“No, no, you didn’t do anything, dude. Promise. I’m just thinking. That phone call with my parents kind of threw me,” I said, walking to the kitchen to get us both a bottle of water. When I couldn’t call Ren after speaking to them, I’d called Niko.
He blew out a deep breath. “I can only imagine. I’m sure they really wish they could be here.”
Twisting the top off and drinking deeply, hoping to push down the growing emotions, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. “Yeah. It really upset them not to be. At first, it wasn’t that strange to have them miss something so important, but I kind of feel like something good happened in that conversation. I guess we’ll see.”
“Well, you’ve told me how you’ve come to expect their absence, but I just think it’s time you talked tothemabout it openly.”
I rubbed my jaw. “Maybe you’re right. I never want to hurt their feelings, though.”
Niko was quiet for a few minutes. “Wouldn’t it be better to have an uncomfortable conversation with some of the most important people in your life than let bitterness take root?”
Just then, Luke and Miles walked in from setting things up outside. “I hear you and thanks, man,” I said to Niko, turning my attention to the guys.
“Ah, Mike. Grammy, and the Granny Squad just got here in that fancy car you ordered for them.” I was already headed for the front door when he said, “You might want to go rescue their driver.”
Sure enough, the four ladies were dressed as if they were headed to a coronation, and Gemma was hanging on to the young driver, whose eyes were as wide as saucers.
“Gemma, let the man go now,” I called out as she frowned and slowly released him.
“The poor guy looks scandalized,” Edna said with a sneer as I helped Grammy out of the back seat of the luxury car. I had sent one for Ren, her parents, and the girls as well, loving that I could spoil them all.
“It’s like a disco in there,” Doris marveled, not wanting to exit the vehicle. “Lights and a tiny bar.”
“Let’s go, you crazy women. We’re burning daylight,” Grammy grumbled, kissing me on the cheek. Her eyes scanned mine, and I smiled as brightly as I could.
“Ladies, you look lovely.” They beamed at my words.
Grammy narrowed her gaze. “You talked to your parents, didn’t you?” How she knew these things, I had no idea.
“Yes, they finally got to where they had internet. They were worried about you,” I answered, walking her towards the door. I planned to let the ladies rest inside until the ceremony.
“I’m glad they got through. Andyournews? How did they take it?” she asked, letting me help her into a chair once inside. Niko, Luke, and Miles had gone out to help the rest of the crew.
“Surprised, naturally. Lots of tears and apologies.” She watched me carefully, her head tilted to one side.
“They love you very much, Mikey. Don’t forget that.”
“Yes, I know.” I wasn’t sure what else to say.
Niko walked in, side-eyeing Gemma. I didn’t see any red lipstick on him, so I figured she’d decided to tame it down for the day. One could only hope.
“It’s time,”Miles said a little while later, as I heard music playing from the backyard. “I’ve got your parents’ number ready to go.”
The guys had helped Grammy and her friends to their seats outside, as well as Mrs. Valenti. When Luke walked back to me as I stood at the French doors, his eyebrows were lifted high.
“Did one of the ladies try to see if your butt was nicer than Niko’s?” I joked.
“No, but I think they’re less scary than Ren’s mom,” he whispered, making me choke on nothing.
“Yeah, I know. I can’t even get a smile from her. Not yet anyway.”
“Did you try showing her some of the ridiculous videos you’re always sending us?” he said, his tone mocking me.
“Gonna take more than fainting goats, dude.” He snorted, and I hugged him as I walked to the front, where a beautiful white arbor stood, covered in gardenias, reminding me of Ren. Vicky had done an amazing job decorating the space.
I shook Pastor Danny’s hand as I stood in front of him, both of us smiling widely. He and his wife, Lauren, got to meet Ren and me for coffee a few days earlier, and we made plans to spend more time together soon. They had hoped to do some pre-marital counseling with us, but we promised to sit down with them as soon as possible.
My black suit was uncomfortable because the sun was still warm, even though it was after five in the evening. I adjusted my tie and smiled at Niko, who tapped me on the back, reminding me he was right beside me.
