“Think it went well?” I roll my lip through my teeth, the jitters creeping back in.
“Baby, you brought her to tears and that rarely occurs. She knows what is happening between us is serious. First look, and her mind is probably filled with little girls in flower braids running around her yard.”
My knees go weak and I press my weight to him. “Stop. We have to get through breakfast without me crying.”
He takes my hand and we enter the kitchen to find Annie already wrist-deep in a mixing bowl. “Poppy, do you know where the cookie sheets are?”
“I believe so.”
“Grab a few, scoot over here, and learn how it’s done. Evin, make yourself useful and set the table. Least you could do while us women work.”
The no-nonsense and bossy Annie that I’ve been warned about makes her appearance.
“I voted to go out to eat. Less mess, stress, and quick,” he argues.
“Of course, you were worried about quick. You’d do anything to keep Poppy from me.” Her eyes cut to me next. “Take note, if you ever have children, teach them respect early. Apparently, I missed the boat.”
At this, I laugh openly, squeezing Evin’s hand and getting the pans to join her. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but cooking with Annie is an experience all on its own. By the time we serve the plates, my cheeks are sore from smiling. As we eat, the conversation jumps around, eventually moving to my life in Vegas.
Annie hangs on my every word as I explain my background and lead up to my audition and offer from Cirque.
“Are your workshops part of your training?” Edward asks.
“No, I do those outside of my weekly training. They aren’t like work at all.”
Evin drapes his arm around my shoulder. “Those people adore her.”
“Lynda, Jill, and I have already discussed it. If you have one of those while we visit, we’re joining. Show those young folks how it’s done.” Annie rolls her full upper body, shimmying in her chair.
“Jesus, help us all.” Evin sighs.
“Hopefully, it will be one of those hip-hop classes with Dante.”
I giggle, knowing that Darby showed everyone the video on Evin’s phone.
“When you get your dates, I’ll see what I can do.”
“How long are you able to perform?”
I read through Edward’s question, knowing he’s digging for more than my career timeline. “There’s not an age limit if that’s what you mean. Contracts renew yearly. I’m up through next May at least. Then we’ll see.”
“Baby, they’d be losing a tremendous asset not to renew.” Evin kisses my temple.
“Have you thought about what happens after you leave the stage?” Annie presses.
I nod, glancing at Evin then back to them. “I don’t think I’ll ever leave the stage. Dante and I are opening a dance studio when we are no longer with Cirque. I minored in Kinesiology and hope to do strength and conditioning as well. We’ve been talking about it for years and have saved for when we’re ready.”
“In Vegas?”
“Not necessarily.” I leave it open because it seems too transparent to tell her I’ll most likely move to Charleston with my husband.
“Your family must be proud.”
Evin’s body goes solid, and his hand clasps my shoulder. “Mom,” his warning is brusque.
“What? Your dad and I are proud of you and Darby for your success. Poppy’s parents must feel the same.”
“It’s okay, sweetie.” I lean into his side, looking between my unsuspecting in-laws.
“I cut all ties with my family when I was twenty-one. We haven’t spoken since. They do not know my life.”
Their faces fill with shock and Evin grumbles under his breath.
“Cut ties? They haven’t tried to contact you? Find you?” Annie’s voice is low and laced with disbelief.
“They haven’t contacted me. If they tried to find me, they probably did. I’m not a ghost. But they wanted me to be someone I wasn’t. They had a choice to accept me, stand by me, and support me. It didn’t fit their agenda. I walked away and never regretted it.”
“How did they let you go?” Annie whispers, her face now pale.
“Mom, that’s enough,” Evin snarls, and I grab his hand to calm him.
“Ryanne, Dante, and my team at Cirque became my family.”
“You have a new member of that team.” Evin slides his chair back and raises me straight to his lap.
“You have a lot of new members to that team,” Edward affirms gruffly, reaching for Annie’s hand. “We look forward to meeting your family while in Vegas.”
She looks to him, clearly wanting more answers, but agrees with a smile. “Beauty, brains, talent, manners, and she can cook. I think that adds up nicely.”
Emotions clog my throat, and I swallow, trying to stop the stinging in my eyes. A sliver of guilt hits me hard.
“Poppy tends to cry when she’s happy. I love her happy but hate her tears. Can we change topics?”
“Yep.” Edward digs out another serving of my casserole. “I’m thinking about this trip to Vegas. Not a show man, but seeing that video, things have changed. You think you’ll give this old man a dance at the wedding?”
My emotions dry up and I flash him a smile. “You’re on.”
Chapter 17
Evin
“Told you she was a flawless flower child,” Scottie gloats. “You can thank me anytime.”
I grin into my glass and keep my eyes on my wife, who’s dancing with Devin in her arms and Cole spinning around.
“Thank you.”
“You’d be stupid not to go the distance.”
I don’t know if it’s the wedding vibe surrounding us, but I’m in a telling mood. “Who says I haven’t already?”
Scottie gasps and Billie clinks his glass to mine. “Nice. Knew you were wicked smart with numbers, but glad you have some common sense, too.”
“I-I-I… you… did you… are you saying?” Scottie stammers, his eyes wide and volleying to the dance floor and back.
“Poppy and I married last week,” I confirm, a rush of pride racing in my veins.
“Oh my God!” He bounces dramatically, fanning his face.
“Calm your ass down before you cause a scene. We haven’t told anyone yet.”
“Why not?” he gapes.
“Because Poppy is selfless and thoughtful. She wanted this weekend to be solely about Stephanie and Todd. We’re telling the family tomorrow night.”
“She lied to me! That ring!”
“She didn’t lie. It is an heirloom she inherited from her grandmother. It’s also the ring I slipped on her finger, knowing the woman she loved more than anything intended for it to be there forever.”
“I can’t believe this. You eloped?”
“Yeah, and I’d appreciate it if you could refrain from announcing it in the middle of this reception.”
“This is huge. Annie and Darby are going to be beside themselves. We have to plan a party.”
“Why don’t you enjoy this one that you already planned. Once we tell Mom, she’ll be calling you.”