Page 31 of Taylor
“Mum,” both Beth and I snap at the same time at herattitude.
“He’s a photographer, Mum. And a bloody good one.” At that announcement, Beth is out of her chair, much to the hair stylist’s annoyance, and launches herself at Taylor. They’ve met a few times before and although she never said anything I’m pretty sure she was well aware of my feelings forhim.
“Thank you so much. You have no idea how much I appreciate you being here.” Once Beth’s let go of Taylor, she turns to me. “You’re a little bit awesome, you know that, right?” I shrug my shoulders at her in response. “I’m glad you’re here, Taylor,” she says as she walks away. “And not just as the photographer. Mum…” she prompts as she walks pasther.
“Thank you, Taylor,” Mum adds, just about managing to crack asmile.
* * *
The ceremony isshort and sweet. I’d love to be able to say what actually happened, but I spent the entire time staring at Taylor’s ass. Those trousers just hug it in the most incredible way. I’m dying to get them off him. I can see he’s more stressed than usual and I can only presume that’s because of his mum. We haven’t had any time to talk since he arrived and it’s killing me that he’s soclose.
The whole day goes by in a blur of wedding formalities, amazing French food and even better French wine. I get a few fleeting moments with Taylor but nothing like Iwant.
“Hey, Mum. Having a good day?” I ask when I see her sat alone for the first time all day at thebar.
“Yes. Just look how happy they are,” she says with wet eyes as she glances over at Beth and Daniel, who are talking to Steven, Daniel’s brother, and his wife. “All I want is for my kids to be happy—to find someone they love and spend their lives with them.” I look back at her then down at her empty glass, wondering how much she’s had. “I’m so sorry, Caleb. I’m embarrassed of how I’ve acted, how selfish I’ve been. I’ve been watching you today and it’s clear how happy Taylor makes you. You obviously do the same for him as well. Not everyone would have hopped on the first plane to be here at the last minute today, especially with how I treated him last time I sawhim.”
“He’s special,Mum.”
“I can see that. He was showing me some of the photos he’s taken. They’re beautiful.” I feel myself swell with pride for my man. “I think this all worked out as it should, don’t you?” At that moment, I feel heat behind me. Mum looks over my shoulder and smiles before getting up off the bar stool and walkingaway.
A large pair of hands land on my shoulders and spin mearound.
“Hey.”
“Hey. How did you doit?”
“Dowhat?”
“Win my mumaround?”
“It wasn’t hard. I mean, I’m awesome so it was inevitable it was going to happen eventually,” he says, a cocky smile on hisface.
“You’re a nightmare,” I say as I slap hisshoulder.
“I’myournightmare.”
