Chapter 26
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Without thinking, my hand travels up my beautiful designer dress to rest on my heart. It’s beating so fast I almost feel like I need to hold it in place. Beads of sweat are forming on my forehead and under my arms, the cool evening breeze doing little to alleviate the heat that seems to radiate from my body.
An evening that felt like it was flying by suddenly slows down to a crawl. I watch my mother holding the lipstick-stained wine glass in her hand, her fingers wrapped around the stem in a white-knuckled grip. It wobbles slightly, the Chardonnay swishing from side to side as she gets up to her feet, her movements unsteady.
I can feel Tucker’s hand on my knee, trying to comfort me. He doesn’t know a lot about my mother, but anyone can see that she’s drunk, her eyes glazed over and her speech slurred. I brace myself for what my mother is about to say, my heart pounding in my chest as she opens her mouth.
“Hello. My name is Georgia Montgomery. Most of you here don’t know me, but I am Reese’s mother,” she begins, her voice too loud in the suddenly quiet setting. “Reese has always been a special child. From the time she was small, she was determined. Determined to make good grades in class, determined to take care of me, and of course, determined to become a successful pastry chef…” She trails off, her words slurring together as she sways on her feet.
I look around me. No one seems to notice she’s drunk, and even if they do they keep their facial expressions neutral . Okay, so far, so good. This isn’t too bad.
“As many of you know or may not know, her father passed away a few years ago. It’s been very difficult for me, but Reese is always thinking of me. Always sending a card or flowers or calling me on the phone,” she continues, her voice thick with emotion.
Now we’re getting into uncharted territory. I’m not sure if the wine has gone to her head, but she seems to be making things up at this point—or she’s trying to drop me some serious hints about my lack of communication lately. I have not sent cards or flowers, not since…I can’t even remember.
If I’m being honest with myself, the bakery has been a convenient shield. Eighteen-hour days kneading dough and decorating cakes left little time for family drama. But that’s just an excuse, isn’t it? The real reason I’ve been absent is far more complex. Every missed call, every unanswered text message was a small act of self-preservation. It’s easier to lose myself in the warm aroma of fresh bread than to navigate the minefield of our relationship.
I take a moment to glance around the table and see that all the guests have given her their full attention, their eyes wide and their mouths slightly agape. They’re literally hanging on her every word. I feel my hands grip the front of my white dress, the fabric bunching beneath my fingers.
“And of course, I’ve always wanted the best for Reese. So, tonight, when I saw her standing next to her fiancé, I was overjoyed. He and I met a few years ago, and he was so kind and caring toward me. I know that he’ll do everything he can to take the best care of Reese,” she says, her words coming out in a rush.
Met a few years ago? I dare to look at Tucker, who seems oblivious to her mistake. I only met Tucker a year ago, unless she’s thinking… oh no.
“So, will everyone raise their glass and help me in celebrating the marriage of Reese Montgomery and Zach Caldwell.”
Oh no, no, no.
She did not.
My mother, in her drunken state, has forgotten whom I am marrying. I suddenly feel like I’m suffocating, my lungs constricting as I struggle to breathe, the air around me suddenly unbreathable. There is a deafening silence around the room as everyone holds their breath, their eyes wide and their expressions a mix of shock and sympathy. Tucker is bright red, his face as flushed as my own, the embarrassment and anger radiating off him in waves.
What should I do?
I can feel the eyes of our guests on us, their gazes heavy. I steal a glimpse at Monica, who is sitting upright in her seat, her glass hanging in the air and a Cheshire grin on her face. I want nothing more than to sink into the ground and disappear. But I know I can’t do that. Especially after what happened last night between Tucker, Zach, and me. Think, Reese, think!
I know I must confront this situation before it unravels further. Taking a deep breath to calm my racing thoughts, I stand, pushing my chair back as gracefully as possible. My hand trembles as I raise my glass, causing the champagne bubbles to dance erratically. Despite the tightness in my chest, I search for the right words to salvage the moment.
“Thank you, Mother, for that heartfelt speech. Your presence here tonight means the world to me, and I’m so grateful that you made the effort to be with us, despite the challenges you sometimes face with your memory.” I pause for a moment, allowing the words to resonate with the audience, a subtle acknowledgment of my mother’s slipup.
My mother scrunches up her face slightly, and for a moment I think she might argue with me. I can see the thought written across her face: What memory troubles? Regardless, I continue, keeping my eyes trained on her and willing her to be silent.
“I know that your love for Tucker and me is unwavering, and that you only want the very best for us as we embark on this new chapter in our lives.” I turn to face the room, making eye contact with the guests, a warm smile on my lips. The energy of the room has shifted and I can see a wave of understanding rippling across each face at the table. Even Caroline Louise looks a little misty eyed. That’s when I know it’s working.
I take a deep breath, bolstering the emotion in my voice as I continue. “I know that many of you have experienced the bittersweet joy of having family members who have passed on, or who may be facing their own struggles, be it with memory or other challenges that life can bring.” I give a small, understanding nod toward my mother. She continues to look perplexed.
“In moments like these, we are reminded of the preciousness of the time we have with our loved ones, and the importance of cherishing every moment, every memory, every laugh and every tear.”
I reach out and take Tucker’s hand, squeezing it gently as I speak. To his credit, he squeezes back, and I realize he’s buying into this as much as everyone else. Thank goodness.
“As Tucker and I stand on the brink of our new life together, we are so incredibly blessed to know that we have your unwavering support, your love, and your guidance to help us navigate whatever twists and turns the future may bring. So thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. We are so grateful for each and every one of you.”
As I finish my speech, I can see the emotion on the faces of the guests, the nods of understanding and the teary eyes of those who have been touched by my words. Tucker stands, pulling me in close and placing a light kiss on my forehead.
It looks like I’ve managed to avoid a catastrophe, for now.