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He nodded, but didn’t share my reaction.
If only he knew how lucky he was. Yes, Remington could be a massive pain in the ass with narcissistic tendencies. And he definitely criticized his children’s choices too much, but he loved his family and he would never do anything to purposefully harm them.
Jasmine was a fluke and while Remington’s actions had wounded Hale’s ego, Hale never thought of her as more than a casual companion. In the end, Remington had married her to protect his son, because he would stop at nothing to keep his children safe. I couldn’t say the same about my father.
Per the production plan, all guests should have been seated before we arrived. Most were.
“There’s Noah,” Hale said, pointing out his other groomsman as the maître d led us to the table.
Noah’s wife, Avery, sat across from him, looking absolutely stunning in a shimmering gold dress that matched her glowing skin. “Wow. Was she a model?”
“Sugar baby.”
I did a quick double take to see if Hale was joking. “Seriously?”
He smirked. “I’ll fill you in later.”
When we reached the table, everyone stood and welcomed us with hugs. I thought it might be overwhelming, hosting so many different personalities at once, but it was actually rather comforting to be surrounded by so many people I loved.
Once we greeted everyone, we joined them at the table. Since Hale rarely saw Noah, I insisted they sit together. I took the seat between Avery and Seraphina.
The conversation flowed naturally. Noah and Hale chatted like old friends and it made me happy to see him laughing with someone so openly. I understood why he’d chosen Noah now that I saw them together.
At first, Avery intimidated me, but she had a comforting disposition that put me instantly at ease.
“It’s overwhelming, isn’t it?” she observed, leaning close so only I could hear.
I lifted my brows as I downed a guzzling sip of my cosmopolitan. “Hmm?”
Avery tipped her angular jaw toward Hale and Noah. “Them. Look at them. If only they knew.”
I shared her view of Noah and Hale and immediately understood what she saw. Power. Sex appeal. Authority. Confidence. Bone structure that looked airbrushed. “God, I could so easily hate them.”
She laughed. “I know, right? Noah puts one little dab of product in his hair and achieves all that. Meanwhile, I spent three hours getting ready tonight.”
“Well, you look gorgeous.”
“Thank you. So do you.”
The men turned in unison and caught us staring.
Hale held my gaze from across the table and smiled. “What?” He silently mouthed.
I flashed my teeth and pointed to my mouth. “You have something in your teeth.”
“Your tie’s crooked,” Avery said at the same time to Noah, and we both laughed as each man made a quick adjustment then returned to their conversation.
I snickered. “It’s best to remind them they still have flaws.”
“I completely agree.”
The mothers chatted about baby memories while Barrett got to know Tyler. Remington, always one to make a fuss, insisted on making a champagne toast. For Hale’s sake, I hoped he kept it short and sweet.
The crystal chimed as he stood. “I just want to say it’s good to see my son so happy. Hale, I’d say you picked a good one, but I picked her first. You’re welcome.”
“Remington,” I warned and laughed.
My boss and future father-in-law chuckled. “Meyers, it’s good to see you dolled up for a change.” He held my stare for a moment, his weathered eyes creasing affectionately at the corners. “Who knows what twist of fate blew you into harbor that day you first set foot on my yacht? Under-qualified, underdressed, and shockingly underprepared. I thought, there had to be a reason you, of all people, were sitting at my table. And so there was. Here you are. Exactly where you belong.” He lifted his glass. “To fate. Cheers.”
