Clara pauses, thinking, before she shrugs. "He had moments where things were okay, but they never seemed a fit, you know? The pregnancy gave them the illusion of closeness. Gave them a reason to make it official, I guess. But, she… she's so calculating and cold. I could never imagine them together forever. And then the baby died, and she showed her true colors."
"I know what you mean. The few times I've met her she's been… a bitch."
Clara laughs. "I was trying to be delicate, but yes, you've nailed it on the head. She's a world-class bitch. I'm glad she'll never be my sister-in-law."
She gives me a look that says she hopes I will be, and I don't know what I'm feeling.
Instead I change the subject. "This house, these grounds, they are impressive. Sebastian never mentioned what your father did for a living."
"He teaches sixth grade English at the local high school," she says.
I stare at her. "Seriously?"
She nods.
"But… " I don't know how to ask my next question without sounding shallow.
"How do we afford all this?"
I give a nod. Exactly. How?
"I'm surprised Sebastian didn't tell you. This isn't from my dad. Our mom is a dot-com billionaire."
Suddenly everything is cast in a different light. And I realize how incredibly sexist my assumption was. "Your mom? I'm sorry, I must sound like a complete ass."
"Don't worry; it's a common misconception."
"Did she do all this before having kids?" There are so many more questions buried in that one seemingly innocuous question.
"Nope. They started out lower middle class, and she did programming while we were little. I'd just been born when her big success happened."
"That's… incredible. She truly managed to have it all."
Clara nods. "That's what I love most about her. That she didn't sacrifice her dreams and goals to have us, and she didn't sacrifice us to accomplish her dreams."
***
When we arrive back at the main house, Mr. and Mrs. Donovan are sitting in the living room having a drink with Sebastian. He stands when he sees us come in, and once again takes a moment to brush my lips with his. Clara is nearly beside herself with glee at our public display.
He takes my hand and turns to his parents. "Mom, Dad, this is Kacie Michaels. Kacie, this is Sylvia and Robert Donovan. The people who made me." He grins like a fool, and I love him for it.
I let go of his hand to shake theirs. "It's nice to meet you both. Thank you for having me this weekend. Your house is absolutely lovely."
Sylvia wears a classy beige suit. Robert is dressed more casually in khakis and a polo shirt. They are a handsome couple, both dark haired and clear skinned. Sebastian gets his blue eyes from his mother. Robert shares Clara's hazel.
"We're so glad you could come, Kacie," says Sylvia.
Robert offers me a glass of wine, and I accept and sit next to Sebastian across from his parents.
"Sebastian was just telling us about the business you own, planning bachelor parties," Robert says.
I'm never embarrassed by what I do, but sitting there with this family, all of whom have accomplished so much, I wonder if they'll think I'm good enough for their son. "My twin and I co-own it," I clarify.
Robert nods. "What made you decide on that path?"
"We always knew we wanted to have our own company and work for ourselves. It's why we went to business school after graduation. We didn't expect this exact business, but when one of our friends in college got married, he asked us to plan his party, and we got creative. We discovered not only a talent for it, but also a passion for it as well. That's when our idea for Hitched started to solidify."
Sylvia smiles. "That's wonderful. I applaud anyone who pursues their passion and follows their heart."
"I agree," Robert says. "An entrepreneurial spirit is important for success in this world, but only if you love what you do."
Their attitude is so refreshing I almost cry tears of relief. I expected judgment, criticism, or at least silent condemnation, and instead I've been received with smiles and open arms. I can see why Sebastian loves his family so much.
I'm starting to love them too.
***
The wedding isn't until Sunday with the rehearsal dinner on Saturday night. So when we wake the next morning, I'm excited to spend the day with Sebastian and his family before everyone arrives tonight for the festivities.
Robert is making breakfast for everyone when we go downstairs. I'm dressed casually, per Sebastian's request. Jeans and a t-shirt it is until it's time to dress up for the dinner tonight.
I'm surprised to see his dad cooking, though. "You don't have someone who handles the cooking?" I ask Sebastian before we reach earshot of his dad.
"We do, but my dad likes cooking, so he usually does the breakfasts and weekend meals."
I'm more and more impressed with his family.
We sit at the bar in the spacious kitchen as Robert hands us each a plate and serves up omelets. "I hope you like eggs," he says.
"I do!" With the first bite I know where Sebastian learned to cook.
Robert joins us, and I ask about Clara and Sylvia.