He directs Beau to stand behind me, with my cousin Luna on my other side. Something about us looked aesthetically pleasing together. I keep my smile fixed, despite my cousins teasing me.
“Beau is single,” my cousin Luna whispers beside me. “Beau with his pants down would also be aesthetically pleasing.”
I roll my eyes, blaming the overbearing photographer for now making me the center of the joke.
“Why don’t you go for it then?” I tell her, turning the tables. Beau wasn’t related to any of us besides Will, of course. “Cradle snatcher would suit you for once.”
Luna pinches my arm softly. “Catty … what’s wrong, cuz? You want to call dibs on him?”
“Uh … no,” I mutter. “He’s Will’s brother. You don’t break those rules.”
She throws her back to laugh. “Edwards girls love breaking the rules.”
It took the sun to slowly disappear for the photographer to call it a wrap. Thank fucking God. No chance in hell I would ever work a modeling career after experiencing that torture.
We are asked to take our seats at the table. Once again, I’m seated next to my single cousins because all the couples want to be next to their partners. I don’t mind, given I’m away from my parents and can drink more.
Just like last night, the food comes out non-stop. I’m starving, or maybe knowing all this food is free makes it taste even better. My obsession with cheese is next level. I could eat plates of it and ignore the mains. The smellier the tastier.
The sound of a fork tapping against the glass catches our attention as Eric raises a glass.
“On behalf of myself, the person who made this all happen, I’d like to raise a toast to the newlyweds. May this night be everything you’ve ever dreamed of.”
Everyone raises their glasses, ignoring Eric’s usual brag about his talents. Ava looks annoyed, and knowing her, she wants credit.
“I’d also like to raise a toast,” Ava begins, dagger eyes straight at Eric. “It takes a village to make such magical events happen. I’m grateful to be part of the village.”
“To raise a family,” Eric corrects her.
“You didn’t do everything,” Ava bites back.
Luna is beside me, leaning back into her chair with a grin. “Oh, this is good wedding entertainment. Who do you think will reach out and pull the other’s hair first?”
“Eric,” my cousin Sienna answers. “For sure.”
To avoid this escalating, Dad stands up and commands attention. It’s enough to make Eric and Ava stop. Just like always, everyone turns their attention to him because he has a way of owning a room full of people.
“These toasts never get easier, perhaps even harder as time goes on,” he begins, then clears his throat. “Addison, it’s not hard to find the right words to describe how much you mean to your mother and me. You’ve been a constant joy in our lives, always thinking about your family before yourself.”
I can feel a tingle spread across my arm, like a match being lit inside my stomach with flames starting to soar. His tone feels directed at me, the whole constant joy and family before yourself.
“Your patience, kindness, and willingness to accept our guidance have made you the person you are today.”
He’s attacking me.I bow my head, willing to calm myself down as my hands tremble. How dare he use this moment to point out everything he hates about me.
“We are proud to call you our daughter, and now, we welcome you, Masen, as our son.”
There are a lot of sighs, plus tears from Mom.What’s fucking new.
As for me, he’s done it again. Made me feel like I’m the biggest disappointment in his life. I’ll never live up to my sisters, so why bother?
I bow my head as speeches continue, allowing the noise to drown out. When the music starts again, I excuse myself to relieve the pressure inside my chest, ready to combust. The winery is spacious, with plenty of room to sit by yourself and have a minute.
But my minute is interrupted.
“Are you okay?”
The familiar voice is behind me in the dark as I look out at the rows of grapes in the distance. Row after row, almost never-ending.