It’s been a fun celebration. We’ve all danced the night away. Payton gave a sweet best man’s speech. The boys have some sort of circular deal for speeches. Hayden spoke at Payton’s wedding, Payton has now spoken at Trevor’s, and Trevor will speak at Hayden’s.
Now it’s time for Darian’s matron of honor speech. She’s in a low-cut blue dress that shows off her fabulous figure. She looks beautiful.
She stands and grabs the microphone with a big smile on her face.
“Good evening, everyone. My name is Darian Knight. I’m the matron of honor and am married to the groom’s father. In case you’re confused by my relationship to the members of the bridal party, let me quickly educate you. I’m the step-grandmother and one of the godmothers of one of the flower girls, the step-grandmother and one of the godmothers of one of the ring bearers, grandmother to another flower girl, step-grandmother to another flower girl, grandmother to another ring bearer, mother of the officiant, mother of two bridesmaids, stepmother of the two best men, stepmother to the groom, and best friend and matron of honor of the bride.” She smiles and sarcastically adds, “I’m glad I could clear that up for you all.” Everyone laughs at this crazy, confusing family tree.
“Trevor, your mom and dad did such an amazing job raising you. If I could have crafted the perfect man for my best friend, it would be you. You obviously have a similar deranged sense of humor as Crazy Cassandra and your father’s good looks, but there’s so much more to you than that. You’re kind, compassionate, and one of the most thoughtful men I’ve ever met. Cheers to Jackson and Melissa for the sensational man they’ve raised.”
She raises her glass to both of us. Jackson and I both smile in gratitude. She makes it so damn hard not to like her.
“Cass, you’re more than just a best friend. You’re the sister I never had. I cherish your friendship and loyalty in a way that I’ll never be able to adequately express in mere words. I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am that you finally found your soulmate to give you the happily ever after you so very much deserve. You’re one of the most intelligent, considerate, wonderful, and perverted women I’ve ever known.” Everyone laughs again. That couldn’t possibly be a more accurate statement.
“I know my daughters have benefitted so very much from your constant presence in their lives.” She looks at Trevor. “She’s going to be an amazing mother to your two precious babies. I know this because she’s been an incredible second mother to my girls for thirty years now. Trevor, thank you for loving my best friend the way you do. You’ve forever changed her life for the better.”
She wipes a few tears from her face as she holds up her glass. “You two are spectacular together. I wish you a lifetime of continued love and happiness.”
Everyone shouts, “Cheers,” to the happy couple.
Trevor kisses Cassandra in a way that’s completely over the top and inappropriate for a room full of people, but no one seems surprised. They receive nothing but catcalls.
I can’t help but be happy for both of them. I suppose Cassandra finding love at her age gives me hope that I still have a chance.
Rayne and Izzy find me. Rayne squeezes my hand. “He looks happy, Melis.”
I nod. “He is. I know I’ve had my issues with Cassandra’s age, but I guess the heart wants what it wants. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to the outside world, but they’re clearly in love and it works for them.” I smile. “At least we got a new fun friend out of this deal.”
They both laugh.
The evening’s almost over. It’s just the immediate family there for the last slow, love song of the night. Jackson is practically inside Darian, with Harley and Brody not too far behind. Everyone is paired up with their significant others except Reagan and Skylar. They’re sitting at a table with drinks, laughing.
Reagan motions for me to come over, which I do. I smile when I get to them. “Did you girls have a fun night?”
Skylar nods but Reagan shrugs. “Obviously I’m thrilled for them, but it sucks coming to this stuff alone. You feel like the pathetic loser of the crowd.”
I laugh because it’s true. That’s exactly what it feels like. “You two are young. Your time will come.”
Reagan shakes her head. “I just birthed your demon grandkids. It’s going to be a while for me.” I laugh again. She has a way with words.
I shrug. “You look amazing. You definitely don’t look like you gave birth six weeks ago.”
She smiles. “Thank you. It’s probably a little easier to get back in shape when you’re not the one up all night taking care of the babies.”
I laugh. “You’re right about that. You’ll be back to dating in no time.”
“I hope so.”
Skylar asks, “Do you date, Melissa? The boys don’t mention much about it.”
I smile. “I go on an awful lot of first dates.” They both laugh. “My friends and I actually have started counting my first dates because it’s gotten so ridiculous.”
Reagan’s big blue eyes light up. “Ooh. What number are you at?”
“Well, I recently hit ninety-six. That’s since my divorce from Jackson. Ninety-six first dates, very few of which made it to date number two. It’s exhausting.”
“Holy shit. You get around.”
I smile as a shake my head. “To be clear, I don’t sleep with the vast majority of them.”