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Lowan and Sylvan exchange a look of disbelief. I don’t blame them. Mom has been pretty predictable our whole lives. The thought of her easily coming around to finding out Nora Everhart is her granddaughter is cause for speculation.

“She’s getting soft in her old age,” Sylvan grunts and downs half his beer.

“Keep that in check,” I warn, dropping my gaze to the bottle. “Please.”

My brothers glance over at each other again, both wearing the same shocked expressions.

“I’m nervous,” I admit, eyes trained on the door. “I want this to be special for her.”

Lowan turns to admire all the decorations. “I’ve never seen this bar look this nice before. I think it’ll be just fine.”

“Not just all this,” I grumble. “Me. Us. Our families joining theirs.”

“Sounds like it’s a lot for you,” Sylvan suggests.

Thankfully, our conversation is cut short when Mom enters. She’s regal in a red pantsuit with a glittery diamond snowflake broach on her collar. Her lips are about the same color as her suit and her hair is in a severe bun.

“My boys,” she greets, expression bordering on icy. “Good to see you all.”

To my brothers’ surprise, she leans in to kiss each of them on the cheek before doing the same for me. Like all those years ago when Dad was alive and we were in church, all three of us wipe the lipstick off as we groan. Her lips curl into a satisfied grin that makes my chest squeeze happily.

Nora is good for our family.

When the sheriff walks in, dressed in a suit rather than his usual cop gear, I give him a nod in greeting. He saunters over to me. My brothers greet him and then escort our mother to the bar to find her something to drink. Monroe reaches out to shake my hand.

“Today’s the big day,” he says, intense eyes on me. “You ready?”

That’s a loaded question.

I haven’t felt ready for any of this, but I’m doing it anyway. All I know is I have my daughter in my life, Mom is thawing her frigid heart, and I’m going to marry the woman of my dreams. It’s a lot, but it’s all good stuff.

“Absolutely,” I tell him and mean it.

Soon, Sandy arrives with Amos and his nurse, Janey. I rush over to help with Amos’s wheelchair. Once Amos is inside and Janey is helping with his coat, I hook Sandy around the waist and pull her to me.

“Missed you, sweet Sandy.”

She grins at me. “Back at ya, handsome.”

Boldly, I kiss her until we’re both breathless and dizzy. I can feel eyes on us, but I try not to pay any attention. I help Sandy out of her coat and then nearly choke on my own breath.

“Holy—”

“Night,” Sandy cuts in. “No swearing on this special day.”

I grin at her. “Holy night is right. That dress is…wow. You’re stunning, Sandy.”

She spins around so I can admire her dress. Despite being close to fifty, Sandy looks every bit of eighteen tonight. I can’t believe I got so lucky to snag a woman like her.

“Come on,” I say, taking her hand and threading our fingers together. “Let’s go say hi to my mom.”

Sandy’s grip tightens around my hand, but she doesn’t argue. In fact, she bravely lifts her chin and meets Mom’s gaze.

“Caroline,” Sandy says in a cordial tone. “Thank you for coming. It truly means a lot to us. I know Nora is thrilled you all are here.”

Mom grimaces. “I’m not sure thrilled is the right word.”

Sandy lets go of my hand and then pulls my mother into her arms. “Trust me, she’s thrilled. My daughter thankfully doesn’t hold grudges. She’s looking forward to getting to know you.”