Page 91 of Oblivion

“The first of the month? What month?” her mom squeaks, clearly listening into the conversation.

“Next month,” I tell her. “Waiting for some socially decreed right time seems arbitrary. We love each other, we’re engaged, so we’re get married.”

“But a dress. A suitable venue. Decent weddings cannot be planning in weeks,” Mrs. Hartley argues.

“I’ve already gifted Sammy a very talented wedding planner who will ensure that the wedding is everything my wild one could dream of. And I’ve made an appointment with a weddingdress designer that Sammy likes for tomorrow night. Would you care to join her for the appointment, Mrs. Hartley?”

“Tomorrow?” she says, clearly surprised.

“Perhaps you’d both like to come, and we could have dinner before the appointment?”

There’s a noted silence, and I wonder if they’ll refuse.

“You might as well just agree. Evan has a way of getting what he wants. Agreeing takes less time,” Sammy interjects with a soft laugh.

“I’ll arrange a flight,” her dad starts.

“That’s fine. My family’s jet is available. I’ll let your PA know the details.”

“See you guys tomorrow,” Sammy says.

“Oh. Well—” her mom starts

“We look forward to seeing you both tomorrow. And congratulations,” her dad confirms, seconds before he ends the call.

When the line goes dead, I smile at Sammy, who looks a little shellshocked. “I think that went well.”

“You just railroaded my parents.”

“I can cancel if you don’t want your mom at your appointment, but I assumed you would. Don’t worry, though. I’ve already told the designer to make sure the dress is whatyouwant, not what your mom thinks is appropriate. Obviously, if you’d like Starling and the girls to be there too, I’m sure they’ll want to. I’d bet Cassidy would enjoy being included, but that’s up to you.”

“I don’t think putting Starling and her pregnant mom in the same room is a good idea.”

Exhaling, I nod in agreement. “True.”

“But she’s basically your stepmom. Do you want me to have her there?” she asks.

“I like Cassidy a lot, and she’s a great stepmom. But Starling is your best friend, and as long as Cassidy is invited to the wedding, I don’t think she’ll be expecting to be included in the planning,” I assure her.

“Will your mom come? To the wedding?” she adds quickly.

Exhaling, I shrug. “I doubt it. Although I guess I should invite her if I can find out where she is.”

“How long has it been since you saw her last?”

Pulling out onto the road again, I try to remember the last time I saw my mom in person. “Eight or nine years, maybe. Honestly, I don’t really remember.”

The rest of the journey back to school is uneventful, and it’s almost lunchtime by the time we get back to the house. As I slow the cart to a stop outside the front door, I turn to Sammy. “Wait there for me,” I order.

Circling the front of the cart, I lean in and scoop her into my arms bridal style, carrying her up the steps and into the house while she giggles, her arms looped around my neck.

“You’re not supposed to carry me over the threshold until we’re actually married.”

“Yeah, well, I’m starting early, Mrs. Morris.”

27

SAMMY

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