Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 271(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 271(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
Even though this was my mom’s second marriage and Danforth’s third, they both wanted a lavish and elaborate wedding to celebrate their love. There were all sorts of people in attendance, some I hadn’t seen in years from my mom’s side. Co-workers, extended family, even some I hadn’t heard about. Danforth’s side was equally impressive, and I knew none of them. It was a little much to have so many people at one event, especially those who didn’t matter in their everyday lives. Everything felt a bit over the top, in truth.
After the ceremony, we all went into the other room to get acquainted while my mom and Danforth took pictures with the photographer. I grabbed a drink at the bar to calm my nerves, then scanned the room for a place to sit. There were a few people I knew from my mom’s side of the family, but I hadn’t seen some of them in a while. I wasn’t in the mood to play catch up either, so I just stood there sipping my wine and scanning the room.
“Oh, hey there,” a young woman said to me. I faced her with a smile. She let out a nervous giggle as she tucked back a chunk of her short blonde hair. “Looking for a seat too?”
I tipped on my toes and shrugged. “Maybe I’ll just stand here and drink all night.” We shared a laugh, then she shifted her glass into her other hand and reached out to introduce herself.
“My name is Emery, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you,” I answered, shaking her hand.
She faced the room, then pointed as she leaned close to me. She smelled really good, like she stepped out of a Calvin Klein store at the mall. She had to be another rich kid just like Danforth’s sons. “Hey, look. There’s a table over there. Wanna sit with me?”
She seemed to be better company than some of the other people, and at least she was about my age. “Yeah, sure.”
As we took our seats, she said, “My dad works with Danforth. They’ve been friends for so long.” Yep, she was a rich kid. At least she was kind and not at all arrogant like I expected most rich people to be. Then again, Danforth had been kind too.
“Oh, that’s my mom.” I pointed over to the partition wall to see my mom standing at Danforth’s side waiting for the introductions.
“You’re Allison’s daughter. My dad was telling me about you. Aren’t you like… a chef or something?”
I started laughing. “Yeah. I love cooking.”
She tapped her dainty fingers on her glass. “Sheesh, I can’t cook a grilled cheese without the fire alarm going off.”
Before we could say anything else to each other, the soft music in the background slowly faded away and the DJ tapped the microphone to get everyone’s attention.
“Everyone, I’d like you all to turn your attention to the front of the room to welcome the newlyweds. For their first public appearance, I’d like to introduce you all to Mr. and Mrs. Danforth Rolsom.”
The music queued up and everyone started cheering and getting to their feet. Emery and I stood and clapped as my mom and Danforth passed by us. People threw confetti and glitter at them, and honestly, my mom looked so happy. She might have fallen in love with Danforth, but that didn’t mean he was the best thing for her. In fact, I didn’t know enough about him or his family yet to really know if I could trust them yet.
After everything settled, the guests started to mingle once again as my mom and Danforth took their seats at the head table. Some people passed by to congratulate them, but I just sat in my seat and waved at my mom, and she waved back. It was nice to have that private intimate moment with her without all the eyes gawking at us.
“Hello there, you must be Allison’s daughter,” a man remarked, drawing my attention away from my mother. He was standing in front of my table, but a little to the side where I hadn’t seen him initially. I scaled up to see him looking down over me with a gentle gaze that was almost as mysterious as it was inviting.
“Yes, I am.”
I didn’t get up from my seat and offer my hand because I didn’t know this man, who clearly came from the groom’s side. His suit alone looked like it cost more than my car, let alone the massive silver watch that held to his hairy wrist. I only noticed the thing because he extended his hand as a pleasant gesture, and so I had to get up and return it.
“My name is Daniel, I’m Danforth’s oldest son.”
“Oh.” I was completely embarrassed for a moment. If I had known who he was, I would have been more welcoming. “I didn’t mean to seem rude there.”