Once Nina got wind that Josh and I were doing another stint on reality television she insisted on staying, stating she wanted to help with the wedding. That night I cried myself to sleep wondering what sort of nightmare my wedding was going to turn into now that she was around. I couldn’t very well tell her no, but I didn’t wholeheartedly agree either.
Josh finally pulls me toward the couch, bringing me to his chest as we sit down. The cameras move into position to record everything we do. I want to flip them off and maybe even stick my tongue out at them, but I promised that I would be polite. Josh turns the TV on for some background noise, but it doesn’t do anything to calm me down. I miss my mom and I want her here, now.
“I should’ve gone to get her.”
“The media would’ve been all up in your face, Joey. These guys here would’ve been there, alerting the paparazzi and your mother would’ve been subjected to a shit storm.”
“Mark the time,” someone says, causing me to laugh.
“You know, you won’t be able to curse at our ceremony because it’ll be live.”
“Hmm, maybe I’ll convince Barry to have a ten second delay because you know I won’t be able to hold back once I see you walking down the aisle.”
Yes, this is why we’re going through all the painstaking rigmarole of having a wedding—to see me walk down the aisle. I get it. I see his point, but we’ve been married for months now and nothing is going to change that.
My mom and I will be meeting with the designer of my dress later today. When Josh told me what he did, calling the designer for help, I couldn’t believe it. I know he loves me, but to do that really showed how much. The dress I had bought in Alabama was something I fell in love with, but this new one will be different. Jules ruined the other one for me. It’s funny to think about everything she’s done and the dress was the only thing she could actually ruin. If anything, she made the love Josh and I share even stronger.
“She’s here,” Josh whispers into my ear, his whiskers brushing lightly against my cheek. I stir and stretch my arms.
“I fell asleep.”
“Yep you did. I think the camera crew appreciated it because they took a break. It’s not much fun watching me watch TV while you’re nestled in my arms, snoring.”
My mouth drops open. “I was not!”
“You were and it was cute.” He kisses my nose and helps me up. I run my fingers through my hair to straighten it out. Josh assures me I look decent and deep down I know I should run into the bathroom to make sure, but my front door is opening and my mother is walking in.
“Mom,” I say as my voice cracks. She drops her bags and holds her arms out for me. I don’t care if I saw her recently. I don’t care if she’s crazy and neurotic, she’s my mother and I love her. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
“Me too, sweetie.”
Once I let go of her, she’s in Josh’s arms. The cameraman moves to get a better angle and for once I’m grateful that they’re here because if his mother could see the expression on his face when he hugs my mother, maybe she’d understand that she screwed up and try to change her ways. It’s a small hope, but one I have nonetheless.
“Let’s show you around.”
I take my mom’s hand and start the tour. Right off I show her the bathroom that everyone uses and then bring her into the dining room.
“Joey, you have no walls.”
The windows are pulled back, letting the warm California sun into the home and brightening the massive space that makes up our dining and living room.
“We close them at night,” I assure her.
“And this fireplace.” Her hand trails along the brick until she walks to the other side. “Oh my, this home is lovely.”
She can say it, it’s freaking gorgeous. I pinch myself daily wondering how I got so lucky. That answer just wrapped his arms around me, kissing me on my neck.
We watch as my mom steps outside—sometimes watching people look around is better than giving them the tour.
“How do you leave for work everyday?” she asks Josh, who laughs.
“Believe me, it’s not the house that makes it hard to leave.” I don’t know what sort of face he makes at her, but she covers her heart with one hand, while fanning herself with the other. I can’t say I blame her, I often have to do that around Josh.
After showing her the office—which is currently an editing room for the production crew—we take her into the kitchen. “This is the kitchen and our breakfast nook.”
“Joey, your nook is bigger than my kitchen.” She’s exaggerating, but yes it’s huge and far too much space for Josh and me.
“This is the mudroom, laundry room, and direct access to the garage and this will be your bedroom.” Josh opens the door and lets her walk in. It isn’t anything magnificent, but the view of the hills is breathtaking. We’re up high enough that we overlook most of the valley.