Page 58 of Our Big White Lie
We had the time of our lives at our reception that night. Just like we’d hoped and planned, Gail was beside herself with pure joy. She cried when my father-in-law made a heartfelt toast. She smiled bigger than I’d ever seen as we all posed for family photos. She even had a few glasses of champagne and danced like the drunkest, happiest lady on the planet.
“We did it,” Ava whispered, gesturing at her mom with her champagne flute, as we took a break at the head table.
“We did.” I touched her thigh beneath the table. “I’m glad we gave her something she dreamed of. And that we ended up here.”
Oh, man, I was never going to get tired of that amazing smile.
She covered my hand with hers, laced our fingers together, and brought them up to kiss my palm. “Everything worked out perfectly.”
“It really did.” I leaned in for a soft kiss. The flash of the camera told me Mariah had captured that moment. Perfect.
We separated, exchanging smiles. Then Ava gestured at her empty plate. “I’m going to go get some more that cake. Do you want any?”
“Sure. I’ll take some. Thanks.”
She kissed me lightly, then headed off to the table where we’d cut our cake earlier. Alone at the head table, I sat back in my chair and exhaled. We’d done it. I was probably going to sleep for a week after this, and Ava probably would too. Tucker would be happy, that was for sure.
Movement beside me turned my head, but it wasn’t Ava coming back with cake. Instead, it was Gail, beaming with her arms outstretched. “I just wanted to hug my new daughter-in-law!”
Of course, I got up, and I was immediately enveloped in one of Gail’s amazing hugs.
“I always hoped I’d get to see my little girl as a bride,” she told me, squeezing me tight. “But more than anything in the world, I wanted to see her with someone who makes her as happy as you do.” She sniffed sharply and then kissed my cheek. “I couldn’t imagine anyone more perfect for her than you, Victoria.”
I squeezed my eyes shut, letting a few hot tears slide free as I hugged my new mother-in-law. “She’s perfect for me, too.”
“I hope you have many, many years together.” She released me and met my gaze as we both wiped our eyes. “And it feels like you’ve always been part of this family, honey. Saying ‘welcome to the family’ feels redundant, but… welcome to the family, Tori.”
I almost broke down, but just hugged her again instead. “Thanks, Gail. You’ve all been like family for me since we were kids.”
She just patted my back and kissed my cheek again.
A moment later, she left to find Ava, and I sat back down. It took a few deep breaths to reclaim my composure, but I managed. Thank God for waterproof makeup indeed.
Right then, Marco appeared beside me and touched my shoulder. “Hey, Mrs.… Uh, are you changing your name?” He frowned. “Damn it, I can’t troll you about being Mrs. anything because I forgot to ask if you’re taking her name.”
I laughed. “Now I’m going to trollyouby not telling you. Like ever.”
He huffed and gave me the finger.
“Oh whatever. You love it.”
“Yeah, yeah. No give me a damn hug already.”
I got up and faced him.
He hugged me tight. “I’m so glad you beautiful dumbasses finally figured it out.”
I giggled and freed myself. “Hey. Shut up.”
He chuckled and squeezed my shoulder. Turning serious, he said, “I mean it—I’m happy for you. I always knew you two were perfect for each other.”
I was about to cry again, so I just hugged him instead. “Thanks for talking sense into me.”
“Any time, hon.” He let me go again. “I hope you have a great time on your honeymoon.”
I smirked. “Oh, I plan to have a very?—”
“Oh my God.” He gave me a playful shove. “I do not want to know.”
