Chapter 53
Brynne
"Oh my God, is this what your new life will be like?” Amira whispers in my ear. She looks around the Kincaid mansion in awe, clutching her champagne flute.
I don’t tell her about the drama that occurred. When Lisa and Milton offered to throw this party, Colin’s only stipulation was that it not be held at this house, but they insisted that it was tradition to have all engagement parties at the mansion. He gave in, but when he learned Colin the First was paying for the party, he got into a huge fight with his sister and uncle. It was too late to change the location then, as invitations had already gone out.
“They sent a car for us,” she whispers again.
I nod at my friend. Despite the drama, it’s been a good day, and I’m excited to get married. However, I’ve been emotional since waking up this morning. And I don’t know why. I’m more pragmatic than emotional but today has me off-kilter.
“Tell me what you want to do for your birthday next month,” I say, eager to change the subject to something else. I catch Raven’s eye from across the room and gesture for her to come over. “I was thinking we can go out, or I can host something at the house. Let us know who you want to invite,” I say when Raven reaches us.
From the look on Amira’s face, I already know I won’t like her answer. Every year for her birthday, some drama ends up ruining her day.
“My dad’s going to handle it. He’s already made arrangements. He’s going to email you both.”
“Okay, so we’ll plan something for the following week,” Raven says, and I nod at her.
“Oh, I don’t think it will be bad this year. Dad promises it’s going to be—”
“Stop. He promises that every year,” Raven reminds her, and Amira shuts up.
“I’ll plan it,” I volunteer. I don’t ask her for a list of people to invite this time. Her mother and sister are off the list because Ashley will ruin the party. She’ll find a way to make it about her.
My mind flashes back to when my mother was alive. For a few years after she passed, I didn’t celebrate my birthday. It was always a day of sadness. It wasn’t until five years after her death that I started going out to dinner with Raven.
I look across the room and spot Colin. From the moment we arrived, Archie and Milly have been stuck to him like glue. Even Heath’s been attached to his hip.
Archie rests his head on Colin’s shoulder, and I feel something inside of me shift. My heart swells at the thought of marrying a man loved by so many and who gives so much love in return.
He sees me and winks. Little Archie waves at me. Even Heath waves. I smile but tears well up in the back of my eyes. Colin’s smile slips, and he hands Archie off to Heath before crossing the room to me. He takes my hand and pulls me out of the room.
“What’s wrong?” he asks once we’re in the empty hallway.
“Nothing,” I say, shaking my head, but the tears won’t stop filling my eyes. “I’m happy.”
“So, these are happy tears?” He doesn’t sound convinced, and I’m not about to lie to the man I’m going to marry.
“No,” I say. The tears can no longer be held at bay and fall freely. He takes me in his arms, and I weep into his chest. He tightens his arms around me and kisses the top of my head.
“Are you having second thoughts? Did I rush things?”
“No,” I say quickly. I look into his eyes. “I want to marry you. I’d do it tomorrow if we could. I would marry you right now without hesitation. It’s not that. Please don’t think that,” I say through my tears.
“Then what is it? Whatever it is, I can fix it.”
I shake my head sadly at him. “You can’t fix this. I miss my mom right now.” I bury my face in his chest again. “I called my father a few days ago and told him. He congratulated me, but when I asked him to come to this party, he said he couldn’t because I didn’t give him enough notice. Other than Raven and Amira, I don’t have anyone.”
I weep into his chest, and he runs his hands down my back.
“You have me, Honeybee.”
“I know I do, and I love you for it. My mom would have been so happy, and she would love you. I want her to be here. And I don’t have anyone to give me away.”
“Oh, baby,” he says. “I wish I could fix everything for you.” He tightens his arms around me until my tears dry up.
“Uncle Paddy,” I hear Heath’s annoying voice. “Brynne, Ernestine is here.” I hear his footsteps, which are slower than usual. The kid usually speed walks. “Are you okay, Brynne?” For once, he sounds concerned and not just nosy.
“She’s fine, Heath,” Colin says.
“Is there anything I can do?” he asks.
“No, thank you, Heath,” I say. I pull away from Colin, and he dabs my eyes with a handkerchief.
“Well, why are you crying at your engagement party? No one should cry at a party. At least not one Uncle Colin the First is throwing. That guy spares no expense. But that’s okay. I have some cucumber slices to help with that swelling around your eyes. Trust me. You want to look good because engagement party photos are forever.”
“I’m okay. I’m just missing my mom.”
“Uncle Colin the First will send someone for her, silly. Give me her name and address, and I’ll take care of it. Why are you crying about that when—”
“Heath,” Colin says. “Brynne’s mother has passed away.”
“Oh,” Heath says. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay,” I say. “Thank you.”
“You want to share mine?” That makes me laugh, and Colin gives him a gentle whack in the back of the head. “Uncle Colin the First has a surprise for you guys. And Uncle Milton thinks he’s going to be the best man, but I just know it’s gonna be me.”
“I’m so excited about seeing the resort,” Makayla says a few hours later.
Colin the First surprised us by reserving the entire resort for the week leading up to our wedding. He will fly all our guests there and host our guests for a whole week. I was stunned and speechless when he announced it, but my fiancé was not impressed. He pulled his brother aside, and they had an animated conversation.
“I’m happy you can be there this time,” Ian says to his wife.
Malcolm rolls his eyes but keeps his mouth shut.
“And you only have a short time to find a wedding dress,” Raven reminds me. “We need to get on top of that now.”
“Can we come too?” Lisa asks. She points to her sister Marilyn, who is standing next to her. “I love wedding dress shopping, and Marilyn knows a famous wedding dress designer.”
“Ooh, can I go too?” Heath says. I didn’t notice him standing behind me.
“You’re not going to shop for no damn dress,” Milton says. “For God’s sake, you’re a man.” Heath makes a face and walks away but doesn’t contradict his uncle.
“Um, I’d love that. I’m going to need a lot of help.”
“I know some boutiques,” Marilyn says. “I’ll have Lila book some appointments. Let’s all exchange numbers so we can get a group chat going.” Amira, Raven, and Lisa follow her, leaving me alone with Colin.
“Who is Lila?” I ask.
“Her personal assistant.” As far as I know, Marilyn doesn’t work. According to what I overheard from Heath the other day, she barely leaves the house. I’m not sure what she would need an assistant for.
I face my fiancé and take his hands in mine. “I can’t wait to marry you.” He gives me a boyish grin when I say that. “And I’m sorry I was a downer earlier.”
“Never apologize for that.” He opens his mouth to say more, but Amira and Raven run to us.
“Colin the First is going to give us a tour,” Amira whispers. “There’s an indoor pool, and he says Killah has his own suite here.”
I turn my head and look at my future husband. “You do? I want this tour, too.” I take Colin’s hand, and we follow Amira and Raven.