I Was Seated Alone at My Son’s Wedding — Then a Stranger Said ‘Act Like You’re With Me’

Of course, the admission hung in the air like an unexloded bomb.

I watched my son process this information, saw the moment when he began to understand that his mother had a life and a past that existed entirely separate from his existence.

“How serious.”

Viven’s question came out as more of a hiss.

“Serious enough that I’ve spent 50 years regretting the circumstances that separated us,” Theo replied, his eyes finding mine.

“Serious enough that when I saw the wedding announcement and realized Elellanar would be here today, I couldn’t stay away.”

Brandon looked between us with growing alarm.

“Mother, what is he talking about?”

“You never mentioned anyone named Theodore Blackwood.”

“There are a lot of things I never mentioned, Brandon,” I said quietly.

“Apparently, I wasn’t considered important enough to merit in-depth conversation about my past.”

The barb hit its mark.

My son had the grace to look embarrassed.

“But I’m curious,” I continued, warming to the theme, “why my personal relationships are suddenly of such urgent interest to you both.”

“20 minutes ago, I was an embarrassment to be hidden in the back row.”

“Now I’m worth interrupting your reception.”

Viven’s carefully applied makeup couldn’t quite hide the flush creeping up her neck.

“That’s not what we we just want to understand who this gentleman is and why he’s here.”

“I’m here,” Theo said smoothly, “because Eleanor deserves to have someone who appreciates her remarkable qualities at her son’s wedding.”

“Someone who recognizes what an extraordinary woman she is.”

The contrast between his words and the treatment I’d received all day was stark enough to make even Brandon shift uncomfortably.

Viven, however, rallied with the ruthless determination that had probably served her well in social climbing.

“Mr. Blackwood,” she said with a smile that could have cut glass, “I’m sure you understand that this is a family celebration. Perhaps it would be more appropriate if you if I what?”

Theo’s voice remained pleasant.

But there was steel underneath now.

“If I left and allowed you to continue treating Eleanor as an inconvenience, I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

“Now see here,” Brandon began, his protective instincts finally kicking in, though I noticed they seem to be protecting his wife rather than his mother.

“No, you see here,” Theo interrupted, his facade of polite interest finally dropping.

“I’ve watched for the past hour, as both of you have systematically ignored and dismissed one of the finest women I’ve ever known.”

“Elellanar raised you, sacrificed for you, and loved you unconditionally.”