Page 128 of Falling for the CEO

Chapter Thirty-Two

Epilogue

Spencer

"To the first weddingin the Whitley family," Cade said, holding up his glass of champagne and toasting my brother Jake and his wife, Natalie.

"Hear, hear," I replied, raising mine too.

"But not the last," Grandmother added. "I'm so happy you two finally opened the wedding season. Congratulations, darlings." She first kissed Natalie's cheek and then Jake's.

"It was a beautiful ceremony," Penny said.

My brother and Natalie wanted a small ceremony here at his house in Martha's Vineyard. It was only my third time here, but I could understand why they both liked this place so much. It was very peaceful.

“This is the last one,” the photographer explained. He was still snapping pictures of Grandfather, Gabe, and Colton. The whole process had taken longer than it should have simply because Ben decided to be fussy.

“This gazebo is lovely,” Penny said.

“It was built especially for the occasion,” Natalie said. “We figured it would give us all the space we need, with the dance floor and everything. And we’ll use it tomorrow too, for your birthday.”

“Natalie, I can’t believe you’re thinking about my birthday on your wedding day,” I said.

“I still feel guilty that we got married this weekend.”

“For the millionth time, I don’t mind. Promise me you’ll enjoy the day without any guilt.”

She brought one hand to her forehead in a mock army salute. “Sir, yes, sir.”

I liked her sense of humor. There was a huge, long table for all of us. Natalie’s family was here too: her parents as well as her two sisters and their families.

It was a huge group. As we all sat down at the table, I kept Ben on my arm. He was too fussy today, and I knew I couldn't put him down, or he’d become downright distressed. Family events were overwhelming for him. I didn't blame the little guy. Penny kissed his head like it was the most natural thing in the world. She was amazing, and I couldn’t wait to set a date for the wedding.

Naomi announced last month that she and Gregory were moving to Toronto, where he was from. She intended to visit Ben regularly, but I wasn’t holding my breath. My son had me and Penny, and we were going to take care of him.

I glanced around the table. If anyone had told me a few months ago that I’d have a beautiful woman on my arm at Jake’s wedding, I’d have informed them they were drunk.

Everyone was relaxed except Colton. I thought he'd warmed up to our half brothers, but today, he seemed as distant as always. He was sitting at the far end of the table and was making conversation with Gabe and no one else.

On second thought, maybe his behavior wasn’t related to our half brothers after all. He seemed to want to distance himself from everyone, which meant something was off. I was determined to ask him about it later, but right now, we were celebrating Jake and Natalie.

After the first dance, the DJ invited everyone onto the dance floor.

I turned to Penny. "May I have the first dance?"

"Sure," she said, sounding a bit shy. I turned to my other side, and Grandmother was already extending her arms. Now I knew why she'd wanted to sit there right beside me.

Grandmother took Ben in her arms, and Penny and I joined Jake and Natalie on the dance floor.

"Everything is gorgeous," Penny said, looking around.

"I have to say, it’s a pretty damn good day." The sun was shining, but it wasn't too hot. "Have you thought about what you’d like to have at our wedding?"

She grinned. "I've got about sixty scenarios in my mind. Natalie promised she’d be our planner."

Natalie was a very skilled event planner, and I knew we’d be in great hands with her.

---