Page 85 of Meet Me at Sunset Cove

She smiled, but tears were already welling up in her eyes. And that smile trembled.

And Hunter crumpled.

“Don’t,” he said. “Don’t cry.”

He crossed the room in two strides, sweeping her into his arms, willing those tears not to fall. “I’m sorry.”

His mom let out a loud sniffle and stepped back, the tears pouring down her face, leaving tracks in her foundation.

“You’re sorry? I’m the one…” Her voice broke, and she sniffled again. She snatched a tissue from the nearby table, dabbing it to her eyes. “I’m the one who should be sorry. I never should have left you. I never should have said it wasn’t worth it to be a…a Barrett…anymore.” Her words came out in a string of tears and sniffles. “Because I’m so proud that you are one.”

Hunter swallowed hard. “It’s okay, Mom.”

“No, it’s not.” She shook her head, her mascara blotting. “And I couldn’t get remarried without you knowing that. I am so…so proud of my Barrett boys.”

Hunter pulled her in again, wrapping his arms around his mom as she wept.

After a few moments, she pulled back, wiping her eyes and trying to compose herself. “You know, I ask Miles about you all the time. I just…I didn’t want to bother you. I wasn’t sure if you wanted a relationship with me after…”

“I know, he’s told me.” A knot formed in his chest. “And I’m sorry I shut you out. I’m…I’m learning a lot about rebuilding relationships.” He grabbed another tissue, stepping up to dry her tears. “Do you think…maybe we could have a fresh start?”

“I’d like that.”

There was a knock at the door, and the wedding planner poked her head in again. “Two minutes, Lisaaah—oh, your makeup!” She blinked. “I’ll get someone in to touch that up.”

The wedding planner vanished, and Hunter’s mom gave a little chuckle. She glanced back at him, a hopeful look on her face. “I was going to ask one of my boys to walk me down the aisle. Would you…?”

“Of course.” Hunter felt a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Yes,” he said again, surprising himself with how easily the word came. “Yes, I’d be honored.”

* * *

“Ey! Look who it is!” Evan shouted from their table in the crowded reception hall.

“If it isn’t the big man!” Jude joined in the heckling, a wide grin splayed on his face. “How’d it feel, walking Mom down the aisle?”

“Did you feel strong?” Evan asked.

“Manly and heroic?” This from Jude.

Hunter chuckled as he slid across from his brothers. He leaned back, slinging his arm over the chair as he took in the space.

The venue, a fancy place in downtown Chicago, had been set up with a timeless look. Soft, white fabric was draped from the ceiling, creating a billowing canopy. Twinkling fairy lights were woven through the fabric, mimicking a starry sky and casting a warm, golden glow over the entire room. The table itself was decorated with white floral centerpieces set in gold vases atop crisp, white linens.

Miles gave him a hefty pat on the back, bringing his attention back to the table. “You did great, Hunt. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Mom so happy.”

Before he could say more, the DJ made an announcement, his voice booming through the space like a sports announcer. “Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and join me in welcoming the newlyweds for the very first time…Mr. and Mrs. Carlisle Hansen!”

The guests stood, a wave of anticipation rippling through the room as the music swelled. Hunter and his brothers rose from their seats, turning toward the entrance.

The double doors swung open, revealing the bride and groom. Hunter’s mom beamed, her smile widening as she glanced up at her new husband. The music reached a climax, and they turned back to the crowd as they swept into the room.

In the center of the dance floor, Carlisle lifted his wife’s arm, spinning her out, her dress twirling around her. He pulled her back in, his eyes bright as he kissed her earnestly. The crowd cheered and Hunter smiled.

She was happy and taken care of, and maybe that’s all that mattered, really.

The music faded and the happy couple settled at the sweetheart table.

The caterers made their way around the space, releasing tables for dinner, and it wasn’t long before Hunter’s mom and Carlisle made their way through the room, greeting their guests.

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