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“Mom, when push came to shove, he was a great man. He always did the right thing.”
“He was a great man, but he wasn’t perfect. No one is. That’s asking too much of any man. Cassandra told me about your meeting with Rochelle. I can’t believe you thought Dad was having an affair. He would never have done that.”
“Did she tell you that Dad defended Rochelle and beat the shit out of Thomas?”
“Yes. I wish I knew about it at the time, and I’m not happy he kept it from me, but of course, I’m proud of what he did. Obviously, your father would never stand for a woman being hurt. Most men wouldn’t.”
I think of all the women Thomas has probably hurt and continues to hurt. It pains me.
Melissa walks over to us. “Girls, I apologized to your mother, and she graciously accepted, but I owe you three an apology as well. I’m sorry for my behavior the other night. I don’t remember much, but I know it wasn’t good. I’m embarrassed and regret it completely.”
I smile at her. “We’ve all gotten drunk and said crazy things. It’s no big deal.” My sisters nod in agreement.
“Thank you for saying that. I appreciate it. Now, will one of you tell me whatPin the Junk on the Hunkis?
We laugh. Skylar explains the game and the poster of the naked man involved with it.
Jess’s friends call us all over and the silly bachelorette games begin. I do my best to smile and muscle my way through it all. It’s a tall order.
Obviously, I’m happy for Jess. But this evening is a bit much for someone nursing a broken heart.
Not surprisingly, Aunt Cass is practically a professional at all of the games. Jess is not. When she’s in a blindfold pinning the junk on the naked hunk, she trips and knocks over the trash can. A positive pregnancy test falls out. Aunt Cass looks right at me.
* * *
The wedding ceremony was beautiful.Jess and Hayden were adorable, and very much in love. I’m happy for them.
They’re dancing their first dance now. It’s at the point where they invite everyone to join the newlyweds on the dance floor to finish out the slow love song. Most people have someone to dance with. I just sit in my chair.
Out of nowhere, I hear, “Dance with me, beautiful.”
I close my eyes. That’s Carter’s voice.
I shake my head, unable to speak.
He bends and whispers in my ear, “Please. Just one song.”
I’m immediately overwhelmed with his scent. I haven’t truly smelled it in weeks. My traitorous body reacts to it.
I whisper, “You can’t crash a wedding, Carter.”
“Your mother invited me.”
I look over at Mom, and she gives me a small smile. She nods her head encouraging me to dance with him.
I take his hand, and we make our way to the dance floor. He pulls me close. I’ve missed being in his arms.
“Reagan, I’ve missed having you in my arms.” My thoughts exactly. “You look stunning.” He rubs his hand on my cheek. “You’re so beautiful.”
I close my eyes and swallow. Tears stream down my cheeks.
He wipes them away. “Don’t cry, baby. We’re going to fix this.” He pulls me close.
We dance in silence. Admittedly, I give myself a minute or two to enjoy being back in his arms again. I let him envelop me in his loving warmth.
Eventually, I look up at him. “Why are you here?”
He rubs my face again, and I close my eyes at the sensation. When I reopen them, I see him reach into his jacket pocket and pull out folded papers. “This is a sworn statement from the Daulton Holdings Board of Directors agreeing they will not pursue any acquisition of TikTok Trendy or any business owned by you without your written consent.”
