Page 46 of A Love That Broke Us
She goes back to figuring out the ceremony while I head to the kitchen, my mom trailing behind me.
As soon as we’re out of earshot, I turn to my mom, keeping my voice low but firm. “What are you doing? You can’t just take over like this.”
She fires back in the same hushed tone. “I’m not taking over! You asked me to make a list of people we wanted to invite to the wedding. That’s what I did!”
“Mom, this list is ridiculous. No one has this many friends. No one cares about this many people. And I guarantee half of them don’t give two shits about you, let alone me and Alley.”
I flip through the pages, frustration mounting. “Who the hell are Roger and Janice Baker?”
“Oh, that’s a couple we met at wine club a few years ago. They’re great. You’d really like them.”
“Would, as in, I’ve never even met them?” I shake my head. “Yeah, that’s gonna be a no.”
She lets out an exasperated sigh. “Why is this such a big deal? We’re paying for the wedding. Can’t we have a say? We’re excited! We want to celebrate you both, introduce you to people who care about us.”
“That’s bullshit, and you know it.” I exhale sharply, gripping the papers tighter. “This isn’t about us. It’s about status. The never-ending New York game of who had the bigger, better wedding. Who can pack a room with the most people that don’t actually give a shit. No. You guys get one hundred and fifty guests. That’s it. Pick your favorites.”
“What? That’s impossible! There are over four hundred people on this list.”
“Looks like you’ve got some work to do.” I hold the stack of papers out to her.
“This isn’t what we want, Mom. Alley hates attention. Her entire guest list barely fills one page.” I sigh, lowering my voice. “Look, I love you, but this day isn’t about you. It’s not even about me, not really. The ceremony? Yeah, that’s ours. But the wedding, the reception? That’s for Alley.” I hold her gaze, softening my tone, letting her hear how much this matters. “Please. Just make it perfect for her. She deserves that”.
My mom’s brows knit together as she begrudgingly takes back the list, blowing out a slow exhale. “Fine. I’ll cut the guest list. And you’re right… It’s not about me. I want this day to be perfect for you both.”
She pauses, giving me a long look before shaking her head with a small, wry smile. “You know, I guess I should be proud right now.”
I frown. “Proud? Of what?”
She lets out a soft laugh, her expression shifting to something more serious. “Because you’re a good man. I’m proud of you, son.”
I clear my throat. “Thanks, Mom.” I pull her into a hug. She’s the greatest. She’s always had my back, and there isn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for me. And now she has Alley’s back, too. That means more than she probably even realizes.
We walk back to the dining room, and I settle back down next to Alley.
“Where are the snacks?” she asks knowingly.
“Um…”
She laughs. “Ah, busted! Come on, I know you two went in there to talk about me.”
Alley looks at my mom. “Christy, I promise it’s not a big deal. Does having that many people watching me walk down the aisle make me anxious? Sure. But honestly, I’m going to feel that way regardless of the number of people there. So truly, whether it’s one hundred or five hundred, it’s all nerve-racking to me.” She offers a small smile. “I just appreciate you both helping plan, paying for the wedding, and being there for us. If a large wedding makes you happy, I get it. Invite the people you want to invite.”
My mother grins, glancing between us fondly. “You two are so lucky to have found each other, you know that?” Her gaze lands on Alley. “How about a compromise? The wedding is bigger than you both want, but I’ll cut the guest list.”
Alley’s smile stretches wide. “That sounds perfect.” She reaches for me under the table, grazing my thigh, giving it a squeeze. My hand instinctively falls over hers.
“Alright. If you two don’t need me for anything else today, I’m going to go ponder my guest list and decide who’s getting the cut.” Mom winks, grabs her dictionary of names, and scurries off.
Alley leans in, brushing her lips against mine. “Thank you,” she murmurs. Then she grins. “While you two were off playing secret agents with the guest list, I think I figured out the wedding line.”
“Oh, you did, huh?” I kiss her and immediately go in for seconds. “God, I love your lips.” My fingers weave between hers.
She smiles against my mouth, parting her lips to let me in. We kiss for several seconds before she finally pulls back, sighing.
“We need to stay on task.” She looks down at her paper.
I groan. “Come on, baby.” I lean in, whispering in her ear. “Let’s go fuck in one of the back bedrooms.”
