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Maureen froze, as did the room around her.
“What?”Ian shook his head.“No way.”
“Why not?”Declan defended her.“When you know, you know.And anyone can see by looking at the two of them that they know.”
Married?
The idea should have been ridiculous, considering they’d onlyjustreconnected.But it didn’t feel ridiculous at all.
“They just met, Dec,” Ian protested.“You can’t just marry off Mom.”
Maureen shook herself out of her thoughts and put a hand on each of her son’s arms.“We’re not here to talk about my relationship.This is Cal’s day.”She gave them each a stern look.“The only relationship we’re talking about is the most important one today.”She focused on Cal and smiled softly.“I’m so proud of you, son.”
He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her tight.Maureen worked hard to keep her tears at bay as she embraced her youngest.
“Thank you for everything, Mom.I mean it.Everything.”
She sniffed and squeezed her eyes shut, losing the battle against the tears.She couldn’t speak for fear that if she did, she’d start to sob.
“It’s because of you that I am the man she deserves.”He squeezed her again and stepped back.
It was only once he released her that Maureen realized they were alone.
There were unshed tears shining in Cal’s eyes, but he grinned from ear to ear.
“You are going to make an amazing husband, Cal.I really am so proud of you.”She swallowed hard and waved her hand in an effort to ward off the tears.At least for a few more minutes.
“Will you walk with me?”
Taken aback, Maureen was speechless for a moment.When Milena and Cal had decided on a small, intimate wedding, they’d agreed not to have any wedding party at all and do away with most of the formalities.
“I’d love nothing more.”
Together, they walked down the small aisle to where the officiant was waiting for them.Maureen gave Cal one last hug and kissed him on the cheek.“I love you, son.”
“I love you, too, Mom.And for what it’s worth, I think Declan’s right.You’ll be next,” he added with a wink.
The ceremony was short and sweet, and absolutely perfect.
Maureen didn’t bother to hide her tears as her youngest son read his vows to the love of his life in what felt like the most romantic wedding she’d ever seen.Of course, she was sure she’d thought that about Mitch and Jade’s wedding, and there was no doubt she’d feel the same about the rest of her children, too.
At some point during the ceremony, Adam slipped his hand into hers and squeezed gently for support.When the ceremony was over, they walked down the short aisle together, hand in hand.
“That was beautiful,” Adam whispered to her.“They are so obviously very much in love.”
“They are.”She smiled up at him.“I’m so happy for him.For all my children,” she added.
“And for yourself?”
The question was unexpected, but it didn’t take her off guard.She’d spent a lifetime coming to terms with her feelings.Maureen didn’t hesitate with her answers.“Oh yes, definitely for myself, too.”
They didn’t have time to discuss what that might mean any further, as they quickly got swept up in wedding festivities.Maureen was kept busy with photos and all the other duties for the mother of the groom while Adam was left to his own devices.
Not that she was worried at all about him or how he’d fit in.In the very short time since they’d been back in Cedar Springs, Adam had slipped easily into her life.It was probably way too soon to make such declarations, but Maureen had a sense about these things and it didn’t take an expert at relationships to see how easily he got along with everyone.
Even Mitch and Ian.
Her eldest sons were putting up a tough front with some sort of misguided need to protect her, but it was clear to see that they, too, could see what a good guy Adam was.
