Marg nodded gratefully.
“Marg, listen to me,” Cora drew her attention. “Ben is my cousin, and we all love him, but we also love and care very much about you. I want you to know that your happiness comes first. If you want to have a child, we’re all on board with you. He or she will have a whole army of aunts to protect them. No matter what happens between you and Ben, we will always be here for you. You’re already our family.”
Marg smiled gratefully, and her heart warmed at the supportive smiles she received from the others.
“Thank you, guys. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she spoke with feeling.
“And you won’t ever have to,” Andrea responded.
“All right. Let’s go have some fun on the dance floor,” Kerry threw in.
Marg laughed, her first genuine laugh of the day, as her friends pulled her out of the booth and onto the dance floor.
ChapterSixteen
"Rebecca Hamilton was an outstanding and remarkable woman. She was devoted, friendly, and caring, in addition to being an excellent cook. To know her was to love her, and I count myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to do both as her brother-in-law. I’m aware that at this time, we are planning to establish this foundation in her memory, yet, I believe that it’s essential to be familiar with the motivations behind our actions and the individual who inspired us to take these steps.
“I’m also aware that if she were here with us today, she would be very proud of the efforts that have been made to alleviate the pain of at least one individual who has been diagnosed with ALS. Today, we honor not just someone who battled this illness but also a hero who lived their life without regard for themselves. Ladies and gentlemen, raise your glasses as we celebrate the life of Rebecca Hamilton.”
Erin raised her glass as her heart warmed with pride at how accurately Uncle Luke had described her grandmother. When she looked at the other people seated around the tables scattered across the lawn with their own glasses raised, a grin graced her lips. They had come out in droves to lend their support to the family's efforts to raise money for a worthy cause and to educate people about the terrifying illness that had taken her grandmother from the family.
“To Rebecca and to the fight against ALS,” Uncle Luke toasted before tilting the glass against his lips and taking a sip of his beverage. Erin and the others did the same.
“That was such a lovely tribute.” Erin turned her attention to her aunt Andrea, who was beaming despite the fact that she had tears in her eyes.
“It really was,” Jo agreed, dabbing the wetness at the corners of her eyes with a napkin. “I just wish she was still here.”
Tessa, who was at their table, reached over and rested a comforting hand over hers on the tabletop. Erin felt someone grasp her own hand, and she turned her head to see her sister giving her an encouraging smile. She smiled in return, even though she was beginning to experience pangs of melancholy due to the fact that she, too, was missing Becky.
Her attention was brought back to the stage when she saw her mother taking purposeful steps toward the podium. As she stood before them, a smile slid to her lips.
“Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare neurological disease that primarily affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. What that means is that over time muscle tissue begins to waste away leading to weakness in the arms and legs, twitching and cramping of the legs, difficulty speaking and ultimately paralysis and then death.” Cora paused to look out at the guests, her expression now serious. “This disease took my mother, Rebecca Hamilton, from us, and although it has been a difficult experience for our family, we are glad that we are able to give back to the community in this way and that we may be able to help at least one ALS patient through the Rebecca Hamilton ALS Foundation, fighting this disease one day at a time.”
Loud cheers and applause erupted from the guests at the end of Cora’s speech. Erin shone with pride.
“I will now invite the family of Rebecca Hamilton to the stage as we release these balloons to commemorate the official opening of the trust and in loving memory of my mother.”
Erin and the others at her table pushed back their chairs and stood before walking toward the podium. The rest of the family did the same. When they got to the stage, they were each given a balloon. They stood awaiting instructions to release them while flashes from cameras went off.
“After three,” Cora instructed before starting to count. “One, two, three.”
Everyone then let go of their balloons and watched as they rose into the air above their heads, creating a sea of red against the background of a clear blue sky. As their guests took in the moment, cheers could be heard coming from all directions.
They retook their seats as the mini-orchestra Cora had hired for the event played a classical piece.
“Mom, that was really great. I’m glad you and Aunt Drea and Aunt Jo came up with this idea to honor Gram’s memory,” Erin congratulated her mother the moment she took her seat beside her.
“Thanks, sweetie,” Cora responded, lightly cupping her daughter’s face and offering a grin.
“Excuse me. May I have this dance with the most beautiful woman here?”
Erin beamed from ear to ear, watching her mother’s cheeks color a deep crimson. She saw the adoration that Jamie felt for her mother dancing in his dark eyes as he stood over her and extended his hand to her. Cora carefully placed her hand in his and allowed him to assist her in standing before allowing him to guide her to the area in front of the podium. Other couples had already grasped the concept, and they were swaying to the music while it was playing in the background. Erin watched as Jamie leaned forward and whispered something into Cora’s ear. Cora’s face became a scarlet flower before she buried it into his chest. She watched as the two began to sway to the music until Cora was comfortable enough to lift her head and stare into Jamie’s eyes, which were already fixed on her. Erin smiled gently at them. She was happy that her mother had found love again— she deserved it. Her smile gradually faded as she came to the realization that she might not ever get the chance to experience it for herself.
“Penny, for your thoughts?” Erin turned to her sister, who was staring at her, concern pooling in the depths of her blue eyes.
“Yeah,” she said reassuringly. “I was just thinking about how great Mom looks with Jamie. They make a wonderful couple.”
Jules’s gaze landed on her mother and her fiancé, and a smile danced across her lips. “They do,” she agreed. “I’m happy she found someone who makes her happy.”
