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As always, the grand ballroom was opulent. The impressive architecture had incredible detailing and a stunning gold and silver ceiling. The glimmering drapes, extravagant chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows were resplendent. The decorator had also added thousands of flower arrangements—on the tables and hanging from the ceiling and walls—to make it feel more like a garden party.
The place was packed with New York City’s high society and most elite residents. My parents were included in that category but were also very down-to-earth. They’d raised me to appreciate what I’d been given and not take it for granted. They’d practically busted their buttons with pride when I refused to let them pay for college. Instead, I earned a football scholarship, then graduated with a degree in business before being drafted. I had a trust fund, but I’d never touched it.
“Jordan, my boy!” My dad’s booming voice reached my ears before I saw him striding toward me from across the room, with my mom on his arm. People parted to let them through because my dad was a big guy. I’d inherited my height, stature, and love of football from him, though he’d only played for a couple of years in college. He was also charismatic and could make just about anyone like him.
Mom wasn’t a typical beauty—almost six feet and thick, bigger-boned than Wrenley with a similar body type—but she was gorgeous inside and out. And her charm and quirky sense of humor drew people to her.
My parents were loud, outspoken, and two of the kindest and most generous people in the world. However, they were also nosy and liked to meddle. Well, more my mom, but my dad just stood around watching, amused by my mom’s antics.
“Jordan!” my mom gasped when they were within a few feet. Her face was lit up like the Fourth of July, and her eyes were glued to my companion. “Is this your date?”
As soon as she was close enough, she grabbed Wrenley and gave her a big hug before setting her back and inspecting her from head to toe.
“You are just stunning, my dear,” mom gushed happily, giving me a knowing look when I yanked my girl back into my side and put my arm around her.
Wrenley looked a little uncomfortable, though she did a decent job of hiding it—I was probably the only one who could tell. “Um, thank you.”
“Mom, this is Wrenley. Baby, these are my parents, Francesca and Bradley.”
Mom scoffed and waved a hand dismissively. “Francie and Brad.” Then she smiled slyly and added, “Or Mom and Dad works, too.”
Wrenley opened her mouth but appeared to be speechless. I groaned and buried my face in her hair, taking a deep breath of her honeysuckle scent and telling myself not to go find some duct tape to keep my mom from saying anything else. When I lifted my head, I glared at her in warning.
“Ignore her, baby. She has no filter and is a little crazy.”
Wrenley smacked my chest and frowned up at me. “Is that any way to talk about your mother?”
I sighed and gave her my best puppy dog expression. “Even if it’s true?”
She lifted her chin haughtily. “I’m certain your mother taught you to respect your elders, so be a good son and act like it.”
My mom snickered. “Oh, I like her,” she said with a grin.
Wrenley’s cheeks turned pink. “I like you, too.”
Mom clapped and bounced on her toes. “I’m so excited to get to know you! We should do lunch. Do you like seafood? I know the best little place. I discovered it, but if you meet my friend Bea, don’t be surprised if she claims the same thing. She knows perfectly well I was the one who introduced her to it, and…”
After throwing my father a look that desperately pleaded for help, he finally slipped his arm around my mom’s waist and kissed her forehead, causing her to trail off. “Let the young lady get a word in edgewise, my love.”
“Oops! Sorry, Wrenley,” Mom apologized with a self-deprecating chuckle. “Sometimes, when I get excited, I’ll go on and on until someone stops me.”
Wrenley giggled. “I don’t mind. I love your enthusiasm.”
Mom tossed a smug glance at me, and I rolled my eyes.
“Well, good. Because I’m sure we’ll be spending a lot of time together.”
Wrenley glanced up at me, a question in her eyes, and I smiled encouragingly. It seemed like she and my mom would get along really well, so I wanted them to get to know each other. After all, my mom would be her mother-in-law and our children’s Nana.
“You two will make such beautiful babies,” my mom sighed dreamily.
Wrenley suddenly choked and fell into a fit of coughing. I patted her on the back, trying not to laugh at her reaction to my mother’s bluntness.
“Francie,” my dad grunted with a slight reprimand in his tone.
“What?” She looked up at my dad, blinking innocently. “It’s true.”
“Um”—cough—“Thank”—cough—“You?” Wrenley sputtered when she could get a little oxygen.
