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“What kind of computer people go to South America on assignment? Why can’t you do it virtually?”

“That’s a great question, Mom, and most of the time, I can do it virtually. But since the connection is spotty here in Brazil, I needed to be here in person to oversee everything.”

She let out an exasperated huff. “Well, how are we supposed to be making progress on the wedding front if you go to places where I can’t reach you?”

“I figured you had it covered.”

There was a pause. “Is Slash there with you, too? He’s not responding to his emails either.”

Oh, crap. We were both busted. “We’ve been really busy on this project. I’m sorry we didn’t get back to you sooner.”

“Are you still in South America?”

“We are. We’re hoping to be home in about a week or so. But I wanted to give you a call to talk to you about the wedding.”

“Really?” I could hear genuine surprise in her voice.

“Really. But first, I want to tell you that Slash and I had a civil wedding ceremony in Brazil. It’s a long and complicated story as to how it happened and why, but I promise you all the details when we get back. That being said, it wasn’t a church wedding, which is what we want, followed by a nice reception that involves all of our family and friends. So, actually, nothing has really changed except for the legal part.”

A long minute of silence stretched on until she finally spoke. “You eloped...in Brazil?”

“It wasn’t a planned elopement and there were special circumstances that required it.” I looked down at the circle on my wrist. I’d always consider the village wedding our special, intimate ceremony, no matter what wedding came after. “But I’ll explain all that later, as it’s a long story. What’s important is that during the ceremony, I learned something about myself and my perceptions regarding a wedding. I realize now that a wedding is a celebration of love no matter where you live, what language you speak, or what you do in a ceremony to show that love. Everybody wants something different, and that’s okay. Slash and I also realized it’s important to us that everyone we love has a chance to share in our celebration. I got so overwhelmed by the details, I forgot to look at the big picture—family. But now I understand sharing our love with others is the true purpose of a wedding, so I’m ready to stop dragging my feet and help you plan it. We can even ask Amanda McCormick to help us, if she’s available and wants in on it.”

My mother remained silent, so to fill the awkward pause, I decided to plunge ahead. A small part of my brain might have been telling me this was the longest speech I’d ever made. “Anyway, all of that is a longwinded way to say I get why the wedding, my wedding, is so important to you, Mom, and to the rest of the family. I’m sorry I didn’t understand that before. Will you forgive me?”

Shestilldidn’t say anything. Panicked, a hundred thoughts raced through my head. Was she disowning me? Hurt? Angry? Thrilled she could do whatever she wanted?

How would I know, if she decided to never speak to me again?

I almost died with relief when she finally spoke. “Well, Lexi, I’m certainly curious to hear why you had to legally tie the knot in Brazil. It doesn’t have to do with babies, does it?”

I choked on a breath. “Gah! No, Mom, no. No babies.” Jeez. Leave it to my mother to think I was pregnant.

She sighed. “I’m sorry, too. I know I may have been coming on a bit too strong about the wedding planning, but you’re my only daughter, and I want everything to be perfect for you.”

“I know, and I really appreciate it. I just didn’t get why it was so important to everyone but me until now. You should know I’m slow coming to those kinds of realizations. I love you, Mom. You, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa and even Beau and Rock...you guys are the best.”

“We love you, too, Lexi. However, I do have one important request regarding the planning.”

“Which is?”

“You and Slash had better start answering my texts, phone calls and emails about the wedding...or else I’m going to televise the ceremony.”

Holy crap. She’d do it, too. “Threat acknowledged, Mom. I hereby promise from this moment on, I’ll be better about responding to wedding-related emails and calls. Slash, too.”

“Don’t make me get it in writing from your lawyer friend.”

“I won’t. I promise.” I laughed, feeling a huge weight lift from my shoulders. “Oh, and before I hang up, I found a wedding dress I like. I want to get your opinion on it.”

“Really?” Her voice couldn’t contain her excitement. “Is it one of the ones we looked at?”

“It is. It’s dress number forty-two.”

“Forty-two? Let me look it up on my phone.” There was a long pause and then a sharp intake of breath. “Oh, that’s a gorgeous dress, Lexi. I love the way it’s gathered at the waist, drapes over one shoulder, and is completely open in the back. I even like that delicate gold band that rests on the top of your head. The whole look is so unusually beautiful, but perfectly suited to someone as tall and slender as you. You’re going to look just like the goddess Athena in that dress.”

I touched the circle on my wrist, smiling. “Yep, that’s the idea. And, Mom, you’re welcome to add the president to the guest list if you want. I have no idea if he’ll come, but if he does, Slash and I would be honored to introduce you to him. An invitation can’t hurt, right?”

She squealed in excitement. “Oh, that would be such a coup. This wedding is going to be so incredibly memorable.”

For a moment, I let my mind drift back to the bonfire when I stood next to Slash in my loincloth and fishnet bra. Happiness swept through me. Whatever came next in my life would only be the proverbial icing on the wedding cake. Right now, I had it all—a great family, the best friends a girl could ever need, and a wonderful husband.

“The wedding will be great, Mom. I know it truly will be.”