None of this would be possible without them—the reason why I’m even here today.
“Mrs. Romano,” Mom murmurs, caressing my cheek. “You look happy, honey. I’m sorry your grandparents couldn’t make it. Last-minute notice, and they were all traveling.”
“I am, Mom. You think I can still keep an Edwards in there?” I scrunch up my nose, waiting for Dad to respond.
Dad places his hands in his pockets with a gleam in his eye. “I’m sure Will won’t object.”
“What won’t I object to?” Will asks, kissing my shoulder.
“Um, keeping my name as Edwards Romano…”
“Hmm,” he trails off, pursing his lips. “I guess it makes good business sense.”
I furrow my brow as Dad holds back his laughter. “Good business sense?”
“I’m kidding,” Will teases. “You can do whatever you want. Maybe, I’ll change my name? I’ve always considered myself an Edwards.”
“Now, that makes good business sense,” Dad concurs, then reaches out for an embrace. “Congratulations, sweetheart.”
I hold onto him tight, knowing no matter what happens, his love means the world, and without it, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
“Okay, everybody,” Mom yells in the room. “We have a wedding reception to get to.”
“We do?” I ask, looking at Will.
“Of course.” He smiles back, then kisses my hand. “This is not your ordinary elopement of a Vegas wedding, Mrs. Romano.”
Inside the two-story sky villa at The Palms, the entire space is decorated beautifully. Everywhere you turn, flowers are arranged, even hanging from the ceiling.
The main attraction is the long dinner table, perfectly styled with candlelight and a rose gold theme. Aunt Adriana and Eric were behind all the planning, according to Mom. The two of them are just as stubborn as each other when it came down to designs and themes, which Mom decided to remove herself from the equation when Eric became catty over candelabras.
We take our seats while the waiters begin serving the food. I’m too excited to eat, constantly looking over at Will while gushing. He catches me staring once again, only to lean over and whisper in my ear, “You will need the stamina tonight, Mrs. Romano. I suggest you eat.”
I bow my head, praying no one sees the flush in my cheeks. In front of me, I drink the champagne, which goes down way too easily.
Just before dessert is served, Ava tinkers on the glass to prompt us to kiss. While fun when a guest at a wedding, the tradition is tiresome when you’re on the other side and forced to kiss in front of everyone every two seconds. I love kissing Will, but after several times which interrupted conversations and brought on Uncle Rocky’s crude remarks, it became too much. In between eating, drinking, and kissing—I warn Ava with my eyes to stop being a pain in the ass.
Thankfully, Ava gets the hint but suggests we begin speeches.
“I’m gonna start because I’ve been waiting a lifetime for this moment.” Uncle Rocky raises his glass with a mischievous grin. I mentally prepare myself; his speeches are unforgettable but not necessarily in a good way. “Amelia, you came barreling into this world as the accident baby. Sorry guys but true story. Lex could barely keep his dick in his pants.”
I bow my head as Eric shouts, “Neither can you!”
Uncle Rocky continues, though his expression softens. “I’ve always loved you as my own daughter, and you’ve always been my favorite.”
Ava, Jessa, Luna all yell at the same time. “Hey! That’s what you keep telling us!”
“Damn…” Uncle Rocky whistles then grace us with his goofy grin again. “Now, where was I? Oh yeah, cheers! I want some grandbabies, so get moving before your mother puts me in a home.”
“Party down in Boca.” Nash laughs, knocking on Andy’s shoulder. “Cougar time.”
Noah shakes his head with disappointment at his son. “A little too cougar, son.”
Nikki stands up next with a champagne glass in hand. She wore a beaded silver gown, looking stunning for her age. There is no way you would ever think she’s just over fifty, her body the size and shape of a thirty-year-old.
“I’m going to keep my words short. You’ve always been a part of our family, Amelia, since the day you were born. I could not have asked for anyone better for my son. Not only have you made him happy, but you’ve also brought him back to our family,” Nikki chokes on her words, surprising us all. She rarely showed any emotions. “Will, I love you. The best mistake your father and I could have ever made.”
Beside me, Will squeeze my hand as he mouths “I love you” back to his mom.