my spine straight.

My mother was toxic, and a relationship with her was not good for me. I do, however, know how to carry myself to look confident and graceful in nearly any situation because of her. I can be grateful for the good parts, while still acknowledging that I owe her nothing. She’s currently in prison, but someday she’ll get out. Probably as soon as she’s eligible for parole. I’ve asked Henry to leave her alone.

As long as she and David stay away from me, we’ll get on with our lives as though she doesn’t exist. It’s hard for Henry, but he does it for me. I don’t want anything about her tainting our future.

“Mrs. McRae, you look lovely,” I say.

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