Page 132 of Someone to Remember
“We’d do it for free. What’s happened to you and Brad is outrageous and offensive.”
“Thank you for your support. It’s meant a lot to me.”
“How’s he holding up?”
“It’s been rough for both of us, but having his sister-in-law spouting off and questioning his loyalty to his late wife has been brutal.”
“I took great pleasure in telling her to shut her mouth andpray she’ll never be the one mourning a lost spouse while trying to put her life back together.”
“That was well said.”
“Tell me you’re not letting the haters win.”
“We’re trying to stay focused on the truth and what matters. Despite that, it’s taken a toll on our new friendship. I’m hoping we’ll work through it, but I’m not sure.”
She looks so dejected. My heart goes out to her. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I am, too. I was enjoying the time with him. He understands where I’m at and how I feel like no one else in my life can. There’s comfort in that, you know?”
Before I can answer, Luke returns from the restroom mission with Phoebe. “Hey, Angela. I’ve been thinking about you and your friend this week. People freaking suck.”
“That’s a fact,” she says. “I’m getting a drink since I’m going home with Roni and Derek and don’t have to drive.”
“Make it a double,” I tell her. “You deserve it.”
She smiles. “Yes, I do.”
After she walks away, I turn my attention to Luke. “What a dreadful situation.”
“It’s horrible. People need to mind their own damned business.”
“Wouldn’t that be nice?”
The band leader asks us to take our seats so we can greet the wedding party. Those of us with children in attendance supervise getting them to seats and remind them of their manners before returning to our table nearby.
“They’re so excited to sit with the other kids,” Luke said. “Hopefully, Phoebe can hold it together. I put Beckham in charge of her.”
“I’m sure they’ll be fine.”
“I worry that I rely on him too much. He’s only eight, but he loves being the big brother and is very protective of the others.”
As he says that, Beckham leans over to listen to something his brother, Nolan, is telling him before picking up the napkin Phoebe dropped on the floor.
I pat Luke’s arm. “Exhale. They’ll be fine. And if they’re not, we’re right here.”
“True. Thanks for the reminder.” He takes a drink of water and makes a visible effort to relax. I already know he doesn’t drink at all if he’s driving his kids, so he’ll be sticking to water. I’m allowing myself one glass of wine early in the evening before I have to drive the kids home.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming our wedding party. First up, put your hands together for all the parents of the bride and groom!”
We clap for Gage’s parents, Iris’s mother and stepfather and for Mimi and Stan, all of whom are beaming as they come into the reception room. I absolutely love that Gage included Natasha’s parents in this group.
“And now for our matron of honor and best man, Roni Connolly and Derek Kavanaugh!”
The Wild Widows hoot and holler for our friends, who are smiling as they head for the seats we saved for them.
“Next up, let’s welcome Tyler, Sophia and Laney Levington!”
They’re greeted with a huge ovation that delights them. Tyler leads the way, holding hands with his younger sisters. They’re absolutely adorable.
