Page 45 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 2
"No one asked you for your opinion," James said. "I tried it the way you wanted. It didn't work. Neither one of us was happy. It wasn't just on me. You know that."
Mrs. Hunter made a weird noise with her throat and shook her head.
"Mr. and Mrs. Hunter," I said. It was time for me to say what I had come out here to say. I didn't want to hear them fighting about Isabella. I didn't want to think about James' past. Not tonight. Tonight was about our future. "I pressured James to reach out to you because I wanted us to be a family. I realize now that that wasn't really my place. Because it's not James that has the issues here. It's you. You're the ones that need to grow."
"Excuse me?" his mother said.
"I don't want to get into that right now. All I mean is that your son has done nothing wrong. And as his parents, that should always be your first assumption. Not taking the side of his ex-wife. That aside, everyone in our apartment is here because they love and support us. I wish I didn't have to question your motivations for coming. But..." I glanced at James, "you're invited to our wedding festivities only if that applies to you. We want this weekend to be memorable in a good way. No fighting. No wishing I was someone else. No making James feel bad. And absolutely no talking about Isabella. Put whatever problems you have on the backburner for this weekend. Your son is getting married. I don't think I should have to say anything else. If you agree to that, I'd love for you to come in."
James pressed his lips together. Maybe he just wanted them to leave. I was about to ask him when his father broke the awkward silence.
"I wouldn't have come for any other reason," Mr. Hunter said. "I don't want to fight. James, I'm sorry."
I wasn't even sure what specifically his dad was apologizing for, but this was a huge step.
James put his hand out for his dad who eagerly shook it.
"Thanks for coming," James said way too formally for a son to his father. But it was a start.
"Thanks for having us." He glanced at his wife. "I hope to see you inside, Susan." He turned and walked into our apartment.
"I didn't come to make a scene," Mrs. Hunter said. "Obviously. But how was I supposed to feel when we were uninvited. And we walked in on a toast from the Caldwells." She made the now familiar sound of disgust with her throat.
"We're both really close to the Caldwells," I said. "I've grown quite fond of them over the years." I emphasized the word years. Unlike Mrs. Hunter, the Caldwells had welcomed us into their home with open arms. They had never been anything but nice and supportive. I loved them both dearly.
"Still. It's the groom's parents' job to toast the couple at the rehearsal dinner. It's tradition."
"And no one's stopping you. We'd love to have you make a toast."
She eyed me for a second. "Very well. I'd like that very much."
"Okay." I looked up at James. He was busy staring at his mom. He looked like he was in shock.
"Well, are you going to invite me in or not? Honestly..."
"Welcome," I said to his mom. "My parents can't wait to meet you."
"I'm sure they can't," she said and walked through the front door.
"What just happened?" James said when the door closed.
"James, I'm so sorry. I never should have pushed you to invite them. I should have respected how your relationship was withthem. I want us to be a team. We should be making decisions together. And I'm so, so sorry."
"Penny." He grabbed my waist. "I get it. I see the way you were raised. You expected to be marrying into one big happy family. I understand why you wanted a relationship with them."
"But I never should have forced it."
"You didn't force it. I wanted it because you wanted it."
I put my hand on the side of his face. "Well, I was wrong. All I want is you."
He smiled. "Well, they're here now."
I laughed. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I think maybe you're right. I would have been disappointed if they hadn't shown. The timing could have been better though."
"I loved Mr. Caldwell's speech. You never told me all those things about your relationship with him. James, he considers you to be one of his sons."
