Avery hit the nail on the head with that statement, because that was exactly what Elliot had been thinking.

In addition, he had also sworn himself to put on a good impression in front of all her close friends.

Although they had not yet fully reconciled, they were almost there.

Other men—especially Eric—had better not hit on Avery again.

He took his hand back and prepared to entertain the guests.

Avery was still worried, so she said to him, "Don't pull a long face today. Everyone here is a guest. You may politely refuse if you don't want to toast or drink, but don't make it too blunt. That applies to everything else. Like that boy earlier. He means no harm, so why do you have to make him unhappy?"

He committed all her instructions to memory.

"Got it. Just watch me."

Avery saw him walking toward the guests, but she could not bear to take her eyes away from him.

It was not just because he changed, but because he had always been a source of fascination for her.

"Mommy, I want to