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Amelia’s eyes meet mine, surprise in their depths. I can’t help but smile, realizing how true my words are.
Catherine claps her hands together, beaming. “Oh, how wonderful! You two are just perfect together. My grandchildren are going to be gorgeous.”
Amelia swallows.
She leans into me, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Now, dear, your father is planning to make a speech before dinner. West, I hope you’re prepared.”
My stomach knots at her words. I’m used to high-pressure situations in the boardroom, but facing my father’s scrutiny in front of all these people. That’s a different beast entirely.
“Thanks for the heads up,” I manage, trying to keep my voice steady.
Catherine pats my cheek, like she’s done since I was a baby. “You’ll do splendidly, darling. Just be yourself.”
A soft tinkling sound cuts through the air, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Oh! That’s the dinner bell,” Catherine says, her eyes lighting up. “We’d better take our seats. Come along, you two.”
As we follow my mother towards the dining room, I lean down and whisper, “Ready for the main event, princess?”
“I think I’m going to be sick. How should I act around these people?”
I squeeze her hand. “Just be you.”
When we reach the doorway, the room falls silent as my father rises from his seat. Just his mere presence commands the attention of everyone in the room. He adjusts his tie as he looks around the room.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he begins. “Thank you for joining us this evening to celebrate this beautiful occasion.” He gestures toward me and Amelia as we walk to our seats to cheering. Her hand is warm and reassuring in mine.
Amelia tenses, but he continues, “Today marks the engagement of my son Westley to the lovely Amelia.” His eyes soften as he looks at her, almost too soft for a man like him. And strange since he hardly knows her. “Now, I must address something very important.”
He pauses as we take our seats.
I freeze, waiting. “As many of you know, Amelia’s parents are not here with us today. They passed away far too soon.”
The murmurs among the guests fade into a solemn hush. I glance at Amelia; her jaw tightens. I squeeze her hand again.
A low ripple of understanding sweeps through the attendees. As eyes shift towards Amelia, assessing and acknowledging her loss.
“My heart aches for her,” he continues, his voice gaining strength. “It aches because a day like today she shouldn’t be without their support.” He scans the crowd with an intensity that makes me feel like he means his words. “But Amelia, I am delighted to welcome you to my family.”
Guests clap and cheer once again.
My father’s eyes land on me, then shift back to her, and there’s something almost paternal there. A flicker of compassion that surprises me.
“Amelia,” he says. His gaze never wavers from hers. “While your parents may not be here physically, know that they live on through your spirit. So today,” he adds with a slight smile, “we celebrate not just an engagement but also the creation of new family bonds.” He raises his glass high. “To West and Amelia! May your love be strong and weather any storm!”
That’s it?
What the fuck is he up to?
There’s no way my father can say something like that about someone he hardly knows. Someone who isn’t one of his friend’s daughters.
“That was nice,” Amelia says, her eyes sparkling as she picks up her fork to dig into the lobster and caviar.
“Too nice.” I tell her.
Despite my father’s words, I can’t help but smile back at her as she moans as she tastes the delicate flavor of the lobster. “I haven’t had lobster in years.”
I watch in awe as she takes another bite. Knowing I need to ask the chef to cook lobster every day if these are the sounds I get to listen to.