I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 223

Gwen Grayson returned to the lounge to find Sophie Sullivan changed into a coral-pink dress and a pair of comfortable red flats.

She was just saying her goodbyes to her uncle's family.

Today, she and Gavin Gilmore had to rush back to Philadelphia. The majority of Gavin's parents' friends and relatives were on the East Coast, which meant they had to host a second wedding ceremony there.

Her uncle's family had invited Sarah Sullivan to stay with them for a few days, and they were planning to catch the four o'clock train out of town.

Gwen walked over, flashing a quick thumbs-up, and said, "Go on, don't worry about a thing. I've got everything handled here."

Their flight was at four-thirty that afternoon. With mountains of luggage to check and time running short, Sophie didn't waste time on pleasantries and hurried off to the airport with Gavin's family.

After checking their bags, Sophie stretched her arms above her head. Gavin slipped his arms around her waist. "Exhausted?"

"Yeah, I never expected getting married to be this draining."

Sophie had been up since five-thirty that morning for hair and makeup. Entertaining that many guests was mentally and physically taxing, and tomorrow, she had to do it all over again.

Gavin wrapped his other arm around her, pulling her flush against him. He leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers, and murmured, "That's why we're only doing this once in our lives."

A playful glint danced in his eyes, but his voice was layered with undeniable devotion.

While waiting in the security line, Gavin stood behind Sophie, pressing shamelessly close and resting his chin in the crook of her neck.

Sophie reached back and pinched his cheek. "Your parents are right here," she muttered. "Behave."

"They don't have eyes in the back of their heads."

The moment the words left his mouth, Graham Gilmore glanced over his shoulder. "Make sure you catch up on your sleep on the flight, Sophie."

Catching sight of his son's head resting on Sophie's shoulder, Graham's gaze turned sharp and authoritative, prompting Gavin to instantly stand up straight.

Even Sophie straightened her spine, feeling the sudden, nervous jolt of a high schooler caught by the principal.

That piercing look was just as stern and intimidating as she expected.

Gavin felt completely set up. If he had known this was part of the deal, he never would have agreed to two ceremonies. This was pure torture.

He tried to linger in the hotel room a bit longer, suggesting his parents head home first, but Gillian grabbed his arm.

"Don't go breaking the rules," she whispered sharply in his ear. "If you stay now, don't expect to have the energy to come back tomorrow night."

Gillian had zero patience for her son's romantic desperation. For the older generation, a child's wedding was all about maintaining appearances.

Without an ounce of sympathy, she dragged Gavin out the door.

Back at the house, the family collapsed onto the sofas, utterly drained.

Gavin groaned again, complaining that two weddings were completely unnecessary.

"Rosemary traveled all this way at her age just for your wedding. Do you think she isn't tired? You think you two are the only ones exhausted? We're running on fumes here. But with all our family and friends in town, we had to give them a proper celebration."

Before Gavin could even roll his eyes, Gillian chucked a throw pillow straight at his head.