“You’re gorgeous!” Dane announced.
“The reviews aren’t in from Mom yet.” She took a sip of Tucker’s whiskey and soda.
“Let me get you a proper drink.” He kissed her cheek and headed off before she had a chance to say no or object to the casual affection.
When he headed back from the bar, screwdriver in hand, he spotted her approaching her parents’ table. He timed it just right and met her there. No way, he’d let her face them alone.
“Here you go. One drink for the hard working bridesmaid.” He put his arm around her waist in a possessive signal.
She blushed slightly but recovered. “Thanks. Mom, Dad, you remember Tucker Gallen.
He just got a big promotion at the factory.”
“Good for you.” The mayor nodded and shook his hand briefly.
“You clean up very nice. I didn’t realize you had a date, Angela. That groomsman isn’t available?” her mother asked.
Tucker smiled and stood his ground.
“Mom, he’s gay and involved. Tucker and I have been seeing each other for a little while.” She took a sip of her drink.
Tucker gave her a squeeze. “You looked amazing. Can’t wait to get you on the dance floor.”
Angie’s mom frowned. “Well, the dress is flattering. Just a shame you’re the biggest one up there.”
Tucker cleared his throat. “I think she looked the best up there. She did get your genes, but women pay money for a figure like hers.”
“Tucker.” Angie put her hand on his chest. “Let’s make the rounds. We don’t want to be rude.”
He let her drag him away. The shocked expressions of the mayor and his wife were satisfaction enough. “They’re terrible to you.”
“No, my mother just doesn’t want me to let myself go like she did. After two kids, she blew up. She had weight loss surgery, and it didn’t really work. She can’t seem to lose and blames being pregnant.” Angie sat and gulped down half her drink.
“What happened?” Landon asked.
“Nothing important. We just need to keep Angie from believing anything her parents say.” Tucker kissed her cheek.
“Will you stop? I appreciate you being my date so I’m not alone and a loser, but upsetting my parents isn’t exactly what I had in mind.” Angie rolled her eyes.
“They were out of line. When you get pregnant, we’ll make sure you keep exercising and afterward, step up the toning. If your mother let her size get out of hand, she shouldn’t blame her kids.” Tucker avoided another drink of his whiskey or he’d really tell her parents what he thought.
Angie stood and scowled at him. “When I get pregnant? What the hell are you talking about? You just jump from kink to kids after a few weeks?”
Tucker backpedaled in his brain. He’d moved things too fast. “Sorry, that was a big assumption. But you know how we feel about you. Cassie made a complicated commitment.
Why can’t you?”
“You better not!” She held up a finger.
He stepped into her space and hugged her. “I’m not proposing here. However, I’m warning you it’s coming. Don’t move out. Give this a chance. We don’t want to lose you. And I can handle your parents.”
“You don’t have a clue how crazy it’ll get if they think we’re really serious.” Angie rested her chin on his shoulder.
“You’re the one who told them about my promotion. You’re setting them up and making me look good.” He pulled back and kissed her. “Don’t let people who make you miserable rule your life. They’ll pick out a guy who makes you miserable and want him for a son-in-law to keep you down.”
“Tucker’s bossy, but he adores you.” Dane leaned on Landon. “We all do, but he’ll get public and parental duty. We owe him so much.”
“It can work, Angie.” Landon grabbed Dane’s hand and dragged him toward the bar.
* * * *
Angie headed back to the head table as they announced the bridal party dances. She helped Cassie straighten her veil and touch up her lipstick. It felt normal and easy.
“You okay?” Cassie asked.
Waving it off, Angie nodded. “Fine. Parents like mine aren’t easy to please. And it’s complicated. Tucker wants me to stay.”
“You want to leave their place? Move them in with you.” Cassie shrugged a bare shoulder.
Angie knew no one looked better than the bride in her strapless number. Still Ang felt sexy and confident in her curve-hugging dress. “I don’t want to leave, but it’s so fast and so much at once.”
“Men are like that, at least the good ones. When they find the right one, they act fast.