Hitched (Hitched #1)(44)

When Sebastian introduces us, Matt's eyes wander up and down my body before landing on my eyes. "Nice to meet you," he says, smirking.

I squeeze his hand too hard and smile. "I'd say the same, but I prefer meeting people who don't blatantly disrespect me by deliberately ogling my body before making eye contact."

Clara chokes on the sip of wine she's taking, and Sebastian can't hold in a laugh as his brother drops my hand and frowns for a moment before smiling again. "You're right. That was rude of me. I apologize. It's good to see my brother has found a woman his equal."

I'm surprised by his change of tone, as is everyone else by the looks of it, but Matt ignores us all and pours himself a glass of something decidedly stronger than wine.

"When's the party starting?" he asks.

Sylvia checks her watch. "Within the next ten minutes. You're just in time. I'm glad you could make it."

I'm surprised she doesn't lay on more guilt than that, but then, she doesn't seem the type to use emotional manipulation to get her way. Whatever Matt's issues are, his family seems to have learned to accept him as he is. Warts and all.

***

The dinner is a blur. I meet too many people to remember everyone's names, and though Sebastian’s uncle and his fiancée greet me, they are monopolized by nearly everyone there, so I hang back, not wanting to intrude on their time with family and friends. I don't mind though; it's nice to see Sebastian relaxed around his family. I like watching him laugh at someone's joke or tell a story about something that happened long ago.

The night is magical for me in some unnamable way. There's something about being around this kind of family, the kind of family that loves unconditionally and can laugh together and enjoy spending time with each other. I wish Tate were here to be a part of this, to know that this is even possible.

It's not that our family life was awful. We weren't abused. Our parents loved us and still do. I think the challenge for us both was growing up knowing we didn't fit in at all with the rural Ohio life and the values our family cherished. We never established roots because we both knew from the earliest age that we wouldn't stay. And we didn't. The moment we graduated high school we were out of there, and we haven't gone back for more than the briefest visits.

Our parents didn't pay for our education or any of our expenses. We took out loans, worked our asses off, and lived on ramen noodles and power bars for entire semesters, just to make it to our dreams.

And that's fine. I'm a stronger person because of that journey. But I've never felt as at ease with my own family as I do right now with Sebastian's, and that makes me feel equal parts joy and sadness.

As the dinner winds down, and everyone has memorized where they're supposed to be tomorrow, Sebastian comes over to me, slipping an arm around my shoulder. "Everything okay? You seem quiet."

I rest my head against his chest. "I'm great, actually. Just enjoying this beautiful night. You're lucky you know, to grow up here."

"It's a nice house," he says.

I shake my head. "That's not what I mean. Here, with these people, in this love and joy. Not everyone gets that."

He lifts my chin with his finger and looks into my eyes. "You will always have that with me, Kacie."

***

Over three hundred people have RSVP’d for the wedding. There are tents and chairs everywhere, and the backyard has been transformed into a fairytale landscape by the time I make it downstairs. "I can't believe how much is already done," I say to Clara, who is on breakfast duty this morning. Which, for her, involves pouring coffee and a bowl of cereal.

Works for me.

By late morning Sebastian and I are both dressed and ready to go, as is everyone else in the Donovan family. As guests begin to arrive, I slip into the kitchen to help with moving food and setting up, even though they've hired a catering company to handle everything. I still want to feel useful. I'm not used to being at a party and not working.

The service starts promptly and is short, simple and beautiful. The bride is stunning, and the groom looks so happy his face is about to crack from that smile. I love it.

When they say, “I do,” Sebastian and I glance at each other. And for a fraction of a moment, I have another memory from that night we met. I remember looking into his eyes as we said, “I do.” Just a glimpse of the memory, but the emotions it brings back is enough to take my breath away.

I knew I loved him that night.

That's why I married him.

And I still love him now.





Chapter 28


Heart to Heart


That night, after all the guests have left, I find myself sitting outside at an empty table, plates of half-eaten wedding cake my only company. It's a balmy night, and the white lights that have created such a magical setting for a wedding continue to twinkle in the dark. Sebastian accompanied his dad to take home a few intoxicated guests, so I'm left with my thoughts, which isn't a bad thing.

Surrounded by people all day, mostly strangers, it feels good to grab a few minutes of solitude.

"Kacie, there you are." Sylvia walks out of the house holding two cups of coffee and smiles at me. "We wondered where you'd disappeared to."

"Just enjoying the night," I say.