A Merry Vested Wedding - Melanie Moreland Page 0,42

affair. There was so much food. Platters of turkey and ham. My mom’s garlic mashed potatoes plus a huge dish of roasted ones. Liv’s curried cheese vegetables—the yams, carrots, and cauliflower tasty with a bite of curry and the rich sauce. Massive containers of stuffing. Platters of warm buns. Vast boats of gravy my wife had made.

Dishes of homemade cranberry sauce, festive in color. An area filled with nothing but cookies and tarts, pies, and sweets. A feast made with love by all the women in our lives, including my wife. I grinned, thinking about how much I loved calling Addi my wife.

Tables were set up like a U, and there was a lot of shouting and passing of platters. It always shocked me that no matter how much food was prepared, it disappeared. The Callaghan boys, their father included, were frightening when it came to meals. I noticed Jaxson was fascinated, watching them devour plate after plate of food. He informed the mothers he had never seen a feast such as this or tasted food so delicious. There was no doubt all the women found him charming, Addi included, except for the one he wanted to charm the most.

The food vanished, the wine flowed freely, lulling us all into a sated, quiet mood. The dishes were loaded into the two dishwashers, and everyone drifted to their favorite spot for some downtime. A lot of bodies were napping. Some reading. Some simply relaxing. Richard sat across from Gracie, scrolling through his phone, showing her amusing pictures at times. She had finally relaxed, the wine she had been sipping catching up to her. I felt relief at the fact that the day was almost over and Gracie’s bombshell remained a secret. She could figure it out with Jaxson and move on. I knew she would tell her parents once it was done, although I was sure some of the details would be glossed over. She would make it sound like an amusing incident, and she would close this chapter.

I was an idiot to think so.

It happened so innocently. So quickly. Jaxson stood, announcing that he was going to leave. There was a chorus of objections he waved aside, insisting he would drive slowly and the vehicle he had rented had four-wheel drive and snow tires. He assured everyone he had only drunk one glass of wine and was fine. He stated he had work to do and had to return home. He kissed all the mothers and Nan, shook the hands of the dads and Pops, his gratitude sincere and honest.

He headed in our direction, obviously planning on saying goodnight to Richard and the rest of us. Gracie set aside her wineglass, watching him come closer with mounting anxiety. Richard glanced her way with a frown, as if noticing her reaction to Jaxson. He narrowed his eyes, suddenly watchful.

One moment, Jaxson was striding toward us, and the next moment, he stumbled over the edge of a throw rug. He righted himself quickly, but his cardigan caught on the edge of a table, pulling at his pocket. The ring he had slid inside earlier flew out, soaring through the air and hitting the floor with a metallic thud that seemed to echo. It rolled on the wood floor, landing in front of none other than Gracie. The heavy platinum band spun like a top, the diamonds catching the light, the last few circles reminding me of a lazy drunk wobbling side to side, before it stopped. Jaxson hurried forward, but Richard bent, picking up the ring and studying it.

“Pretty ring.” He narrowed his eyes. “Why is it in your pocket?”

“I forgot it was there.” Jaxson held out his hand. “If I may have it back, please.”

Richard held out the ring, then pulled back, squinting as he read something inside the ring. Jaxson went pale, and I shut my eyes, knowing whatever was inside the ring had just brought the secret out.

“My Saving Grace?” Richard snarled. “Why does this say ‘My Saving Grace’? Are you…” His eyes widened. “Are you having an affair with my daughter?” His voice rose. My dad jumped to his feet, heading in our direction, Aiden following. Addi and I stood, knowing what was about to happen would not be pleasant.

Richard’s gaze swung to Gracie. “What is going on?”

“This is why I don’t drink,” Gracie said, then, once again, burst into tears.

“Are you screwing with my daughter?” Richard bellowed. “You’re her boss!”

He stepped toward Jaxson, who shook his head.