Page 35 of Finding Home

“I don’t know entirely what happened with your mom, and I don’t expect you to tell me, but I know you have your reasons for staying away for so long. I may needle you about a few things…” At the sight of Elle’s raised eyebrow, she relented. “Ok, many things, but not that. Whatever your reasons, I just want you to know that even though we aren’t your parents, we love you like you are our own.”

A large lump formed in Elle’s throat, strangling her response. “I love you, Janet,” she whispered.

“I love you, Eleanor.”

Eleanor?A wince contorted her face. Sitting beside Janet, who asked Elle to let her in fully, there were no more excuses to not ask. To not pull the people she claimed to love a little closer.

“Janet, can you call me Elle? That’s what my friends call me.”

“Of course, Elle.”

“Tobey is going to be so pissed at me.” Elle pulled a package of tissues out of her purse, handing them to Janet. “No more crying. Let’s talk about something happy.”

“Let’s talk about boys.” Janet said, blowing her nose loudly. “Have you decided which guy, yet? They’re both cute, but I’m Team Clayton.”

Elle shook with laughter.Only Aunt Janet.

FOURTEEN

“Time will explain.”

~Jane Austen,Persuasion

Tobey’s getting married…And I might see her.Elation and anxiety spun through Elle as she sat in the front row clasping Aunt Janet’s hand. The officiant stepped beneath the birch arbor. Taking a deep breath, Elle joined as guests twisted to the back as music heralded the wedding party. Clenching her jaw, she rallied herself for emotional impact, but there was no sight of Mom. Like seeking a beacon in the dark, her gaze was pulled to Clayton strolling toward the chairs in a suit identical to Uncle Pete’s. But he filled it in a way that sparked every one of her nerve-endings to life.

Pete strode from the opposite side and the two men met at the start of the grassy aisle to begin their walk to the altar. Clayton’s stare tethered to Elle as he moved closer. Passing the first row, he winked at her causing her belly to swoop. He took up his position on one side but didn’t shift his eyes away from her. His intent gaze on her sent happiness fizzing within her.

Guestsoohedas Lt. Scout, dressed in full police uniform, trotted down the aisle, stopping to sit next to Pete. With a lift of his hands, the officiant motioned for everyone to stand while from opposite sides of the lawn, Tobey and Jerome glided toward each other with the biggest smiles on their faces. Elle tried to focus on them and not scan the backs of heads for familiar blonde curls. As they reached the chairs, Jerome and Tobey intertwined hands and continued to the altar together.

“Dear family, friends, and the rest of you folks they had to invite.”The officiant paused for laughter with an impish grin. “We are here to join two hearts together, to witness the love of Tobey Coates and Jerome Evans.”

In less than the blink of an eye, the happy couple were pronounced married while their guests applauded.

As the wedding party posed for pictures, Elle followed the other guests to the tent for drinks before dinner. Quickly locating Carmen and Mathew standing in line at the bar, she joined them.

“You look so pretty,” Carmen gushed, taking Elle’s hands to inspect her. “Like a mermaid.”

The comparison was spot on. Her auburn hair was styled in loose waves. A silver starfish necklace and matching earrings accompanied a strapless tea length lavender dress that shimmered in the sunlight.

“And I didn’t even have to sell my voice to a sea witch.”

“The night’s young.” Noah joked, joining their group.

Carmen, Mathew, and Noah were at Elle’s table, located near the bar and far away from where her mother’s assigned seat was. In addition, Meghan, the third partner at the vet clinic, and her wife Karla joined them.

“Alright folks, let’s hear it for one of the best men, Clayton Owens,” the DJ hooted, ushering in the best man toast portion of the reception.

“Here’s our guy.” Noah elbowed Elle.

Our guy?

Clayton gripped the microphone. “Evening.”Those gray eyes scanned the guests seated under the tent, lit on Elle, and remained there for a beat. He cleared his throat and began his toast. “Speaking words isn’t my forte but reading them is. One of my favorite authors wrote that happiness in marriage is entirely by chance.”

Elle beamed. ThePride and Prejudicereference created a moment just between Clayton and her in this ocean of people.

He continued, “But Jerome and Tobey, you are a sure bet. Thank you, not just for letting me stand up with you today but for reminding me that love is everything and when I find my everything, I plan to hold on to it, just like you two. Congratulations!”

The air practically sizzled between them. Elle placed her hand on her heart hoping nobody else could hear its loud drumbeat.

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