Her heart broke at his news of his mother. She squeezed his hands. “Of course we can. Having your mother at the wedding is important. Marrying you is what matters to me, not the actual wedding. We’ll have it as soon as possible.”
Relief swept over Austin’s face. “Really? You’re okay with that? I just can’t… I can’t imagine getting married without her there.”
“And you won’t have to. I promise.”
Evelyn stood next to the railing with Rob, enjoying the last of the sunset. “It was a wonderful wedding, wasn’t it? And Heather looked beautiful.”
“She did.” He squeezed her hand. “And yes, the wedding was wonderful.”
Heather, Blake, and Jesse walked up to them. “Mom, thanks for all you did helping me pull this off so quickly.”
“You know I loved every minute of it.” Her heart soared at seeing her daughter so happy.
“And I have something to ask you, Evelyn.” Blake stood in front of her. “So, you see… I’m calling these two Mom and Dad now.” He motioned to Heather and Jesse. “So… do you think I could call you Grams? Like Emily calls Donna?”
Tears started to roll down her face, and she rushed forward and pulled Blake into a hug. “Of course you can. I’d love for you to call me Grams.”
Emily walked up to them. “So, what’s with all the tears? The wedding is over, you know.”
“Emily, I’d like you to meet… Mom and Dad. And Grams,” Blake said with exaggerated formalness.
“Well, it’s about time.” Emily elbowed Blake. “Guys. They can be so slow sometimes. Good job, cuz.”
Heather and Jesse went to go talk to some other wedding guests, and Emily and Blake headed off to get something to drink. She turned to Rob and dashed away the last of her tears. “I’m so incredibly happy right now.”
“So would it make you any happier if I told you I’ve decided to stay in Moonbeam for a bit longer? Like quite a bit. Maybe even permanently a bit.” His eyes glistened with anticipation of her answer.
She reached up and touched his cheek. “Yes, I do believe you’ve topped off my happiness quota for the day. I’m very glad you’re staying in Moonbeam.”
“Do you think we could top it off with a kiss?” He reached out to touch her cheek, and they stood there, connected in the moonlight.
“I think that would be a wonderful idea.” She held her breath. Their first kiss. And she knew she was ready for it. So ready.
He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers gently, then deepened the kiss. A rush of pure happiness swept through her. The future looked bright for all the Parker women in Moonbeam Bay.
Epilogue
The Parker women sat having brunch the very next weekend. Heather poured mimosas and they sat with notebooks, making plans for Livy’s wedding. There was one major hurdle. They hadn’t been able to score a venue yet. The Destiny was booked, and it would be hard for Austin’s mother to get up to the upper deck anyway. The Cabot was booked, both the ballroom and the pavilion.
“We’ve got to think of somewhere.” Evelyn frowned. “The cafe is too crowded. The gazebo at the park is already reserved for the next four weeks.”
“Well, we have to come up with something, because I told Austin to plan on it being in three weeks from now. We really need to have it before his mother takes a turn for the worse. I don’t care about anything except Austin having his mom here. We offered to have it at his home, but she insisted it be here in Moonbeam. She’s anxious to see the town and where we’ll live.” Olivia felt tears threaten, and she struggled to keep them at bay. “She has to be here.”
Patricia leaned forward. “I’m not really one for outside weddings, but Evelyn, didn’t I hear you talking about a new resort opening up in town? Rob’s sister’s resort? You said the grand opening was in four weeks. Maybe they could hold the wedding the weekend before they open?”
Olivia’s mouth dropped open. “Grandmother, that’s a great idea. I was over there the other day and they’ve got the courtyard all redone. It’s so pretty. We could rent a tent for some shade.”
“Let me call Rob.” Evelyn stood, pulled out her phone, and walked to the far end of the lanai.
They all watched as she talked for a bit. Then she turned to them, a wide smile on her face, and gave them the thumbs up.
“Oh, I’m so relieved.” Olivia let out her breath.
Evelyn walked back over and sat at the table. “Never doubt the power of the Parker women.”
“Okay, so… who is going to be in charge of the flowers?” Heather laughed and grabbed her notebook.
“I am.” Emily raised her hand. “I know what Mom likes.”
