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As we neared Bob and Sophie, they finally got up. They both gave us very polite and restrained smiles.
“We’re going to the restaurant now?” Sophie asked.
Nick nodded. “Yes. We’ve got lunch reservations.”
“That’s awfully unusual for a wedding,” she said. “No party, just restaurant reservations?”
I squared my shoulders, looking her straight in the eyes. “We wanted the daytime celebration so we didn’t mess up the kids’ evening routine.” Which was 100 percent true.
Sophie shook her head. “You know, as I keep telling you, Allison, all that would be solved if you’d just hire a full-time nanny. But then, I suppose you can’t afford it.”
Nick stared at her. “Sophie, Bob, today is for celebrating. If you’re just going to make snide remarks, then we’re disinviting you from the luncheon.”
Sophie jerked her head back. “I always wondered why my son considered you his best friend. Jim was very well-mannered and polite, and you are...”
“Blunt,” Nick finished for her.
There were murmurs behind us, but I didn’t want to turn around to see who said, “Who the hell is that hag?”
I was hoping Sophie didn’t hear. Oooor... maybe it wouldn’t hurt if she did.
Neither she nor Bob said another word. Once again, Nick put an arm around my waist, and I leaned into him.
“I love that you’ve got my back,” I whispered to him.
“Fuck yes, I do. Especially now.”
What did he mean by that?
I didn’t have a chance to ask him because the next half hour was a bit crazy. There were a ton of cars parked around city hall, as everyone had driven here.
Leo wasn’t chauffeuring me and the twins this time. Nick was.
“This day is perfect,” I told him as I climbed into the car.
“How come?”
“It’s the perfect mix of celebratory without being over the top. I was never a fan of weddings.”
“What a coincidence. Neither was I. But that’s mostly because everyone seemed more preoccupied in asking me when I was going to settle down and become serious.”
I wiggled my eyebrows. “You know what’s worse than being a bachelor?”
“What?”
“Being a single woman. People treat you like you have a disease.”
“Well, not any longer,” Nick said. “Wife.”
“You’re right,husband. Now I’m a married woman. Serious and all.”
I was euphoric. This would be how I’d plan my real wedding, I decided. A short ceremony at city hall with a pretty dress, followed by a delicious meal with family and close friends. Speaking of which...
I turned backward, grabbing my bag from between the twins, who were fast asleep, and checked my phone. I frowned when I read the most recent message I’d received.
“What’s wrong?” Nick asked.
“Violet and Danielle texted that it doesn’t make any sense for them to come since it’s... you know...”