“If I trust anyone to keep their grass clean, it’s your future in-laws.”

“They probably had it power washed.”

Leo smiled but didn’t banter back.

Joey felt the world widen again around them. “Anyway, hey, thanks for coming.”

“Wouldn’t miss it. Grant’s parents know how to throw a party, huh?”

“That they do.” Joey took a sip from her glass. Grant had switched her to water, reminding her that tomorrow they’d take pictures that would live in infamy.

She was getting married tomorrow. Despite all the hoopla, somehow she kept forgetting it. “So, where’s Rand?”

“He went back to the hotel. I think this was a lot for him. But he’s surprised me with Lily, to be honest. I kind of figured that, since he’d known this whole time she was his daughter, he must not have minded to stay on the sidelines. But we talked about it this week. Did you know Bea used to send him pictures and updates?”

“Really?”

“Every few months, apparently.”

“Huh. This was so much bigger than us.”

“This was always so much bigger than us, Jonesey.”

“And what about my mom and Rand?”

“They talked for a while, but I don’t know more than that. I asked my dad if he still loves her.”

“You did?”

“He acted like I’d asked him the dumbest question in the world. He said, Son, I loved her a lot. More than I ever loved anyone, I suppose. But sometimes I wonder if I’m just not that good at loving.”

“Well…I can see that.” Joey drank her water but only got a drip before the glass emptied.

“Late-stage self-awareness.”

Joey smiled. “I do wonder if they’ll go back to their old ways. Because how good is my mother at loving either? Maybe everyone should just be with who they want.”

“Let the chips fall where they may?”

“There’s no one left to hurt. They’ve already done it all. So maybe now they get to be happy. Their version of it.”

“That’s generous, Jonesey.”

“I’m just over my life hinging on their lives. I’m so over that.”

“Amen.” Leo rubbed his scruffy chin.

She wanted to tell him that she liked his adult scruff. And more than that—she liked the adult he’d become. But that seemed like a thing she wasn’t allowed to say.

“You seem happy, Jonesey.”

“Well…I am.”

“That makes me happy.” Leo kissed her cheek, and his scruff tickled her chin. “I’m gonna head out. Good luck tomorrow. I’ll see you down the aisle.”

Joey felt his imprint on her cheek. “Don’t let the groom overhear you. He’ll think you’re making inroads.”

“Oh, Jonesey.” Leo gave her a sheepish smile. “You don’t have to worry about that. You set me straight. Friends, right?”

She smiled faintly. “Friends.”

“Get some sleep, huh?” he said.