“Wild horses couldn’t keep me away from seeing for myself that you’re okay.” She quotes a phrase Grace uses often.
“Grace has gotten to you,” I point out.
“Maybe, but the southern chick is kinda catchy.”
“I know.” I pull back, keeping my arms around her. “It is a nice surprise to finally meet you.”
Her eyes gleam, and I shake her gently. “Don’t you dare!”
She inhales, swats my arm, and squares her shoulders. “The shimmer from your dress is blinding me.”
Strong hands slide around my stomach, and Mathis leans to my ear. “Let’s greet your parents.”
I let him lead me into the room to see my parents, winking at Bizzy as we pass. But as soon as we hit the doorway, I freeze. The room is packed with people who start clapping and cheering. Nurse Evie is at the front, whistling loud. Grandpa Roy is wearing a suit and hooting like crazy along with friends, family, and co-workers.
Grace and Nick step forward with my parents, Grace glowing.
I spin and pivot, taking in a ‘Congratulations’ banner, a table with presents, and an enormous picture of Mathis and me on a pedestal in the corner.
I know it’s coming; there’s nothing I can do to stop it. My throat closes, eyes sting, and nose tingles. Prickles roll over my skin, and my knees finally give out. Mathis catches me before I fall, hauling me to him for support.
Unable to find the words, I swipe at my cheeks but can’t stop the waterworks.
“Tonight is when your spectacular begins,” Mathis speaks into my hair.
I inhale sharply, peer up at his beautiful face, and tell him what he’s told me before.
“My spectacular started a long time ago. A summer night when the man of my dreams walked into my college apartment and stole my heart.”
Chapter 24
Mathis
3 ½ Weeks Later, Las Vegas
“Rumor has it you pissed off your soon-to-be in-laws last night.” Shaw hands me a drink, grinning proudly. “It’s probably too late to give you advice, but that’s not a great way to start a marriage.”
“Not a rumor, Kelly and I had a difference of opinion on Claire staying with them before the wedding. She pushed her view, and I shut it down. Mitch whole-heartedly agreed with me.”
“Bet that didn’t go over well for him.”
“Not my problem.” I shrug unapologetically.
“We have a problem?” Nick joins the tail end of the conversation, his eyes darting around the room defensively.
Gratitude and appreciation roll around my gut, knowing he’s scanning for anything out of place. It’s an unnecessary action. Shaw and Rachel worked together to get top-notch security that rivals what’s necessary for diplomats and politicians. We may have some highly affluent athletes attending this wedding, but their priority was Claire. Rachel assured me she was safe during the few times I wasn’t with her.
“Mathis bucked the system, didn’t let Claire spend the night with her mom last night.”
Nick whistles lowly through
his teeth. “Heard about that from Grace. Way to go, man. Even I didn’t—”
“Stupid fucking tradition,” I cut him off. “I’m not sleeping without her by my side.”
“You know, I used to tag Claire as the crazy one, but my perspective is changing. Maybe she’s actually sane.”
I bring my drink to my mouth, making sure to shove my elbow forcefully into his ribs and enjoying the sound of his grunt.