Chapter 237
Mia’s POV
I held my sons close, their small bodies against mine as other parents began to disperse, the drama officially over.
“Mama, are you okay?” Ethan asked softly, his small hand patting my cheek.
“I’m fine, sweetheart,” I lied, forcing a smile. “Just making sure you two are okay p>
“We’re okay,” Alexander said firmly. “But that girl was mean, and her mom was meaner p>
“Sometimes people have bad days,” I said diplomatically.
“There you are p>
Thomas’s voice came from behind me. I turned to see him approaching with two glasses of champagne and an apologetic smile.
“Sorry I disappeared,” he said, handing me one of the glasses. “I ran into an old friend and got caught up in conversation. Everything is okay p>
I took a sip of champagne, using the moment to compose myself. “Just a little playground drama. Nothing serious p>
Thomas studied my face with those perceptive brown eyes. “You sure? You look upset p>
“Really, it’s fine,” I insisted. “Just some kid drama that got blown out of proportion p>
Alexander tugged on Thomas’s jacket. “Thomas, this mean girl said we pushed her, but we didn’t! And her mom was really mean to Mama p>
“Her mom called Mama a bad supervisor,” Ethan added, his little face scrunched with indignation.
Thomas’s expression darkened. “Someone insulted you p>
“It’s handled,” I said quickly, not wanting to make a bigger deal out of it than it already was. “Let’s just forget about it and enjoy the rest of the wedding p>
I could see Thomas wasn’t going to let it go that easily. But the twins, already recovered from their ordeal, spotted the dessert table being wheeled out and immediately forgot all about mean girls and their meaner mothers.
“Cake!” they shouted in unison.
“Inside voices,” I reminded them automatically, but I was smiling. Their resilience never ceased to amaze me.
“Can we get cake now?” Alexander asked.
I checked my watch. It was getting late, and we’d already been here for hours. But it was a special occasion, and they’d been surprisingly well-behaved considering.
“One piece each,” I said. “And then we should probably think about heading home soon p>
Chauth 20 cricu thomas
They raced off toward the dessert table, weaving between other guests with the single-minded determination of children on a sugar mission.
The band struck up another song, and other guests began filtering back toward the dance floor. The reception was winding down, but there was still plenty of celebrating left to do.
“Dance with me again?” Thomas asked, offering his hand.
I was about to accept when I heard a high-pitched squeal of delight from across the terrace.
“Uncle Thomas p>
I turned to see a small figure racing toward us at full speed. It’s the same little girl who had accused my twins of pushing her less than thirty minutes ago. Madison Whitmore launched herself at Thomas with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for Christmas morning, wrapping her arms around his legs in a fierce hug.
“Madison!” Thomas laughed, crouching down to hug her properly. “What are you doing here, sweetheart p>
“Mommy brought me to the pretty party!” she exclaimed, her tears from earlier completely forgotten. “I wore my best dress and everything p>
My stomach dropped. Thomas knew this child. Knew her well enough that she called him Uncle Thomas.
“You look beautiful,” Thomas told her, smoothing down her blonde curls. “Are you having fun p>
“Uh-huh! I played tag with some kids, but they were mean to me,” she said, shooting a sideways glance in my direction. The little manipulator knew exactly what she was doing.
“Thomas p>
The voice that spoke his name was smooth, cultured, and unmistakably hostile. Victoria Whitmore approached us with the fluid grace of a predator, her designer dress clinging to her perfect figure, her smile aimed directly at
Thomas.
“Victoria,” Thomas said, standing up but keeping one hand on Madison’s shoulder. “I didn’t know you’d be here tonight p>
“Leila’s my friend,” she explained, though her eyes never left Thomas’s face. “I wouldn’t miss her wedding p>
There was an intimacy in the way she said his name.
“How wonderful,” I said with forced brightness. “What a coincidence p>
Victoria’s attention shifted to me, and her smile turned razor-sharp. “Yes. What a coincidence indeed p>
“Thomas, darling,” she continued, reaching out to adjust his tie with casual familiarity, “you look absolutely handsome tonight. That suit is perfect on you p>
Her fingers lingered on his chest longer than necessary, and I watched Thomas’s face for his reaction. He looked uncomfortable but didn’t immediately step away from her touch.
“Thank you,” he said politely. “You look lovely as well p>
“Mia, isn’t it?” Victoria turned to me with that same cold smile. “I don’t believe Thomas has mentioned you
Chapte 20uncle Tharas before p>
The implication was clear.
Thomas said quickly, “Mia is my girlfriend. I believe I’ve mentioned her many times p>
The word ‘girlfriend’ hung in the air between us.