Page 65 of Whatever It Takes

I turnedmy attention to the DJ announcing the bride and groom while the sound of applause echoed through the white and gold decorated ballroom.

I smiled when Brody walked into the middle of the dance floor and pulled his wife into his arms. He looked dangerously handsome in his tux and his eyes sparkled with happiness as he spun his bride around to the lyrics of “Marry Me” by Train.

I never thought I would see the day where Brody Walker would find someone who was worth giving up his playboy ways for. There was no doubt a trail of broken hearts left along the state of Pennsylvania.

I was thankful that I was sitting down when I noticed Quinn’s mom, making her way toward my table.

“Hello, Charlotte.”

I stood up, wiped my sweaty palms on my dress and gave her a light kiss on each of her cheeks, just the way she preferred. Ever since Quinn and I dated, this woman has hated me. At least that’s what it felt like. She was against us from the beginning and I’d never understood why. I’d tried to get her to accept me, but for whatever reason, it seemed like I could never quite win her over. She always made me feel like I had something to prove.

“Ann Marie.” I smiled, feeling my heart beat faster than normal in my chest. “It’s so good to see you,” I lied.

She set her silver clutch that matched her dress down on the table.

“I didn’t get a chance to talk to you at the church earlier. How have you been?” She gave me a kind smile that slightly eased the knot growing in my chest.

“I’ve been well.” I watched as Quinn and the bridal party circled the room. Seeing my boyfriend in a tux was doing things to my insides that even I didn’t anticipate. I’d known this man for almost half my life and he still had the ability to steal the breath right from my lungs.

Ann Marie watched me carefully, making me squirm in my seat. “It was nice of you to attend on such short notice.”

I wasn’t sure if that was a snub or not. So, I took a sip of my drink and smiled, hoping it would calm the nerves in my stomach.

“It was a beautiful ceremony. I’m glad I came.”

I glanced around the room and my eyes connected with Thomas Walker. He raised his glass of scotch when he saw me. “There she is.”

I stood to greet him as he got closer. He reached for me and slung his arm around my shoulder, pulling me into his warmth. “You’re just as pretty as I remember,” he said, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

He relaxed his hold, and I took a step back and patted his shoulder. “And you’re just as charming as ever.”

A genuine smile took over his face. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that you are here. I’ve missed you.”

Thomas was always like a second father to me. From day one, he welcomed me with open arms. Where Ann Marie always treated me like a threat, Thomas treated me like an ally.

“I’ve missed you too,” I said, overcome with emotion. “I’m so glad you’re doing well. Quinn told me you had quite a scare a while back.”

He let go of my arms and snatched a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and handed it to his wife. “My son was being a drama queen as usual. I’m as healthy as a horse.” He winked.

“And I’d like to keep it that way,” Ann Marie said, taking a sip from her champagne glass. “Now please, Thomas, come sit down so they can start the toast.”

He pressed his lips into a grin before taking a seat next to Ann Marie. He reached his hand out to me. “I’m glad you and Quinn found your way back together,” he said, giving me a squeeze in support.

I swallowed the lump in the back of my throat. “Thank you. Me too.”

After Quinn and another one of Brody’s best friends made an embarrassing toast, we were finally able to sit down and eat.

I took a few bites of my salad when I spotted Quinn’s sister Nora. She did a double take when she saw me. She let go of her daughter’s hand and I watched the little girl run over to her father who had a plate of food waiting for her.

“I heard you were going to be here. How the hell have you been?” she asked enthusiastically while pulling out the chair next to mine.

“I’ve been okay. You look like you haven’t aged a bit,” I said, admiring her floor-length burgundy gown that hugged her curves perfectly. “You look amazing. That dress looks stunning on you.”

She raised her eyebrows conspicuously. “You won’t be saying that in another month or so.” My eyes followed hers to her stomach.

“You’re pregnant?” She nodded her head. “That’s wonderful! Congratulations.”

She nervously played with her hoop earrings that were dangling. “Thanks. We just found out a couple of weeks ago.” She looked at the waiters who were carrying the food out on silver platters. “I am going to miss not being able to eat fish for the next few months though.”

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