Page 79 of The Love Hoax

“Surprise, Mom!”

Anna glances back, her confused gaze settling on me. “Did they sayMom?”

Striding toward me with faces full of glee are my two strapping sons.

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Evie

“J

effrey? Daniel?” I croak.

Anna’s eyes cut from the boys to me. “Ronna, what is going on?”

“Um—”

Adam interjects, his face pale as a ghost. He squeezes his mother’s hand once more. “It’s our turn to walk down the aisle. I’m sure we can resolve this later.”

He takes another step forward but his mother comes to a determined halt, her focus fixated on me.

From behind, I hear rushed footsteps. Steph emerges from the depths of the room, her father scurrying to keep up. She looks like a princess. A very angry princess. Her cheeks are nearly as red as her flaming hair. She glances at Jeffrey and Daniel, then addresses Adam and Anna. “What is the hold up? It’s your turn.”

Ari takes hold of his daughter’s hand and pats it. “It’s all right, sweetheart. I’m sure everyone’s a bit nervous.”

Steph points a finger at her brother. “See? I told you the rehearsal was important and you had to miss it.”

Another round ofHere Comes the Bride.

The guests’ faces turn expectantly to the door.

Ari says calmly, “Anna, Adam, Ronna, let’s move along.”

Steph’s eyes cut to Jeffrey and Daniel. “Who are these people?”

The music stops. Apparently, there are only so many times they can play the tune before it gets weird.

Now Brad is hurrying back down the aisle toward us, his face cloaked in confusion and worry. Guests begin murmuring.

Jeffrey says to Daniel, “I think Mom’s in a state of shock.”

Daniel laughs, taking in my expression. “Looks like we did surprise her.” He fist-bumps his brother.

Steph, Anna, and Ari are looking on with nervous interest.

I say, “Boys, maybe it’s better if you wait for me outside.”

Brad joins the assembled group, taking in the scene. “What is the delay?”

Steph steps next to Brad as if teams are being chosen and she is opting away from the others. She stares at me. “From what I can tell, these men are Ronna’s kids.”

Brad purses his lips. “Okaaay. So Ronna has kids we didn’t know about. Is that a reason to stop our wedding?”

Jeffrey furrows his brow. “Mom, why do they keep calling you Ronna?”

It’s like an inhale without the subsequent exhale. Everyone holds their breath. A lengthy pause and then a lightbulb goes off over Steph’s head. “I knew it!”

If I am a deer in the headlights, Adam is a moose. A silent, unhelpful, bug-eyed Bullwinkle.