Page 106 of Takedown

“Smart ho,” Ananda whispers to me when it’s her turn to hug me. “I told you I didn’t make friends with basic bitches. Love you, girl.”

I hug her tighter, and tears stream down my face.

Once I’ve hugged everyone, two servers arrive with trays of champagne and platters of appetizers. Everyone laughs and talks at once.

“Presents!” I jump in excitement, and I point to the gift table. “We have presents.” I rub my hands together in anticipation.

“Youhave presents. I didn’t get into law school.”

“You look happy, Mellie,” Jason says, approaching us.

I wrap an arm around his and lay my head on his shoulder. The day after our last fight, Jason sent a bouquet of chrysanthemums and hydrangeas. Molly was there when they arrived, and she explained that those flowers represent a sibling bond. Chrysanthemums represent faithfulness and hydrangeas emotions for your siblings. He’s been busy working long hours, and we haven’t had a chance to talk, but the flowers meant a lot.

“I am,” I admit.

“So, was that you playing hard to get with Flynn all this time?”

“I wasn’t ready until we went to Vegas,” I tell him. “Stop giving him shit, Jason. I mean it.”

“If you’re happy, I’m happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. I’ll make things right with Flynn.” I can tell he wants to say more, but he closes his mouth once Molly approaches. He says a quick hello to her and leaves to join Alex.

“I’m so proud of you, Mel.” She wraps her arm around mine. “You and Adam make me so proud.” She adjusts the necklace she gave me. “But I still want my grandbabies.”

“You’ll get them,” I promise her.

We talk for several more minutes, and we’re both on our second glass of champagne when the door to our private room opens and Ethan, Tara, and Elizabeth walk in like they own the place. I don’t know how they do that, but Ethan and Tara dominate whatever room they walk into. Everyone stops talking as they cross the room and approach. Molly turns, and when she looks in Ethan’s face, her mouth flies open, and her pale skin turns whiter. Her hands fly to her mouth, and I can only imagine she’s picturing Adam’s father when she looks at Ethan. Adam notices and quickly approach.

“Surprise,” Elizabeth says while she practically jumps into Adam’s arms.

Ethan shakes his head at his sister, but he and Tara congratulate me.

“Ma,” Adam says, “this is Ethan, Elizabeth, and Ethan’s fiancée, Tara.”

Molly’s face is still ashen, but she shakes everyone’s hand even though she never takes her eyes off Ethan. Ethan kisses the back of her hand.

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Flynn,” he says.

Molly swallows and nods, removes her hand from his, and walks away. Adam’s eyes follow his mom, and I gesture for him to follow her.

“Go talk to her,” I whisper to him.

He kisses my temple and leaves my side.

“You guys didn’t have to come,” I tell Ethan and Elizabeth. “We’re seeing you next weekend for the shower, and you sent me those beautiful flowers. I told Adam not to make a big deal about this.”

“We kinda like you guys,” Ethan says.

“And Ethan and Elizabeth are obsessed with Adam,” Tara jokes. “He’s all they talk about now. And you too.”

The surprises don’t stop. My dad walks in, and he wraps me in his arms. The room is alive with laughter and chatter. I look around for Molly, and she’s back to being relaxed. But it’s my turn to be alarmed when I see Molly and my mother engaged in conversation.

Adam returns and puts a hand on my waist. “Did you invite my mother?” I whisper to him.

“I didn’t, but she thanked me for inviting her. Do you think Jason lied and told her she was invited?”

“She didn’t come with them, so I don’t’ think so. He better not have. She’s just putting on an act, but I don’t care. I love my party so let her stay.” I wrap my arms around his neck. He bends down and rubs his nose against mine. “And I love my husband.” The last word leaves my mouth just as our lips touch.

The entire room erupts in cheers and catcalls. I pull away, embarrassed, but Adam doesn’t seem to care. He takes my hand and leads us to a table with our siblings and our mothers.

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