Free Infinite by Angela Graham Page B

returned was heart-wrenching, and her eyes were distant. “I’m sure you’re missing your grandparents more than ever today, but they’re here in spirit. And they’d love your new family as much as I do.”
    “I do wish they were here, but that’s life,” was all I said, a silent tear falling down my face.
    “Logan called me a few days ago and asked for information on your father. Not sure what he’s planning to do with it, but I’ll support you if you want to find him. I never wanted you to grow up without a man in your life. I’m sorry how things worked out, and I know he’d be proud of you too.”
    My crooked smile was bittersweet, my throat clenching as I searched for the right words that desperately needed to be spoken. “Logan already found him.”
    Her stunned expression spoke volumes of the pain she held for the man she’d let go of so many years ago—the man she rarely spoke of to me.
    “I see.” She released my hand, nervously entwining both her own over and over again in her lap, unable to look at me as she continued. “Figured it wouldn’t take him long.”
    Finally, her eyes drifted up to meet mine. They looked watery and lost. “So, did you speak with him—your dad?”
    I shook my head, more tears falling over my cheeks. “No. Didn’t need to.”
    “You deserve a chance at closure. To hear his side…maybe start rebuilding a relationship there.”
    My head shook in disagreement. “No. He has his own family now, and I have mine, including you. There’s nothing there I’m interested in. You’ve always been my mother and my father, and never once did you let me down. And that’s why I want it to be you who walks me down the aisle and gives me to the only man I’ll ever truly depend on.”
    With no words needed, my mother hugged me close before Hilary raced in, ending the moment. Honestly, it was for the best—my makeup may have been considered waterproof, but I was seriously pushing the limits with all the crying.
    “We need you for pics or they’re not happening until after, and as much as I want to stick around for those and the reception, I…” She bit her lip, stopping herself short.
    “I know you have a baby to get back to.”
    “I’m a bitch. Sorry.” Her shoulders sank with the obvious weight of guilt.
    My mother gave a short laugh, already slipping past Hilary and out the door.
    “No, you’re a new mom who just left her son for the first time. I get it, and I love how devoted you are.”
    Hilary gave me a hug and left the room. I grabbed my bouquet and stopped in front of the full-length mirror one last time, first to confirm that my mascara was exactly where it should be and not running down my cheeks. And secondly, to take in the present image of myself, all grown up and ready for the next step in the direction of the rest of my life.

    I was grateful my mom had such a level head and steadying grip, because that was the only way I made it down the aisle.
    In a daze, I’d have sworn I floated to the man waiting under the flowered arch. With his dark hair perfectly styled, fitted black tux, strong shaven jaw, and adoring smile, Logan stole my breath and every last one of my rational thoughts.
    “You’re beautiful,” he mouthed, and my pulse skittered. It was all too absolutely fantastic to be true. It had to be a dream—one from which I never wanted to wake. But deep down, I knew it was real. I was actually about to marry the gorgeous man gazing at me as if I were the only woman on Earth.
    “Cass, flowers,” Hilary mumbled under her breath, breaking my trance. “Hand me your flowers,” she repeated when I stared at her dumbly.
    I had no idea what happened between that and the moment the minister asked Logan to repeat after him. My soon-to-be husband stared deeply into my eyes as he vowed to hold, honor, and love me for the rest of his life. And as I did the same, I caught the slightest tear creep up in the corner of his eye. It never fell, but knowing it was