The Engagement Arrangement (Boots and Bouquets #2) - Jaci Burton Page 0,84
man himself that did it for her, not the clothes he wore.
Dinner was served next, and it was a delicious feast of steak and lobster along with a creamy potato mash and a wonderful mix of fresh vegetables.
And, of course, the wine was spectacular.
“I could have eaten that meal twice,” Finn said, laying his fork and knife on the plate.
“You do like your food.”
“Pretty much all food. But great food? That’s the best.”
“Maybe you should consider becoming a chef in your spare time.”
He laughed. “I’ll add that to my to-do list. Along with climbing Mt. Everest, skydiving and becoming a neurosurgeon.”
“Oh, that’s quite the list.”
“What’s on yours?”
“Actress, singer, photojournalist, prima ballerina and queen of England.”
He nodded. “Ambitious. I like that about you. Don’t let anything stop you from achieving your dreams.”
She loved that he supported her dreams, even the ridiculously unattainable ones.
She left the table to go to the restroom, fix her lip gloss and mess with her hair.
“Stop, you’re already gorgeous.”
She turned to smile at her mother. “And so are you.”
“That burgundy dress does amazing things for you.”
“Thanks, Mom. And you look beautiful tonight.”
Mom sighed and glanced into the mirror to apply lipstick, then stopped, a wistful look on her face. “I can’t believe Erin is married.”
All three of them were close to their mother. Brenna knew this was both a celebratory and difficult night for her. She walked over and put her arm around her mom. “You raised us all well, taught us everything you know. Erin’s going to be fine.”
“Oh, I know she will. Jason’s a wonderful man. But it seems like it was just yesterday the three of you were getting dirty together out in the vineyard. And now, Erin’s a married woman. Time moves too quickly for me these days.”
She caught the telltale tears glistening in her mother’s eyes and pulled her in for a hug. “You know she’s not leaving you.”
“Of course not,” her mother said, sniffling. “It’s just a big day. I’m allowed to be emotional.”
“Yes, you are.”
Mom took her hand. “Come on. I think we’ll be dancing soon, and we don’t want to miss that.”
“No, we definitely do not.”
Ending on a positive note, her mom spun her around like she used to do. Brenna felt that little tug of nostalgia from dancing with her mom like she did when she was little.
Nothing like doing a little dance and twirl with your mama in the ladies’ room. Brenna laughed and slipped her arm into her mother’s, and they strolled back out to the reception.
“Okay, what did I miss?” Erin asked as she caught up with them.
“Mom’s all teary-eyed because one of her babies got hitched tonight.”
“I was not teary. Okay, maybe a little.”
“Aww, Mom.” Erin threw her arms around her mother. “Don’t cry. It’s a happy day.”
“Why are we crying?” Honor asked as she came over.
“Mom’s crying over Erin being all married up.”
“Oh, that’s sweet.” Honor put her arms around Erin and Mom. Since Brenna didn’t want to be left out, she joined the hug fest.
“Okay, now we’re all starting to look ridiculous,” Mom said, pulling away. “I love all of you. And I’m fine. It’s my prerogative as your mother to cry on your wedding day. All of your wedding days. Might as well expect it.”
Honor looked at Brenna. “I’m not getting married.”
“Neither am I.”
Mom shook her head. “Not today you aren’t. But eventually you’ll find the man who makes you swoon like Jason did for Erin.”
Erin lifted her chin. “I never swooned.”
Jason came over and slipped his arm around Erin’s waist. “I seem to recall some swooning.”
“You lie.”
“Come on,” he said. “We’re supposed to dance. Then we’ll see who swoons and who doesn’t.”
Erin waved her fingers at them as Jason led her to the dance floor while the deejay announced the bride and groom’s first dance. They all followed to watch. Brenna smiled as Elvis sang “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” They used to watch their parents dance to that song all the time. And then they’d all join in, dancing with each other, with Mom, with Dad. Hearing that song was the sweetest memory. Brenna could understand why Erin chose that song for her first dance with Jason. It was all about love.
She heard the sniffle next to her and reached out for her Mom’s hand.
“It’s lovely.” Mom lifted a tissue to her eyes.
After that, the bridal party had to dance along with the bride and groom. Finn took her hand.