Total pages in book: 156
Estimated words: 151044 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 503(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151044 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 503(@300wpm)
By the time we returned to the penthouse we needed to get ready for dinner. Hale’s college friend, Noah, and his wife Avery, were joining us. This would be the first time I met them. It really bothered me that Elle wasn’t there yet. The rest of the wedding party had called at some point during the day to check in. But not the maid of honor.
Tonight’s dinner wasn’t an official part of the wedding, but it felt special, like a moment with the people who mattered most. Remington should have also checked in by now.
“Why are you frowning?”
“Huh?” My gaze met Hale’s reflection in the mirror. “Am I?”
“Yes. What’s wrong?”
“I was just thinking it’s a shame your dad’s not here yet?”
“Why? Your dad’s not here yet either.”
I blanched and dropped my gaze. That was true. My dad wouldn’t be there for any of it.
“Rayne, what’s going on with you?”
“N-nothing.” I reached for my jewelry but clumsily knocked over my water bottle.
“Hey.” He caught my hand. “Stop. Talk to me.”
“Not now.” I was out of shields and we were out of time. I couldn’t risk spoiling my makeup with tears.
Crouching before me, he looked into my eyes and frowned. Whatever he wanted to say to me, he seemed to let it go for the sake of my sanity. Kissing the top of my head, he looked into the mirror once more. This time, when he smiled, it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll get your coat.”
The comment about my dad’s imminent arrival made me believe he didn’t suspect anything. I wanted to ask if he knew about the charges on the credit card bill, but that would open the door to more questions.
I received a text from Miles on the drive to the restaurant, alerting me that the big guy had landed.
“What’s got you smiling?” Hale whispered in my ear.
“Your dad arrived.”
He nodded, but didn’t share my reaction.
If only he knew how lucky he was. Yes, Remington could be a massive pain in the ass with narcissistic tendencies. And he definitely criticized his children’s choices too much, but he loved his family and he would never do anything to purposefully harm them.
Jasmine was a fluke and while Remington’s actions had wounded Hale’s ego, Hale never thought of her as more than a casual companion. In the end, Remington had married her to protect his son, because he would stop at nothing to keep his children safe. I couldn’t say the same about my father.
Per the production plan, all guests should have been seated before we arrived. Most were.
“There’s Noah,” Hale said, pointing out his other groomsman as the maître d led us to the table.
Noah’s wife, Avery, sat across from him, looking absolutely stunning in a shimmering gold dress that matched her glowing skin. “Wow. Was she a model?”
“Sugar baby.”
I did a quick double take to see if Hale was joking. “Seriously?”
He smirked. “I’ll fill you in later.”
When we reached the table, everyone stood and welcomed us with hugs. I thought it might be overwhelming, hosting so many different personalities at once, but it was actually rather comforting to be surrounded by so many people I loved.
Once we greeted everyone, we joined them at the table. Since Hale rarely saw Noah, I insisted they sit together. I took the seat between Avery and Seraphina.
The conversation flowed naturally. Noah and Hale chatted like old friends and it made me happy to see him laughing with someone so openly. I understood why he’d chosen Noah now that I saw them together.
At first, Avery intimidated me, but she had a comforting disposition that put me instantly at ease.
“It’s overwhelming, isn’t it?” she observed, leaning close so only I could hear.
I lifted my brows as I downed a guzzling sip of my cosmopolitan. “Hmm?”
Avery tipped her angular jaw toward Hale and Noah. “Them. Look at them. If only they knew.”
I shared her view of Noah and Hale and immediately understood what she saw. Power. Sex appeal. Authority. Confidence. Bone structure that looked airbrushed. “God, I could so easily hate them.”
She laughed. “I know, right? Noah puts one little dab of product in his hair and achieves all that. Meanwhile, I spent three hours getting ready tonight.”
“Well, you look gorgeous.”
“Thank you. So do you.”
The men turned in unison and caught us staring.
Hale held my gaze from across the table and smiled. “What?” He silently mouthed.
I flashed my teeth and pointed to my mouth. “You have something in your teeth.”
“Your tie’s crooked,” Avery said at the same time to Noah, and we both laughed as each man made a quick adjustment then returned to their conversation.
I snickered. “It’s best to remind them they still have flaws.”
“I completely agree.”
The mothers chatted about baby memories while Barrett got to know Tyler. Remington, always one to make a fuss, insisted on making a champagne toast. For Hale’s sake, I hoped he kept it short and sweet.