Page 157 of Neighbors With Benefits

“Oh thankGod,” she said.

“Uh, what?”

She gestured with her wine glass. “After the ceremony, I saw her comforting that blubbering mess of a man. Dante. She was just hugging him at first, but then… then theykissed. I thought she was cheating on you! I’ve spent the first hour of the reception wondering whether to tell you tonight, or let it wait until tomorrow.”

She laughed to herself, but didn’t say anything more.

“So…” I said.

“They really are a beautiful couple,” Mom said, watching Amy and Cat dance.

“So does that mean you approve?” I forced out. “Of my relationship?”

She gave me a patient sigh. “It’s not my place toapprove. My children are going to do what they want, regardless of my approval. My job is to love you unconditionally. Which I do.”

Her answer was only half relieving. “That’s nice to hear, but I still want to know if you are secretly judging us. You can give me your honest opinion, Mom.”

“Are you happy?” she asked me.

“Very happy.”

“And Jazz?” she probed. “And Bash and Dante, too?”

I nodded. “Yeah. It’s crazy, but they are.”

She spread her arms wide. “Then of course I approve. Why wouldn’t I?”

Feeling tears welling in my eyes, I hugged my mom. “I’ve been so afraid of telling you.”

“Why?” she demanded. “I’m an accepting person. You act like I’m judgmental.”

“You are,” I replied, “the most judgmental woman I know. No offense.”

“I get judgy over things that don’t matter,” she said dismissively. “Dress color. Hair style. Your late father’s taste in cars. But for something important? Something like love?” She wiped away a tear from my cheek. “I’m your mother. If you’re happy, then I’m happy.”

I was beaming, now. “Jazz is going to be so happy to hear.”

“If you can pry her away from her other two boyfriends,” Mom muttered.

“Mom!”

“What? I promised not to be judgy, but that doesn’t mean I can’t tease you about it a little.” She pointed. “Speaking of Jazz, it looks like she’s up.”

The first dance had ended and the DJ was taking the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the speeches! The Maid of Honor will be speaking first. Please give it up for Jazz Barnes!”

There was a scattering of applause, and then Jazz took the microphone. God, she looked incredible in that dress—tight in the bodice, hugging her hips. Accentuating all the best parts of her. Bash and Dante were standing over on the right side of the room, so I weaved my way toward them.

“She looks good up there,” Bash said. “But I think she’s nervous.”

“She’s fine,” Dante insisted, but his arms were crossed and he was watching her intently.

“She seemed nervous before going up there,” Bash said.

Dante elbowed him in the ribs. “I said she’s fine.”

“She’s fine,” I echoed, but I was extremely nervous about my own speech.

“Like he said, my name is Jazz, and I’ve known Cat for a long time. Alongtime,” she chuckled. “Probably too long. And out of everyone I know, Cat was the last person I expected to settle down.”

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