Page 78 of Aisle Be The Groom
“No. In fact, there’s something I want to tell you.”
“Well, what is it, dear?”
I swallowed and moved my lips, but no words came out. “I’m in love.”
Oh shit. Not exactly what I’d meant to say.
“That’s good, son. We would hope so, since you’re marrying Carter.”
I let out a slow breath. “That was a mess. What I meant to say is that I dreamed so much about my wedding that I was willing to marry Carter despite all his faults. He doesn’t treat me the way I want my man to. I’m sorry. I just realized, but the wedding can’t go through.”
“But we got the e-invites this morning.”
“What?” I hadn’t sent out the e-invites, even though the designs had been ready.
“Carter’s mother sent them.”
I groaned. “Dammit. She’s going to ruin everything.”
“You mean she doesn’t know you’ve called off the wedding?”
“No. I haven’t told anyone yet.”
“Not even Carter?”
“No, Mom. Carter’s been missing since I arrived at his father’s ranch.”
Mother shook her head. “I knew that boy wasn’t the one, but it wasn’t our place to interfere with your life, Ozzie. We raised you to be an independent person who can make his own choices.”
And I chose Gray.
“Wait a minute.” Mom tapped one long red nail to her temple. “If you’re calling off the wedding, but said you’re in love, does that mean you’ve fallen for someone in that hick town?”
“Mo-om.” I groaned. “It’s not a hick town. The people are nice and hardworking, but yes. And…now please don’t be disappointed in me, but it’s… Carter’s dad.”
My mothers gasped in unison, their reaction making me feel like that naughty little boy who’d been caught stealing from the cookie jar.
“He’s really awesome! And the sweetest man I’ve ever met. He takes care of me, looks out for me, and you should see the way he treats me. It’s the way I always wanted to be treated but never dreamed was possible.”
They exchanged looks, their eyes communicating thoughts I couldn’t decipher. Was it wrong to want what they had?
“Are you sure, son?” Mother finally asked. “This isn’t going to be easy for you.”
“I know, but Gray’s worth it.”
“Then we can’t wait to meet him. We trust your judgment, Ozzie.”
“Even though I was about to marry someone completely unsuitable for me?”
“Eventually, you would’ve figured it out. Just know whatever happens, your mistakes are your own experiences, and never be ashamed of that.” Mother smiled at Mom, the love in her eyes so bright and clear. “Our experiences make us the people we are today and the people we will become tomorrow.”
“Thank you. I love you.”
We said our good-byes. Then I hurried downstairs to the kitchen. I heaved a sigh when only Gertie was there. “Thank god! Gertie, what’s—”
“Finally, you’ve made it down, Ozzie.” Mrs. Magnuson swept into the kitchen and took my arm. “Come on, let’s go. I’ve already taken care of some things for you. I’ve sent out the invitations and reached out to the florist to get samples ready for us. We’ll also have to drive into the city to fit you for a tux. We can’t wait until the last minute to do that.”
“Mrs. Magnuson—”
