“I knew I should’ve gone first,” Olivia starts on a sniffle and everyone politely laughs. “Lucas, you make me fearless. My feet have been toasty warm all day because I have nothing to be afraid of, to worry about, not with you by my side. I’m excited to live a little, every single day, for the rest of my life with you. I love you, Lucas Fletcher.”
‘I love you’ he mouths back and soon they’re sharing their first kiss as husband and wife.
Back at the hotel, the reception is being held in the large oversized banquet hall. When the happy couple is in the middle of their first dance, I spot Liam hovering at the entrance. I walk to him and tug him with me to my family’s table.
My parents are there, plus Carson, Wren, and Ava, and then the spots for me and my guest, as the card reads. Everyone is too busy watching the newlyweds that it takes them a while to notice my date has arrived.
Once the first dance is finished, we all sit at the table and my mom’s eyebrows furrow as she takes in the man sitting beside me.
“Dr. Whitmore. What are you doing here?” She glances between us, her mouth pulled into a frown.
I glance to Carson who’s watching with a face matching my mom’s. The difference is, she knows what’s about to go down.
“He came as my date.” I lift my chin and look right into my mother’s eyes.
“You brought your doctor as your date? Is it a recommended thing because of all the alcohol present or something? Is she not stable enough?” My mom leans into Liam in her poor attempt to whisper the words. Her face is clouded with concern as she glances over to me and back to my date.
“No, mom, I’m not unstable. He’s here as my date. We’re together.” My mom’s jaw drops and I can see the vein in her forehead throbbing.
My dad has a similar reaction. His face is beet red and looks ready to have a stroke. My mom opens her mouth like she’s about to yell and points her finger at me.
“Not here,” Carson begs from across the table. “Don’t ruin Lucas’ day.”
My mother, who is generally always careful and conscientious about appearances and not making a scene, nods in agreement, though I think it kills her a little. Her face has changed from worry to abhorrence as she really takes us in. Her eyes keep flitting away as if it’s too painful for her to look at me.
At least my parents are on the same side about something.
Our table is silent as we eat, aside from Ava’s blabbering to try and lighten the mood. For once, it doesn’t seem to work. After dinner and dessert, our time is up and we have to face the music.
“Hey, kiddo, why don’t you dance with me?” Wren takes Ava’s hand and leads her onto the dance floor, despite her protests to stay and watch the drama. Their girl’s only eight but she acts like she’s going on sixteen.
My parents, Carson, Liam, and I all head out of the double doors leading us outside onto a lit patio. The place is decorated with flowers and lights as an extension of the reception area. Right now, luckily, it’s vacant and we can talk.
“What the hell are you thinking? Did you know about this?” My mom turns to Carson, accusatorily.
I won’t let her take the blame for my life choices. “Mother, you of all people should understand that you can’t help who you love.” It’s a slap in the face, but I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t the truth.
“I’m not surprised with you, Flynn. This is pretty much consistent with the stupid, reckless behavior we’re all accustomed to with you. But you,” she motions to Liam. “You should know better. This is inappropriate and illegal. I’m calling your office and reporting this immediately.” She pats herself down as if she has pockets in her couture dress to store her phone. I wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t even bring her phone to the wedding.
“Mom, hear us out. Liam isn’t even my doctor anymore.”
“Oh, what, you fired him too?” She rolls her eyes, but I let the insult roll off of me.
“No, my sessions are complete. I only had to go for twelve weeks to complete the court order. You’ve been too preoccupied lately with your own drama that you forgot.”
“It doesn’t make a difference. This was obviously going on when you were his patient.”
“It was, but I’m still better because of him. He still helped me and figured me out.” It’s weird seeing my mom so angry lately. Normally, she’s very collected and put together. She’s never yelled at me this much for all of my other antics, even though I know I’ve deserved it.
“I need to sit down.” She grabs a chair and falls into it.
She’s rubbing her forehead when the back door opens again.
“Everything okay out here?” It’s my brother checking in, likely knowing what is going on.
“Yes, sweetheart, go enjoy your wedding. We’ll be back inside soon.”
Lucas sighs and looks at both of my parents, still standing on opposite sides of the patio. “You’re letting this shit change your life. You’re ruining your lives because of a few bad decisions from all of you. Mom, you had an affair twenty-some years ago, but it gave us Flynn. The affair may have been
