Page 26 of Found in Wild Sage

My palms are instantly hot, and my volume control is off when I say, “Oh, sure.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I’m pretty sure I can see Sam’s head turn to look at me. So, definitely a touch too loud.

Mary stretches out her hand and waits. My heart gallops in my chest, but I reach forward and place mine in hers. She grasps it firmly, then pins me with her bright blue gaze.

“I need to tell you that you cannot marry my son in a courthouse this Friday.”

My lungs seize. The clamor of the diner becomes cotton in my ears, or maybe I’ve slipped underwater.

I realize two things instantly.

First, I have to marry Declan. I’ve quickly begun to pin my hopes on looking like a better mom with more secure finances and a stable home because I’m married to him. Will be married to him.

And second, I deeply want this woman’s approval, and her utter rejection of me in such simple terms is absolutely gutting me.

“Are you okay, Evie, darling?” Mary’s hand tightens on mine.

My lungs restart and I huff out a rough exhale, but my eyes are shining and there’s no way she misses it.

Here’s where she’ll tell me the ways I’m not good enough. And I can’t even refute her. Here’s the moment where everything Trevor’s mother said to me circles back around and I see that even though Declan is nothing like Trevor, I’m just not the kind of woman you bring home to your mom.

To your family.

“No, no, honey, no! I don’t mean—” Mary drops my hand and dashes around to slide into the booth next to me.

My eyes are glued to the blue jeans I wore. Should I have worn a sundress? Slacks? I⁠—

“Look at me, Evie.”

Her tone is gentle, but firm. I have no choice but to raise my head, cheeks burning with embarrassment and shame.

“My darling, I said that in the worst way. I want you to marry Dec if that’s what you two want. But I can’t have you marrying in a courthouse.”

My lip is trembling now, so when I speak, it’s watery and weak. “I don’t understand.”

One of her soft, warm hands cups my cheek. “I want you to have a real wedding. No courthouse. Let’s get Charlie a little suit and let Lily and Poppy pull him down the aisle in a little red wagon.”

A red… “A wagon?”

Her face brightens. “Yes! And we’ll get you a dress, and flowers, and I don’t have to tell you how handsome Declan will look in a suit.”

She raises our hands together and it’s not until this second I recognize the pleading in her expression and tone.

So this is not about me not being up to standard?

“I know it’s a lot to ask, but I would so love to throw you and Declan a wedding. You choose the guests and you get to decide as much as you want, but I just—” She sniffs, a bright smile on her face, but her eyes are a touch wet. “After Connor’s heart attack, I just want to celebrate every moment we have together. I promise, no mother-of-the-groom-zilla or anything. I just want to celebrate you and have a moment for our family to do that, too.”

I laugh, but I’m crying, too. Tears are absolutely streaming down my face because I am once again blown away that I get to be a part of this family, even for a little while.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Evie. I should’ve realized how it sounded. Can you forgive me?” She’s clutching my hands between hers like a prayer.

And I grin, because I’m this odd version of heartbroken and elated once again thanks to a member of the Ryan family.

“Of course I forgive you.”

“And will you let us throw you a wedding?”

I don’t know if it’s right or wrong, but there’s only one answer. “Yes.”