20 years of marriage to a trial lawyer had taught me to recognize that tone.
Theo’s smile never wavered.
“The kind that matters most.”
“Your mother and I were quite serious once upon a time before she met your father.”
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.”
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