Chapter 28

I leaned back into my chair. Why not throw a little liquid nitrogen on these open wounds? “Mom, Dad, I have something to tell you.”

Needless to say, the announcement of my engagement didn’t go very well. Mom went through two boxes of Kleenex and Dad emptied the bar. I helped him a little. But it was done. Out of the way. They may even come.

By the door, Mom traced her finger along my chin. “I don’t understand you, Derek. You’re so handsome. Smart, too. You could have any woman you want. You could give us grandchildren.”

Oh no, Mother, I thought, this disastrous gene pool stopped right here.

“I love you, honey.”

“I love you, too, Mom.”

“Yes?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

As I walked past our church yesterday, the whiskey still affecting my thoughts, I stopped and stared at the bells. Soon they’d be ringing for Nathan and me.

A memory of Nick’s eyes haunted me the whole way home.

Where was he now? What life did he lead?

* * * *

Nathan hired a wedding planner.