She bet they did, too. She always had a wonderful time with Ted, and it was a delightful and unexpected change in her life. Like becoming part of the Parker women and their brunches. Who knew a person could change this much, this late in life? Not that she was old, of course. Age was a number, not some kind of life sentence. And in the last few months, she’d felt younger than she had in years.
“You look very handsome tonight, Ted.”
He smiled back in appreciation. “Thank you.”
Maybe she’d even learn to give out compliments that truly sounded like she meant them. And she did mean that one. He looked positively dashing.
Chapter 28
Heather’s wedding day came quicker than she could have imagined. She stood poised on the upper deck of The Destiny. The music began to play, drifting across the light breeze as they slipped through the waters of Moonbeam Bay. She peeked around the floral screen at the back of the deck that hid her from Jesse. Livy stood on one side of the pastor, and Blake stood next to Jesse. Jesse looked breathtakingly handsome. Her heart soared.
“Are you ready?” her mother asked as she adjusted the teal ribbon around the waist of her wedding dress.
Grace’swedding dress. The connection wrapped around her like a familiar song, a favorite blanket. She was part of a long family tradition.
She nodded. “I’m so ready.”
They stepped out from behind the floral screen and Jesse’s eyes locked with hers. Time froze. No one else was there in the moment. She was certain she saw tears in the corners of his eyes.
“Okay,” she finally said to her mother, and they walked down the aisle. Jesse took her hands in his when she got to the arbor.
Livy sent her a teary smile, and Blake beamed at her.
The pastor said a few words, and they repeated their vows. Promising to love each other forever, which wouldn’t be a difficult request for her. Life might still throw problems their way, but she was sure they could overcome them together. They always had. They always would.
“You may kiss your bride.”
Jesse leaned over and kissed her, holding her tight, before releasing her.
“I present to you, Heather and Jesse Brown.”
Everyone started cheering, and Jesse took her hand and squeezed it. She looked over at Blake and reached for his hand. The three of them walked back down the aisle together.
They reached the back of the deck, and Blake turned to them. “Well, I guess this is as good a time as any to ask this question.” He turned to Jesse. “Do you think… do you think I could call you Dad?”
A hint of tears clouded Jesse’s eyes and the widest grin she’d ever seen spread across his face. “You bet. Yes. That would be great.”
A twinge of jealousy swept through her. She should be happy for them. For Jesse. He’d done so much for Blake. Given him a home.
Blake swiveled and turned to her. “And do you think I could call you Mom?”
Her heart erupted in fireworks and tears streamed down her cheeks. She crossed the distance to Blake and took him in her arms, holding him tightly. “Yes. Of course. That would be just… perfect.”
Jesse came over and wrapped his arms around both of them. The three of them stood like that, all of them crying. But that was okay. She had finally found her family.
Livy dashed away her tears and followed Jesse, Heather, and Blake down the aisle strewn with flower petals. They had timed everything perfectly as the brilliant sunset exploded around them.
She stood there in surprise as Blake asked to call them Mom and Dad. And now the tears fell yet again. At long last, her cousin had found what she always had wanted. A family of her own.
Austin walked up beside her and handed her a handkerchief. “It was a beautiful wedding.”
She took the handkerchief and dried her eyes. “It was. Just beautiful.” She turned and tugged on his shirtfront. “And next fall we’ll have our own wedding. I’m sure glad I have more time than this to plan ours. Not that this wedding isn’t wonderful. And Heather got everything just like she wanted. But wow, it’s a lot of work to pull off a wedding this quickly.”
Austin swallowed and looked at her warily. “About that. I wanted to wait until after Heather’s wedding to ask. And Ihateto ask you this, but it’s really important.”
“What? You can ask me anything.”
“My sister called. She said Mom is still holding her own. But she’s not getting any of her strength back. The doctors aren’t making any promises. Things could change at any moment.” He grabbed her hands. “I hate to do it… But there’s something Ineedto ask you. I know we said we’d get married next fall… but… there’s no guarantee my mom will make it until then. Do you think… Is it possible… Can we move up the wedding?”
