one else existed for them. Jackson had his arm around Becks, holding her close, his love for her obvious.
If she ever fell in love again, that’s what she wanted. She realized now she’d never had that with Landon. Even at her wedding reception he’d been in a corner with his best buddies getting drunk and laughing while she’d mostly entertained their guests.
Of course they’d been so young. But was that really an excuse? She’d long ago had to face that they’d never really shared the kind of love she’d witnessed today. Landon had been her escape, and he’d just wanted a partner—maybe even a mother figure, and he’d targeted her because she’d been mature enough to deal with all his bullshit.
Which hadn’t been romance. Or a marriage. Or anything even close to love.
She inhaled, then blew out a breath, determined to eliminate those memories. Tonight wasn’t the night for it. Not when so much love and happiness surrounded her.
Kal came back with her glass of wine.
“I ran into Rafe at the bar. He told me they’re going to cut the cake next. You like wedding cake?”
She tipped her head back to meet his gaze. “I’m fine with cake. But I know how much you like it.”
“It’ll be the high point of the night for me.”
She fought back a laugh. Kal always did have a thing for sweet stuff.
He took a seat, then draped his arm over the back of her chair. “Are you having a good time?”
“Yes. It’s a lovely wedding.”
Just then, Kal’s parents came over, so Hannah stood while Mrs. Donovan pulled her into a hug, then held on to her hands.
“Hannah McKenzie? It’s so good to see you again.”
“You, too, Mrs. Donovan.”
Mrs. Donovan looked over at Kal. “You didn’t tell me you were dating Hannah again.”
Kal scratched the side of his nose. “You’ve been busy with wedding things, and we haven’t had a chance to talk. There’s a lot to catch up on.”
His mom sent him a look. “Apparently, there is.” She turned her attention back to Hannah. “I heard you were in Georgia.”
“I moved back not too long ago.”
“Well, we’re glad you’re here. And I’m very happy to see you.”
Kal’s mom had always been great to her. Warm and welcoming and made Hannah feel like family. “Thank you. And congratulations on Rafe’s marriage.”
“Thank you.”
Mr. Donovan gave her a hug, too. “Been a long time. How are you?”
“I’m good, thanks, Mr. Donovan.”
“We’re really glad you came tonight,” Mr. Donovan said.
Kal’s mother took her hand. “And you’re an adult now. You can call us Laurel and Josh.”
“Okay . . . Laurel.” Hannah smiled shyly at the unfamiliarity.
“Kal, go get me a wine spritzer,” Laurel said, taking his seat, “while I catch up with Hannah.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Kal and his dad walked away, and Hannah and Laurel sat.
“So your mom told me you got a divorce. I’m sorry.”
“Thanks. But it was the best decision for me and for my son.”
Laurel smiled and patted her hand. “Sometimes it is. And you have a little boy. Tell me about him.”
“Oliver is seven. He’s smart and full of energy and just the sweetest little boy ever.”
“I’d love to meet him sometime. You’ll have to bring him by the house. Oh, we bought a new house last year. I don’t know if Kal mentioned that. Does Oliver like to swim? I have a pool now.”
Hannah smiled. “Kal told me about your new place. How exciting for you. I would love to see it. And Oliver loves to swim.”
“Then you have to come over. Have Kal make arrangements when you’re both off.”
“Thank you for inviting us. That’s so sweet of you.”
“We’ll have more time to catch up on our lives then.”
“I can’t wait.”
Kal came back with his mom’s drink. “Carmen said to tell you that they’re cutting the cake now, Mom.”
“Okay.” She bent over and kissed Hannah’s cheek, then squeezed her hand. “So good to see you again.”
“You, too.”
After she walked away, Kal slid back in the chair. “Sorry about that.”
“Don’t be. I like your mom.”
“Yeah, the drawback to bringing you to a family wedding is . . . the family.”
She laughed. “Stop. I’ve always loved your family. Your parents are wonderful, and your brothers are great.”
“Yeah, they really are.”
She appreciated that he didn’t complain about his family, that he truly loved them all.
Rafe and Carmen cut the cake and they watched as the photographer took photos of them feeding each other a bite. Hannah tensed, waiting to see if Rafe would smash the cake into Carmen’s