That evening, we arrived at the banquet together.
I wore a fitted navy dress. Jude adjusted his cuffs. Rowan’s tie was crooked; on purpose.
And when Vaughn spotted us, he grinned like he’d just cashed a check. “Smile,” he said, leaning in. “Let’s make it look real.”
I did smile, wide enough to show my teeth.
When Vaughn walked onstage a little later, he did so to thunderous applause. He waved at the crowd like a man who had already received an award. Vaughn always did love a spotlight, even when he didn’t deserve one.
“Good evening,” he began, the lights catching the face of his watch. “Tonight, I dedicate this celebration to my greatest achievement; my sons, Jude and Rowan.”
Polite applause swept the room, and a few camera flashes took over. “And their remarkable mother, of course,” he added, turning toward me like he was offering me a priceless gift.
“She’s been my biggest supporter through everything I’ve ever done.”
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