Chapter 12 #2
“I thought it was a nice touch, actually. It was Brielle’s idea to add that little phrase at the end.” My mother is in her element.
“‘He was always waiting to win her heart.’” I read it aloud in utter disbelief that they mocked up an invite and made it so sweet that I might get a toothache… but I’m grinning.
My mom turns to Isla. “I think the bridal shower is off. We’re going bigger with a party if they agree. We’ll meet for the second round of invites.”
Isla bursts out laughing.
I have to fan myself because, as ridiculous as this is, my mom and Brielle look deliriously happy.
I hold the invite up. “We’ll talk about this after class, now get to the barre.”
Heading to my little table where I store my phone, I quickly send a text.
Me: Options for a real wedding-ish. Our moms created an example invite.
I take a photo of the invitation and send it to Connor.
Instantly, he types back.
Connor: What are the chances they actually booked the venue already?
Me: Probable. They’ve gone a little loco, but they seem so ecstatic.
Connor: I bet you my dad would order a tux for the dog.
Me: I guess this might be better than them planning our honeymoon.
Connor: Rumor has it that’s a work-in-progress.
Me: Uh oh… Well, I gotta go teach.
Connor: Sure, hey… the invite is for well in the future, you know…
I still for a second. I did notice it’s in a few months but didn’t think much about it. Connor and I spoke of a timeline, but I’m not sure something ever connected that we have one.
I type a lie.
Me: I didn’t notice…
Connor: Liar. Guess I’ll just have to spank you later.
A goofy grin hits my face, and I set my phone on silent and hit play on the dance class playlist.
The next day, I find myself with a sandwich wrap sitting near the gazebo at the end of Main Street with my dad next to me.
His request for a quick bite and walk wasn’t unusual considering we always do stuff together, but the last few days he’s been a bit distant.
This chat over turkey and honey mustard feels a little more stiff than normal.
“Ashton is bummed he is missing your husband’s charity game with puppies, but I have tickets for a baseball game in the city and need to make an appearance since it’s my old team.” The way my dad says husband causes my cheeks to raise.
“Puppies make people happy,” I state blandly.
My father tosses the paper wrapper from his sandwich in the nearby trash can then turns his attention to me. “You okay with your mom going a little overboard with pushing a wedding-ish, if that’s what we’re calling it?”
I laugh. “Sure, she can plan away, but that doesn’t mean it will happen. Are you okay with her acting crazy?”
“Sure. In this fictional wedding, would I get to have a dance as father of the bride?”
I interlink our arms. “Of course. Is that what has you down? Missing your father-of-the-bride responsibilities? Because if you say that’s what has you in a mood, then I might not believe you.”
“You didn’t have the wedding I would have expected, but you’re right. I’m just worried that you married for the wrong reasons.”
I quirk my lips out. “Stop scowling, it’s bad for your age lines. Besides, I thought you and Connor had a little chat the other day. Are you worried about something?”
My father’s eyes glaze with a mood that I can’t quite distinguish. “He never asked me for your hand in marriage, never went through my vigorous tests, and I needed to be sure that he will do anything for you.”
“And?”
He pauses for a second. “It’s nothing. Can you blame me for being protective? How are your first days as husband and wife? Wait…” He recoils when he realizes what he asked. “Don’t answer that.”
I chuckle and hold his arm tighter. “You know I think I’ve been lucky. You gave me the best life, kind of a breeze. The only thing that was a surprise was when you met Mom. I guess what I’m saying is I finally threw the unexpected at us. Surprise!” I splay my hands out.
He attempts to smile, but it slips, and he dips his gaze down. “Nearly gave me a heart attack too, and I’m not even fifty, so thanks for that.”
“I’m your favorite daughter, you’ll forgive me,” I tease.
“You’re my only daughter,” he reminds me.
In the corner of my eye, I see Connor approaching us. I had mentioned via text that I was going to grab a bite with my dad today.
I offer him a curt wave to let him know that I see him. His eyes land on my father, and like every man who sees my father when they ever tried to enter my life, his eyes fill with a humorous fear.
My father stands to greet my husband. “Connor,” he states.
“Spencer.”
Lines furrow on my face because these two together are far too much testosterone, even for them. Connor kisses my cheek, and I swear my father is still adjusting to the scene, and truthfully, so am I, considering this time last week I would have swatted Connor away with a growly comment.
“You two should maybe go do a gym session or something together,” I suggest to them. “You used to do that. One trip to Vegas and it feels like I need to lock you two in a room or something. I know, what about golf?”
“Golf isn’t a sport,” they both say in unison.
My hands fly up to calm them. “Okay, well, at least you both agree on something.”
Both men stand taller, and my dad puffs his shoulders out. “We agree on a lot of things, Hadley. Like we both agree that you are something special and deserve only the best.” He slaps a hand on Connor’s shoulder. “Don’t we, son.”
Connor is amused by my father’s expression. “Absolutely.”
“I think I’ll leave you two love birds alone.
I need to pick up your brother from a friend’s house.
” My dad steps to me and offers me his arm for a hug.
“Let him take care of you,” he mumbles. Our embrace breaks, and I see the sincerity in his eyes that throws me off.
I realize that he and Connor are more alike than I ever thought; they are kings of mixed messages.
He gives a nod to Connor who returns the gesture. A secret code that only they seem to know.
I watch the man who was always my number one walk away as I stand next to the man who takes that spot in a different way.
The profoundness of this moment stings my heart.
I guess this is what growing up feels like.
Because we never stop, even when we’re in our twenties. We constantly evolve and change…
Even the ones who broke your heart the first time around.
They may not be the same, which is why another layer falls to the ground as far as Connor is concerned. Because what if he really was right the other day? If I let down a wall or two, he could be everything.
No better time than now to discover if he’s right, especially since he’s already my husband…