Page 83 of Never Stop

“I’m sure Nicole and Bailee are dealing with that right now. You know those two. They’re not going to let anything ruin your day.”

“Ourday,” I corrected again.

He grinned. “Our day.”

I hugged him, placing my head on his chest and trying not to mess up my hair and makeup. He always had a way of making me feel better, and I was slowly getting used to the fact that I finally had someone to look out for me.

The clicking of a camera broke our moment, and I looked toward the photographer. He smiled, and I returned my head to Easton’s chest. Easton kissed the top of my head as we held each other. I didn’t want to move. I wanted to stay in his arms forever. I’d waited my entire life for this day, and all I wanted to do was stand wrapped in the arms of the man I married.

A few minutes later our wedding party as well as Jimmy and Jane, walked in the room.

“Mom and Stan are sitting in the back by the bathroom,” Bailee stated.

I lifted my head and turned toward her. “Stanley is here too?”

She laughed. “Who do you think paid for them to fly here and for a suite at The Carlyle?”

I sighed. “Of course.”

“They’re staying at The Carlyle?” Avery asked and then whistled.

“Stan the man is loaded,” Bailee replied. “That’s why mommy dearest is with him.”

I rolled my eyes. “Let’s not talk about her anymore. I’ll deal with her—”

Of course, my mother decided to walk into the room at that moment. “I’m sorry to intrude. I was hoping I could get a few pictures.”

I stared at her as though she had two heads. She clearly was bipolar if she thought she could waltz in on my wedding day unannounced and pretend we were a happy family.

I didn’t answer her. Instead, Easton stepped forward and stuck his hand out to her. “I’m Easton.”

She smiled a smile similar to mine. “I kind of gathered that. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“These are my parents, Jimmy and Jane, my daughter, Cheyenne, my best friend, Avery, and you know his wife, Nicole.”

My mother’s eyes turned to Nicole in surprise. “I had no idea. Congratulations, honey.” She stepped to Nicole and proceeded to hug her.

Nic’s eyes widened as she returned the hug. “Thank you, Beverly.”

“I’m sorry to break up the family reunion, but we really need to get the pictures taken before the sun goes down,” the photographer interjected.

My mom’s eyes slid to me, silently asking if I’d grant her wish of taking pictures with me. I felt Easton’s warm breath on my ear as he leaned down and whispered, “We don’t need to hang them up in our house if you don’t want to.”

I didn’t look away as I processed his words. He was right. I’d sent the invitation to her, and now she was here. She was making an effort, and I could as well.

“Fine. But you’re still sitting next to the bathroom.”

My mom wrapped me in her arms. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to ask if Stanley’s kids had included him in their wedding pictures, and that was why she was insisting we take some. But I didn’t. I decided to get through the evening because, like Easton said, it wasournight.

I wasn’t going to let her control me.

I was over the fact that my mother showed up unannounced, and now that pictures were done, it was finally time to party with everyone.

Easton and I stepped up to the wooden double doors. We waited for the staff at the venue for the DJ to start the announcement that we were ready to begin the reception so they could open the doors.

“Without further ado,” he began, and the doors swung open, “please help me welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Easton Crawford!”