I’m on my way back from the toilet when I spot Violet talking to a couple, a woman who is an older version of her, and a man who has the same eyes—her parents.
“Mum, please, don’t say that in front of Charlotte.” There’s a pleading note in her voice, and I wonder what has her on edge.
Before I can think better of it, I approach them, and if I didn’t know better, I say a look of relief crosses her face.
She reaches out and touches my forearm and gives it a tight squeeze, almost begging me not to leave. Not that she has to worry; I have no intention of going anywhere.
“Mum, Dad, this is Nathan, Ethan’s cousin. He’s been organising the shower with me,” she says. “Nathan, this is Josie and Daniel, my parents.”
I hold out my hand for her dad, give him a firm shake, and then greet her mum with a kiss on the cheek before stepping back. Her mum's cheeks heat, and I wonder if that was a bit too forward.
“Oh, I like this one,” she says.
Daniel raises an eyebrow at his wife and clears his throat. She slaps his shoulder. “Not like that, Dan, but it’s nice to see that you still have that possessive streak I enjoy so much.”
He smiles. “Always, my love.” He dips his head and kisses her on the lips. When he draws back, she lets out a breathy sigh.
“Really,” Vi says, shaking her head. “You’re killing me.”
Her mum's face pales instantly, and I swear she physically sways. Daniel brings her to his side.
“Shit, Mum, that's not what I meant,” Vi says, her voice small, apologetic.
Her mum nods, but her expression is almost vacant now.
“Let’s go get a drink,” her dad says, nodding his head to me and smiling at Violet before walking away.
“Shit,” Vi says quietly, and then rushes towards the kitchen.
I follow, catching up and taking hold of her elbow.
“Hey, you okay?”
She turns to face me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
I wrap my hand around the back of her neck and gently tug her closer. She wraps her arms around my waist, and I hold her to me as I stroke her hair.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” she says quietly. “It doesn’t matter what I say or do, I can’t compete with a ghost, and I don’t want to.”
My heart breaks hearing her say those words.
“You shouldn’t have to,” I reply, wishing I could offer more than that.
She lets me hold her for a few more minutes and then steps out of my hold.
“Come on, Ethan and Charlotte should be here soon.”
I nod and we make our way back into the hall. The balloon arch when you walk in is perfect, and everything else sets it off brilliantly. Violet would make an excellent events coordinator.
Henry makes his way to us with Jacob on his hip.
“This looks amazing, Violet,” he says, leaning in and kissing her cheek. And I have this overwhelming urge to tell him she’s mine.
“Excuse me, I did help,” I say, raising an eyebrow.
“Of course you did.”
Jacob holds out his arms for Vi, and without missing a beat, she takes him from Henry.
