Page 91 of If You Claim Me

“It’s fine,” I assure them. Consummating our marriage isn’t supposed to be on the table, let alone something that happens before we’ve even had photos.

I walk over and push open the door, waving everyone in. “We were just saying hi. Everyone, please join us!”

Our friends pile into the room, and bottles of champagne are popped and poured. After a minute, Connor’s parents and brothers-in-law join us.

“You look lovely, Mildred,” Courtney says through a practiced smile.

“Thank you so much. This is such a dream come true.” I mean it.

“I’m sure it is,” she counters.

Meems appears, bless her sweet heart, and takes one of our hands in each of hers. “I’m so thrilled to welcome you into the Grace family, Dred. You’re going to make each other so happy.”

I wrap my arms around her. “It’s such an honor to be part of your family, Meems.”

Her eyes are watery with unshed tears. “Thank you for bringing out the very best in my grandson.”

My heart clenches, but I don’t have time to respond, because Courtney commands our attention.

“The photographers are set up in the gardens. The wedding party should meet us out there in ten minutes.” Her gaze shifts to me, and I wish I could read her expression. “Welcome to the family, Mildred.”

I nod. “Thank you.”

Julian holds out a hand to Isabelle.

“Izzy will meet you out there. She’s part of the wedding party,” Connor tells him.

Julian smiles tightly. “Of course. I’ll see you shortly.” He kisses Isabelle on the cheek and follows Courtney and Duncan out of the room.

“I hope he gets wasted and passes out early,” she mutters into her glass.

I snort a laugh.

Her eyes go wide. “I’m just joking, obviously.”

“Feed them shots. They won’t know their ass from their armpit by the time dinner is over,” Connor suggests flatly.

Photographs with the wedding party are full of laughter, and even my usually broody husband is all smiles as his teammates gather around him. I hope he feels like he’s part of them today. I want what’s happening between us, temporary or not, to show him that this team can give him the support and friendship he needs, just like they have for me.

The wedding party is then excused while Courtney directs the family photos. They’re stiff and a little unpleasant, and thenthings get awkward when she decides they should have some mother-and-daughter photos.

“Are they serious with this?” I ask Connor.

“Oh yeah.” He grabs two glasses of champagne and passes me one.

“But this is our wedding.”

“They’re paying for the photographer, though.”

Courtney calls Julian and Bryson over so they can pose with Isabelle and Portia.

It astounds me that they can leave him out so easily. “Would you like Connor and me to join the sibling photos?” I call out.

Courtney startles.

Connor snorts a laugh into his champagne glass.

“Oh! Yes! Of course.”