Page 32 of Maggie

“I’m a musician in a well-known band. Maybe you’ve seen me on TV or something.”

“Oh? What band is that?”

“Lovely Oblivion.”

Recognition crossed his face. “I’m too old for your type of music, but I have heard of you. Popular band, huh?”

Maggie laughed. “We do okay.”

“How’d you meet my nephew here?”

“He gave me a tattoo a few years back.” Maggie showed Burt her forearm. “We lost touch for a while, but met again recently and hit it off.”

Wylder said, “She actually received my last tattoo. Before I quit tattooing. If that’s not fate, I don’t know what is.” Wylder kissed her temple.

“That’s a remarkable turn of events.”

“I think if it had to happen, events worked out perfectly,” Wylder said.

Someone down the hallway yelled, “Burt! Pictures! Where are you?”

Burt chuckled. “Sorry, excuse me. Apparently, I’m late for wedding photos. Nice to meet you, Maggie.” He nodded at Wylder. “See you tomorrow at dinner.”

“See you, Uncle Burt.”

Burt disappeared into the crowd.

They watched him leave. When he was gone, Wylder sighed and hugged her. “Thank you.”

She returned the hug. “There’s no need to thank me. I’m enjoying spending the day with you. It’s been fun.”

Wylder smiled. “I’ve liked spending time with you, too. You hungry?”

“Sure, I could eat.”

“Okay, let’s go scope out the choices.”

They eased back into the crowd and followed the flow of people to the reception area. Tables lined the room and the same purple drapes and flowers that were present in the chapel decorated the space. A table for the wedding party stretched across the head of the room. A band of classical musicians played soothing melodies from a corner of the room. A piano sat unused beside them.

Wylder and Maggie walked into the space and found the table with a place card for “Wylder Gallagher +1.” A few people already sat at the table, which Maggie found out after introductions were Wylder’s father, sister Aubrey, and his brother-in-law. Maggie and Wylder settled in at the table. Wine glasses sat at each place setting and a pitcher of water sat on each table. Waiters passed out glasses of champagne to the people who wanted them. A few glasses ended up at their table.

Aubrey said, “Kelsey has a Lovely Oblivion poster in her bedroom. She was so thrilled to meet you earlier.”

“Wylder’s said so much about her. I was thrilled to meet her, too,” Maggie said.

“She would die of embarrassment if she knew that.” Aubrey laughed. “She had no idea someone famous knew about her before today. From her favorite band, at that. That kid is probably over the moon right now.”

Maggie laughed then whispered conspiratorially, “I won’t tell her if you don’t.”

“Deal.” Aubrey beamed at Maggie and sipped from her glass of champagne. She asked, “How long are you in town?”

“I’m still here for a week.”

“Great! Then you have to come to family dinner tomorrow! It’s Sunday tradition.”

“Oh no, I couldn’t impose.”

“You wouldn’t be imposing at all. Wylder’s girlfriend is more than welcome. He doesn’t do relationships normally, so I know you two are serious and it’s worth inviting you. We’d love to have you over so we can get to know you.”

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