“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.”
“And this is how you honor her at your wedding.”
The words I’d long to hear someone say hung in the air between us.
Validation finally from someone who mattered.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Viven snapped, her composure finally cracking completely.
“You don’t know anything about our family dynamics.”
Theo’s laugh was cold.
“I know enough.”
“I know that Eleanor was seated in the back row like an afterthought.”
“I know that your society friends have been whispering about her all afternoon while you did nothing to defend her.”
“And I know that neither of you bothered to ask if she needed anything or anyone today.”
“She had an escort,” Brandon protested weakly.
“We assumed she was bringing someone.”
“You assumed wrong,” I said quietly.
“But then, you haven’t asked me much of anything lately, have you, Brandon?”
The hurt in my voice must have gotten through to him because for the first time all day, my son really looked at me.
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