Vaughn snorts behind me.
She drops me off at the table set for a bazillion people and points to the little cards with everyone’s name on them. “I do arranged seating to liven things up. You’re here, sweetie.”
Mr. Asher—Adam, for some reason I feel OK calling him that. Maybe because he’s a movie star and I’ve heard it so often—is talking in a booming voice as he leads an entourage of relatives towards the table.
Vaughn’s calming hand is on my back as he pulls out my chair. “Sit, princess. I’m right across from you, so don’t worry.”
I look up at his concerned expression and give him a smile. “I’m OK.” I sit as he pushes my chair in, and then I arrange my napkin on my lap.
“Yo, Grace!” Felicity calls as she enters. “I’m next to you, sister.” We are in the middle of the table, with Adam at the head to my right, and Mrs. Asher at the head to my left. Thankfully, Samantha is sitting on the other side of me, so I’m flanked by the only two people I really know here.
I love Mrs. Asher and her seating chart.
“Conner?” Vaughn says as his brother takes a seat across from Felicity. I watch my husband assess that situation. He’s in denial about this and I have to stifle a small chuckle. I’m not sure if Conner and Felicity are dating, per se, but they are definitely up to something. Vaughn’s eyes shift back and forth between the two as a waiter reaches behind him to take a crystal flute and fill it with champagne. “Is there something you’d like to tell me?”
“About what?” Conner is swiping his fingers across his smartphone, not even paying attention.
Vaughn opens his mouth to add something snide when Tray appears to his right. “What the fuck—”
“Vaughn,” his mother chastises.
“We’re dating, V,” Samantha says as she eyes her husband with a strained smile. Or maybe he is her ex-husband and they are going for a do-over? I’m not sure. But it’s none of my business. I heard Tray was the first link in the chain to getting me back, so I’m not upset with him at all.
The whole room is filled with talking and laughter as everyone settles into their places and then Adam taps his spoon on his water glass. “It’s been a blessed year for the Asher family. We’ve had two marriages, no deaths, and two new babies.”
The room goes quiet and everyone looks at me. No deaths and two new babies. I’m not sure that’s accurate, so I just sigh.
Adam clears his throat to ease the uncomfortable moment and bring everyone’s attention back to him. And then he smiles at the two women cuddling newborns. The men across from them beam proudly. I can only assume they are cousins of Vaughn’s.
I look away quickly and adjust the linen napkin on my lap one more time.
“And Grace,” Adam says, directing everyone’s attention back to me. My face gets hot and my nose starts to tingle. I don’t want to cry here. I seem to be extra sensitive to crying these days and I really don’t want to cry here.
“You are the perfect wife for my son. So strong and sweet. Intelligent and beautiful. We’re sorry we missed your wedding. Perhaps you will let us have a party for you when you’re feeling up to it?”
There’s a chorus of yeses from around the table and my eyes get teary. But then I look across the table at Vaughn and his smile gives me strength. “Thank you,” I manage. “I feel so lucky to be part of this…” And then it hits me what I’ve got here. “Family.” They all go quiet to see if I’ll say anything else. And I’m about to just shut up and let the moment pass when Vaughn seizes control.
“That’s what we are, Grace. And you’re part of it now. I know we’re crazy and we’re far from typical, but you’re stuck with us, sweets. Forever.” He raises his glass and waits for everyone to catch up with his toast. I raise mine too, as I stare into his blue eyes. “I love you, Mrs. Asher.”
Everyone cheers and clinks glasses at that and I raise my glass to my husband and mouth, “Thank you.”
The blessing is said and then the servers enter with plates of covered food. Conversation begins and we all settle in for the feast. Sam and Felicity chat with me. Vaughn is attentive and happy. Various aunts and uncles and cousins pepper me with tidbits of information about one another, trying for embarrassment.
And it all hits home.
I have a new family.
I will never forget my real parents or my brother. I will always be grateful and love the Chamberses for taking me in when I needed them most.
But it’s time to start my own family. And this is where it begins.
Chapter Fifteen
#ImInDenialAndIDontCare
“SO, Felicity,” I ask, once we are all settled in with dinner. “How’s school? I never see you anymore.”
“Oh, Felicity,” Grace says, putting a tentative hand on her shoulder. “You should just come home. I hate that you’re not there.”
Felicity gives her a tight smile, then looks at… Conner.
I look at Conner and catch him in a shrug.
What the fuck?
I’m about to open my mouth when Felicity beats me to it. “I’m good, ya know? Living here in the pool house. Working for Conner.”
“Wait, what? How did I not know you’re working for Conner?”
“Don’t be silly, V,” she laughs. “You know I’m working with Conner. We did Grace’s case together.”