Page 102 of When Ben Loved Jace

“That’s okay, sweetheart,” she says with a knowing smile. “We’ll go say hello to them. I know where you’d rather be.”

She always could read me like a book.

I begin striding across the lawn toward Jace and make it three whole paces. Allison’s father steps into my path and offers his arm, which is charming, like he intends to walk me down the aisle himself. “My daughter asked me to inform you that the caterers are running late. She also wants me to remind you that today is about two people making a life-long commitment, not a bunch of moochers who want a free meal. Her words, not mine.”

I grin as we walk together. “Lucky for me, my anxiety level is already maxed out.”

“I remember the feeling. The cure is simple enough.”

“Oh?”

He nods. “Whiskey.”

“You drank before getting married?” I ask in shock.

“Ididn’t,” he says with a wry smile, “but Allison’s mother did. Believe it or not, she was something of a bad influence on me.”

I laugh. “Your daughter is the opposite. She’s always steered me right.”

He nods, his face growing thoughtful. “You’ve been good for her as well. Alli needed someone who wasn’t afraid to engage with her emotionally, especially during those years when I tried so hard to suppress what I was feeling. She wouldn’t have weathered that period near as well if not for you. It’s just too bad that you’re gay.”

“Hey now!” I say in mock offense. I know he accepts me.

“I only say that for selfish reasons. I wouldn’t mind seeing her get married to you today. You’d make one hell of a son-in-law.”

“Aww!” I squeeze his arm affectionately. “I like to think that we’re family anyway.”

“As do I,” he says warmly. “Speaking of which, I meant to offer your folks a place to stay tonight, if they haven’t already made arrangements. Or any time they’re out here visiting. I’ll go speak to them. See you after the ceremony, when you’re a married man.”

I love the sound of that! I reorient on my future husband, intent on joining him. I don’t make it far.

“This is ridiculous.” Adrien intercepts me, led by a cat on a leash.

Jace has been working for months to get Samson trained, wanting him to attend the wedding.

“I think it’s adorable!” I say, squatting to pet him.

“I don’t mean that,” Adrien snaps. “Okay, I do, but I was also referring to me being here at all.”

I stand again, my expression sympathetic. “Is it super awkward?”

“To watch you marry the perfect man who just barely escaped my clutches? No! Not at all. I couldn’t be more thrilled!”

Samson rubs up against his leg. Like all cats, he seems especially drawn to people who don’t like him. Although I know Adrien a lot better now and am able to read between the lines. Somewhere inside his Grinch heart, he loves the little guy.

“I’m glad you’re here,” I say, before adding, “In case I feel the need to gloat.”

A smile tugs at his lips. “I certainly would have, if our situations were reversed.”

“I’m sure you’ll find the person you’re supposed to be with soon. There’s someone out there for everyone.”

“So where are they then?” Adrien demands. “If you’re so sure of yourself, point me in the right direction.” His head swivels back and forth theatrically. Then he does a doubletake before gasping. “Did you see who else is here?” he asks, nodding across the park.

I turn and see a large guy with sun-kissed skin and dark brown hair. And when I say large, I mean it, because the suit he’s wearing looks like it would explode into shreds if he sneezed.

“That’s Caleb,” Adrien whispers. “He was in our social circle back in college. He always had a thing for me, but I never gave him the time of day, because he was a complete marshmallow. Now look at him! He’s firmed up nicely. Like a bowling ball made of muscle.”

I do my best not to laugh. Adrien certainly has a way with words.