by Marie Force
“This is incredible,” Daisy said. “I had no idea their facility was so huge, and I can’t believe she walked all that way to town.”
“I know. They run a pretty big business. It’s hard to believe Marion was overseeing everything only a year ago. Paul was here working with her, but Alex had an incredible job working for the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington. He gave up his life there and moved home when his mother took ill.”
“She’s lucky to have them.”
“For sure, but it’s taking an awful toll on all of them. I don’t know how much longer they can go on the way they are.”
“It’s so sad. She’s still a relatively young woman, too.”
“I know. It’s a tough situation, especially living as they do on an island and being tied here by the business.”
“I’m sure you’re a great comfort to them.”
“I don’t know about that. I do what I can, but it never feels like enough.”
“Coming out here to see her is far more than most doctors would do.”
“I feel like it’s the least I can do to help out Paul and Alex. I grew up with them, and played baseball with Paul.”
“You have ties here that you wouldn’t have anywhere else.”
“Are you trying to remind me of why I’m going to turn down the job in Boston?” he asked with a squeeze of her hand that told her he was joking.
“Just pointing out the benefits of working where you grew up.”
“The fact that you’re here, too, has nothing to do with it, right?”
“Nothing at all to do with it.”
That got a big laugh out of him. “Sure, it doesn’t.” He pulled up to the house and cut the engine. They emerged from the car to find Marion sitting on the porch in a rocking chair. Her injured feet were propped on a footstool and a tall glass of ice water sat on a table. Marion’s gray hair had been washed and styled since Daisy last saw her, and she looked very pretty.
Alex emerged from the house, brightening at the sight of David and Daisy. “Hey, guys. Come on up.”
“We wanted to stop to see how your mom is doing,” David said. “Hello, Marion. It’s Doctor Lawrence. I’ve come to see how you’re feeling, and I’ve brought your new friend Daisy with me.”
“Hi, Marion,” Daisy said.
“Daisy,” Marion said, her eyes lighting up with pleasure. “Come have a seat next to me. I asked my boys today if you could come to visit, but they said they didn’t want to bother you.”
“They can call me anytime. I’ll always be happy to come for a visit.”
Marion held out a hand to Daisy. “It’s so pretty here, isn’t it? My George planted those roses.”
Daisy took her hand and sat in the rocker next to Marion’s. “They’re lovely. Tell me about George.”
“Oh, he is wonderful.”
David stood with Alex and watched Daisy work her special brand of magic on Marion, who spoke of her late husband with such joyous affection, reminding David of the woman she’d once been before dementia had claimed her infectious spirit.
“Unreal,” Alex muttered. “She barely seems to know us most of the time, but someone she met just once makes a big impact.”
“That must be so difficult for you.”
Alex walked to the far end of the big porch, away from Marion and Daisy’s animated conversation. “I don’t know how much longer I can do this, David. Everything is snowballing on us. This is our busiest time of year—our make-it-or-break-it season that gets us through the rest of the year. We just can’t keep up. The lady who lives at the lighthouse reported us to the town council because we haven’t cut the grass out there yet. The bitch of it is, she’s totally right. We should’ve been there four times by now, but one of us has to be here with Mom. It’s just…”
David put a hand on his old friend’s shoulder. “It’s a lot. It would be hard on anyone to run a business like yours while taking care of an ailing relative. You and Paul have done an admirable job of holding it all together.”
“Why do I hear a ‘but’ in there?”
“You have to think about your own health and stress levels. You won’t be any good to your mom or the business if one of you gets sick.”
“What do you suggest we do?” Alex asked, his voice filled with despair. “We can’t put her in a place on the mainland and leave her there with no one to visit her while we’re out here.”
“Can you afford some help?”
“Well, yeah, but she drove off the last two people we hired to stay with her during the day. She’s not always nice when she’s confused.”
“You need to hire an expert—a medical professional who would live here and help out during the day while you and Paul are at work. You still have that guest house out back, right?”
“Yes,” Alex said, his despair seeming to lift a bit as the idea took hold.
“You could fix that up and offer the person free housing to go with the job. Free housing on this island—or anywhere for that matter—would be an awesome incentive to get someone here.”
“You really think we could get someone to move here?”
“I think you won’t know until you try. Victoria and I would be happy to help you interview candidates.”
“You say that as if there’d be more than one—if we’re lucky.”
“You never know. People flock here on vacation, don’t they?”
Alex nodded and rubbed at the stubble on his face. The girls had gone crazy over him in high school, chasing after him relentlessly. David and his friends had teased Alex about that for years. None of them had ever caught him—at least not yet.
“Reach out to some nursing services on the mainland. I bet you’ll get more interest than you think. I’ll help you write the job description so you get someone qualified.”
“That’d be great, David. Thank you. I’ll talk it over with Paul, but I know he’ll agree. Something’s gotta give, you know?”
“I can’t believe you guys lasted this long without more regular help.”
“We never would’ve made it this far without your support. We talk about how awesome you’ve been through this. It’s nice to have someone who knows us, and who knew Mom before, overseeing her care.”
Alex’s compliment cemented David’s decision to stay in his current job, where he was definitely making a difference for this family as well as others. “Happy to help. I’d like to take a look at your mom’s feet to make sure they’re healing from her walkabout the other day.”
“They seem much better, but you’re the expert.”
They glanced over to where the two women were deep in conversation, oblivious to their presence.
“So you and Daisy?” Alex’s raised brow and broad grin were far more in keeping with the guy David had grown up with than the despair he’d shown earlier.
“Me and Daisy.”
“I like her. She was so nice to Mom the other night.”
“She’s a sweetheart.”
“I heard what happened to her with Truck. That guy’s always been an asshole, but to beat up on someone like Daisy… Well, that’s a whole other level of asshole.”
“Definitely.”
“She’s okay, though? After all that?”
“She’s getting there.”
“I’m glad for you, too,” Alex said, punching David’s arm lightly. “Been a long time since I’ve seen you looking so good.”
“Been a long time since I felt so good.”
“It’s nice to have you back among the living.”
The walls he’d erected two years ago to keep everyone out tumbled down around him. “It’s good to be back.”
“How in the world did it get to be one thirty already?” Tiffany asked her sister.
“Time flies when you plan a wedding in two days,” Maddie replied. She was drop-dead gorgeous in an orange chiffon dress that flattered her extravagant curves.
An outpouring of excitement and offers of help had come from the island community
when word began to spread about their impromptu wedding. Chloe Dennis, owner of the Curl Up and Dye salon in town, was currently standing behind Tiffany, putting the finishing touches on the same elaborate updo she’d done for the frantically excited Ashleigh.
The local florist had come through with gorgeous bouquets of Gerbera daisies and summer flowers for Tiffany, Ashleigh and Maddie, as well as boutonnieres for Blaine, Mac, Thomas and Ned. They’d even done a wrist corsage for Francine. Evan McCarthy had offered to provide music, Frank McCarthy was lined up to marry them, and Jenny had suggested the lighthouse property as the ideal location for a seaside wedding. All the pieces had fallen together remarkably well.
“What’re you thinking about?” Maddie asked.
“I can’t say, or I’ll bawl my head off and ruin my makeup.”
“No bawling,” Chloe said sternly, making the sisters laugh. Today, Chloe’s ever-changing hair was white-blonde and made longer by extensions.
“I just can’t believe the way everything worked out for today,” Tiffany said.
“When it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”
“I wonder if Jim has heard any wedding rumors in town.”
“So what if he has?”
“I worry about him showing up and making a scene.”
“Your fiancé thought of that possibility and has officers coming to the lighthouse and our house to make sure there’re no unwelcome visitors.”
Stunned, Tiffany looked up at Maddie. “How do you know that?”
“Because he checked with us to see if we were okay with having cops at our house. Of course we’re happy to do anything necessary to ensure you have a wonderful wedding day.”
Tiffany grasped her sister’s hand. “You’re the best big sister anyone could ever hope to have, and I love you. Every day, but never more so than today.”
“Aw jeez,” Chloe said. “Now I’m going to bawl.”
“No bawling!” Maddie and Tiffany said together.
“Time to go,” Maddie said. “We can’t keep your groom waiting.”
“No, we can’t,” Tiffany said, shivering as she thought of his special brand of “punishment” and how he loved to dole it out. “I love him so much, Maddie.” Her voice was reduced to a whisper when she thought of him and the journey they’d taken together. “I never expected anything like this to happen to me.”
Maddie hugged her carefully. “I’m so glad it did. No one deserves it more than you do.”
“What’s this I hear about a weddin’?” Ned’s voice echoed through the downstairs of Tiffany’s house.
“We’re coming!” Maddie called. To Tiffany she said, “Ready?”
“So ready. Let’s go!”
“See you at the party,” Chloe said. “You look stunning.”
“Thank you so much for doing this on such short notice.”
“I love being part of a happily ever after for such a deserving couple. Thanks for asking me.”
With Ashleigh in tow, Maddie and Tiffany stepped outside, where Ned and Francine waited for them next to a vintage silver Rolls Royce with a tan interior. Ned wore a seersucker suit, and every one of his white hairs had been tamed into submission. Next to him, Francine positively glowed in a floral dress that made her look much younger than her years. Of course, love had a lot to do with their mother’s youthful appearance these days.
“Where in the name of God did you get that car?” Tiffany asked him.
“Ya know that garage in the backa my house that no one’s allowed to go in?”
As the sisters nodded in muted shock, Ned said, “This is why ya ain’t allowed in there,” he said, waggling a finger playfully at Ashleigh, who let out a belly laugh. “I don’t wantcha sticky fingers on my fancy car.”
Tiffany had no idea what to say to that. “But… I…”
“Close your mouth, honey,” Francine said with a laugh. “I’ve learned it’s better not to take him at face value.”
“I guess so!” Maddie ushered Tiffany and Ashleigh into the car where a booster seat awaited the little girl. Ned thought of everything where the kids were concerned.
“Where did you get it?” Maddie asked.
“I bought it from Mrs. Chesterfield’s estate after she died last year. I thought it might be nice to have someday, for an occasion just like this one.”
“It’s gorgeous,” Tiffany said.
“Glad ya think so.”
The drive to the lighthouse was all about laughter and excitement. Filled with anticipation for the celebration ahead, Tiffany watched the island’s landscape go past on the way to the lighthouse, where Blaine would meet her. The closer they got to the light, the faster her heart seemed to beat.
“Take a deep breath or two,” Maddie said, reaching across Ashleigh’s seat for Tiffany’s hand.
Tiffany held on to her sister, the way she had her entire life. Even when they weren’t getting along, Maddie had always been there for her, and Tiffany had tried to do the same for her, especially since they’d become mothers. She never would’ve survived the early years with Ashleigh without Maddie to commiserate with, and she knew Maddie felt the same way. And now they were about to add Blaine to their family, and Tiffany couldn’t wait.
On the long road to the lighthouse, they passed a police cruiser, where Patrolman Wyatt waited with his girlfriend, Patty, who was also Tiffany’s assistant at the shop. They tossed rose petals at the car as it went by, and Ned tooted the horn in acknowledgement of their sweet gesture. It was good to know that no uninvited guests would get past Officer Wyatt, and Tiffany was again thankful that Blaine had seen to that detail.
The afternoon sun was high in the sky when they arrived at the lighthouse. Ned drove straight over the lawn that hadn’t been mowed and around the lighthouse to the spot where Blaine, Mac, Thomas, Blaine’s family and Judge McCarthy awaited them. Off to the side of the gathering, Evan sat on a stool with his guitar.
“Here goes,” Maddie said. “Are you ready?”
Tiffany nodded and Ned got out to open the door for them. Maddie went first and then helped Ashleigh.
Ned and Francine came around the car and opened Tiffany’s door. Ned extended his hand to help her out of the car.
Tiffany looked up at him as she grasped his hand and smiled when she saw tears in his eyes. She squeezed his hand and held out her arm to her mother.
Evan played “Make You Feel My Love” as the three of them followed Maddie and Ashleigh to where the men awaited them.
Fearing for her composure, Tiffany avoided Blaine’s intense gaze until she was nearly to where he stood with Mac at his side and Thomas in front of Mac, watching the proceedings with big blue eyes. After much debate, Maddie had decided to leave baby Hailey at home with Linda.
As Evan continued to sing, Tiffany finally allowed herself to look at Blaine. He was tall and gorgeous in a tan summer suit with a white dress shirt open at the throat. Per her request, he’d refrained from shaving, even at the risk of his mother’s wrath. She’d never seen anything she loved more than the way he looked at her as she came toward him on the arms of her parents.
He reached out to her, asking her without words to take the rest of her journey with him.
Tiffany kissed her mother and Ned and took Blaine’s hand, smiling as his fingers curled around hers. And then he sealed the deal when he reached for Ashleigh with his other hand. The tears Tiffany had kept at bay all day long filled her eyes as that simple gesture told her everything she’d ever need to know about the man she was marrying.
Sensing her emotional battle, Blaine brought her hand to his lips and brushed them over her knuckles.
As Evan played the final notes, Maddie stepped forward to take Tiffany’s bouquet.
“Blaine and Tiffany,” Judge McCarthy said, “we’re honored to be here today to witness the start of your lives together. Each of you has traveled a long and winding road to reach this destination. Henceforth, you’ll take to the road together, through good times and bad, thr
ough richer and poorer, in sickness and in health. Have you both come here willingly to exchange these vows and to merge your two roads into one common path that you’ll travel together?”
“We have.”
“Tiffany, do you take Blaine to be your husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish all the days of your life?”
“I do.”
“And do you, Blaine, take Tiffany to be your wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish all the days of your life?”
“I most definitely do.”
His reply set off laughter among the guests and diffused the last of Tiffany’s nerves. He most definitely did. How wonderful was that? She smiled up at him, happier in that moment than she’d ever been before, except for maybe the day Ashleigh was born. But this was even better, because now she had Ashleigh and she had Blaine, too. And she knew without a shadow of a doubt that this marriage was forever.
Mac produced rings from his suit coat pocket and handed them to Blaine.
Judge McCarthy nodded for Blaine to go ahead.
“First things first,” Blaine said, sliding a diamond ring on her finger. “Our two-day engagement didn’t leave much time for ring shopping. I hope this meets with your approval.”
Meet with her approval? It was incredible! The diamond was big and round and glittered in the sun. Before she had time to absorb its full beauty, he was sliding another ring on her finger, this one a band of diamonds.
“With this ring,” he said, “I thee wed.” He kissed the back of her hand and then turned it to drop something into her palm. A ring for him. He’d truly thought of everything.
Her hands trembled as she pushed the platinum band onto his finger. “With this ring,” she said, looking up at him, “I thee wed.” She repeated his gesture, kissing the back of his hand.
“And,” Blaine said, reaching back to Mac for another ring. “This one’s for you, Ashleigh.”
“I get one, too?” she asked, looking up at him and her mother, her big eyes full of wonder and delight.
“You sure do,” Blaine said. “I love you, and I promise to be the very best step-dad in the whole wide world.” He slid a tiny gold ring on her finger and bent to hug her as Tiffany dabbed at her eyes.
