As much as it killed me to see the twin looks of disappointment on my parents’ faces, I didn’t want them at our wedding. They’d read all kinds of things into it that weren’t there, like love and forever, for example. And yet I understood, to some extent, that they wanted to be included in what was supposed to be such a milestone event in their daughter’s life.

“Maybe we could have a reception or party later on,” I offered without really thinking it through. I just wanted to avoid hurting my parents if possible, and that meant giving them something to be included in.

“Oh, I would love that, Chloe,” my mom said.

“It’s not every day our girl gets married,” my dad added.

I dared a glance at Holden to see what he thought of the idea I’d sprung on everyone, myself included. He smiled and nodded. Of course Mr. Social wouldn’t mind a party, I thought, smiling back at him, ignoring the uneasiness jabbing at my gut. I could do a party if it would make Holden and my parents happy.

“Maybe we could have it here on the property,” my dad said as he forked another bite of pie, and my stomach went from uneasy to dread.

“I-I was thinking at Holden’s restaurant, overlooking the lake,” I stuttered out, pulling the idea out of thin air. I hadn’t thought anything before now, of course, but I couldn’t imagine having it here. “His brother Cash is an incredible chef, and that would make it easier for him to provide food.”

When I looked at Holden, his eyes were on my dad, and then he met my gaze, seeming concerned. “We’ll talk about it,” was all he said.

I glanced at my dad to try to see what had made Holden frown, but my dad had his mouth full and swallowed, then said, “You outdid yourself once again on the pie, my love,” to my mom.

We all turned our attention to the pie, which was even better than I’d remembered, and I told them about Angelica and my new role at Marks, admittedly to avoid more discussion of party details. Holden and I would have to tackle that beast together, in private.

After an hour, the pie and ice cream and coffee were gone, and I was more than ready to leave. Nothing against my dear parents, but I was on mental and emotional overload after the whirlwind that had been my weekend and day. Holden had worked all day as well and was probably exhausted.

We said our goodbyes, gave our hugs, received another round of congratulations, and finally, just after eight thirty, we were back in Holden’s car.

Before he started the engine, we both just sat there, and I let out a long exhale.