| Ricky's POV |

There was one part of the wedding planning that I really wasn't looking forward to. For most people, gathering up RSVPs might be the best part. For me, it was a nightmare. I knew sending out invites to my family would only lead to heartbreak. I did anyways, in the hopes someone would decide to come. Someone, that doesn't hate me, that is.

My dad's side of the family, I didn't even bother mailing invites to. Some people on my mom's side are accepting. My mom, herself, is as well, but my dad forces her otherwise. My father is an asshole. He abused my mom when I was growing up, and still does. I've tried to get her away from him. She'll never divorce him though, because she feels like she can't. Like mother, like son, huh? The difference is, I got away from my abuser.

I sat at the kitchen table, reading through emails. To make life easier on myself, I made an email just for people to send RSVPs too. I'm still sitting here, checking people off the guest list and writing down plus one's. Chris came over and set a cup of coffee next to my laptop for me. He ran both his hands over my shoulders and kissed the top of my head.

"Take a break." He told me as he worked knots out of my shoulders, "American Psycho is on TV. Your favorite."

"I'm almost done." I responded, letting a moan slip. It felt so good to have all the stress massaged out of my shoulders.

Chris leaned down and kissed the side of my neck. The pen dropped from my hands as they went weak. His touch could render my body paralyzed. He moved his hands down my chest and continued to kiss my neck. It felt so mesmerizing. Then my phone started to ring, breaking me from my trance. I sat forward and stared at my phone with concern and confusion.

"Seattle." I muttered, looking at the caller ID. I picked up, "Hello?"

"Hey, Ricky. It's Barbra." My bubbly sister answered.

I half-smiled, "Hey sis. What's the occasion?"

"I, uh, I got your wedding invitation. I was honestly surprised you even dared sending one, knowing how dad is." She responded.

"I'm honestly surprised he gave it to you. I would've sent it to you but I didn't know your address."

"Oh, trust me, I wouldn't have gotten it if dad got the mail. It was mom that gave it to me." She said, "I'm sorry we lost touch. I would really like to come, and finally meet your new husband."

"I'd love for you to meet him too. He's an amazing man. I don't know why he's settling for me." I joked as I grinned at Chris. My sister and I laughed. "Are, uh, are mom and dad going to come?"

She sighed, "I don't think I have to tell you some of the things dad's been saying this they got that invite in the mail. Mom wants to, but I doubt dad will let her."

"I understand. I don't want mom to put herself in danger for me. As much as I want her there, I also don't want dad pissed at her. If she can make it, there will definitely be a seat saved for her. Let her know that for me, 'kay Babs?"

"Of course, Ricky. I look forward to seeing you again."

"You too," I smiled, "Oh, hey, are you bringing anyone with you?"

Barbra laughed, "Nah, just myself. I don't need a date."

"And you never will." I responded like a typical big brother, "Bye sis."

"Bye bro."

I hung up my phone and set it back on the table. Chris then reached over me and closed my laptop. I looked up at him like "really?" and he laughed.

"You're taking a break." He informed me.

I sighed and stood up from the table, "If you insist. I do have to finish it later tonight though. I'm going to a bakery with Devin and Vinny tomorrow. Cake testing."

"Why is Vinny going?" Chris asked.

"Did you not just hear what I said? Cake. Testing."

He chuckled, "Good point."

Chris plopped down on the couch. I took a seat next to him, tucking my legs under myself and snuggling into his side. He wrapped his arm over my shoulder and turned up the volume on the TV. Though my eyes looked at the screen, I wasn't paying attention. I was too busy thinking about how sad I am that my mom most likely won't be at my own wedding because my dad is a bigot.

I know my mom loves me regardless, but I hate that this is how things have to be. At least I'll finally get to see my sister again. Who knows, maybe mom will somehow make it. I highly doubt it though.