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Yup. The wedding was a hot mess. But hot messes were the best kind of fun.
“Do you need anything?” Cal squeezed my shoulder, and for the first time in a long time, I thought to myself, No. I don’t. Everything I need, I already have.
“I’m okay, thanks.” I squeezed her hand on my shoulder with a smile. “When am I due to come out?”
“Not for another half an hour,” my mother assured me, fixing the top of her fancy hat. She too had gotten to fulfill her dreams today—Rhyland had restored her vintage car, the first she’d ever owned in America, and she and Marty had driven here in it. “You have time, cara. Do you want me to bring you anything to eat?”
I shook my head. “I’m not hungry.”
There was a knock on the door.
“It’s probably Row.” Cal whirled and made her way to the door. She flung it open and then immediately slammed it in the person’s face. “Blasphemy!” she cried out.
“What’s happening?” My heart gave a dangerous leap.
Was it Tucker? Was he back? I knew logically he couldn’t be. Unless he escaped from prison, which would result in even moreprison time. I knew my ex was a dumbass, but I suspected even he had his limits.
“It’s Rhyland.” Cal clutched her necklace.
“I want to speak to my bride,” I heard my fiancé say from the other side of the door and couldn’t contain my grin. I knew why he was here—he was worried I’d get cold feet.
I also knew it was one hundred percent not going to fly with my mother.
As expected, a string of unholy Italian curses left Mama’s mouth, punctuated by a clutch of her chest and her galloping toward the door. “You’re not getting inside, Rhyland! How dare you think you can see the bride before the wedding? It’s bad luck.”
“Don’t need luck. Got love.”
Mama flashed her daughter-in-law a “can you believe this prick?” glare. I doubled over laughing.
“Whatever you have, it is not common sense. You are not seeing my daughter before she walks down the aisle, and that is that.” My mother stomped.
“Rhy,” I called out. “I’m okay—really. You don’t have to check on me.”
“I still need to speak to you.” He sounded serious.
I looked between Cal, Mom, and Grav. “Give us a second.”
“You cannot be serious!” my mother cried out. “Dylan, it’s tradition that he doesn’t see you.”
“I know what she looks like,” Rhyland pointed out from behind the door.
“Not in her wedding dress,” my mother countered.
“To be honest, that’s not a bad thing, considering the dress.” I laughed.
“I actually have seen the wedding dress,” Rhyland confessed. “Dyl showed me an article about it. It won an award for ugliest wedding dress of the century. Impressive.”
Rhyland stepped inside, filling the small space with his presence. He looked like the best gift I could have been given.
He wore a flawless black tux and a bow tie. His hair had grown back almost fully and was now slicked back in a small bun. My heart swelled at the sight of him.
Mama sighed with exasperation. Cal hoisted Grav into her arms.
“Wait—no.” Rhyland stopped Cal. He had one hand behind his back and an unholy cocky smirk on his face. “Little stinker?”
“Yes, Daddy?” she squeaked.
My heart melted. Daddy. Gravity finally had one. And it was the best one she could ever have hoped for.