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“Oh, definitely. And I want Monty to wear a ringleader outfit.”
His mom giggles. Giggles, like a schoolgirl. “Oh, he would hate that so much. I can’t wait to see him in the top hat and tails!”
“Right? He’ll be so grumpy and adorable. And I’ll be wearing a red and white dress, sort of like…the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland.”
“Oh, that’s my favorite book ever!” she exclaims.
“You’re kidding.”
“She’s not,” Monty mutters from behind us, having heard our discussion.
“Well, isn’t that great.”
“I wonder if we could get a real lion. Safely, of course,” his mom says and I glance back at Monty.
“No, Mom. We don’t need a lion at our beach wedding.”
“A lion would make it more realistic,” I remark and send him a look that reminds him he’s supposed to go along with all my crazy.
“If you have a lion, then you may as well get a bear too,” Monty deadpans.
“Oh, wouldn’t that be something!” his mom exclaims.
“It would be something, all right,” my boss huffs.
“I think Monty would prefer just a small ceremony on the beach or a gazebo with a handful of people,” I tell his mother.
“Of course that’s what he would want. But this is your day, dear. And if you want a circus, then we’re going to give you a circus.”
“You’re being too sweet and accommodating,” I tell her. Lowering my voice, I say, “I thought mothers-in-law were supposed to automatically hate the women their sons marry.”
She laughs and pats my arm. “How could I ever hate any woman my son loves?” she asks. Then, “You know, your voice sounds so familiar.”
“Really? I guess I just have one of those voices that sticks with you,” I say with a smile. “Should we go grab some lunch?”
“Absolutely. I’m starving,” his mom agrees. “Every meal we can try entrees for the wedding reception.”
“That sounds great.”
“Do you have any food allergies, hon?” she asks me.
It’s such a simple question, but for some reason, it makes my throat swell and my eyes tear up.
Nobody’s ever asked me that before.
I shake my head while blinking back the moisture behind my sunglasses. “No allergies. Thanks for asking, though. And I know that Monty is allergic to coconut, so we’ll have to steer clear of those cakes later.”
“I’m so glad he has someone as sweet as you looking out for him,” his mom says. “Now, have you thought about how many bridesmaids and groomsmen?”
“Well, his brothers, sister, and Wyatt of course.”
“Of course.”
“And I have a best friend and a roommate who can probably make it, so I think three would be plenty.”
“Perfect.”
“What about your brother?” Monty asks.
