“It’s hardly the crack of dawn, sunshine. Now hold still.” Grinning, Grant draped the tie around Jack’s neck.
“Remind me again why we have to be ready at nine in the morning for a five-o’clock wedding?” Jack tugged on the cuffs of his crisp button-down shirt, clearly uncomfortable in the formal wear.
“It was written in the wedding rule book many moons ago by nefarious wedding planners. Along with their conspiracy with photographers for family photos to take six hours longer than necessary.”
A hearty chuckle rose from Jack’s chest. “Ain’t that the truth.” As his laughter subsided, Jack’s features softened. “I’m glad you and Eliza worked things out. You guys always made a great team. And it’s a shame for issues to go unresolved on a day like today.”
“What do you mean?” Grant kept his gaze glued on the Windsor knot, his fingers stalling only a moment.
Jack shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess weddings are about bringing two people together, for better or worse. Seems sad to think about division or animosity on an occasion celebrating unity, don’t you think?”
Grant lifted his gaze to meet Jack’s, his stomach twisting like the knot he’d just tied. “Yeah, I suppose.”
Jack turned toward the tiny token mirror hanging on the wall, studying his reflection in the aged patina. “Nice work. As long as it doesn’t strangle me to death before the actual ceremony.”
Pivoting on the heel of his fancy oxfords, Jack slapped Grant on the shoulder. “Well, I’ll leave you to it. I’m sure you still have things to do.”
With a knowing smile, Jack headed for the door.
Leaving Grant to dwell on his parting words.
Chapter 31
Cassie’s cottage hummed with excitement as the bride and her entourage wrapped up the few last-minute details.
Maggie, Beverly, and Dolores remained on hand for wardrobe emergencies, like the unexpected loose strap on Penny’s dress. And surprisingly, Donna lent her talent for wielding a mascara wand and contour brush.
As the time for the ceremony drew closer, the women bid Cassie emotional goodbyes before heading to the town square.
Donna and Eliza were the last to leave, Donna lingering in the doorway of Cassie’s bedroom as her daughter counted off the final checklist.
“Something old… check.” Cassie wiggled her fingers, the sunlight catching on the antique diamond of her engagement ring. “Something new.” She caressed the stunning silver barrette Luke had custom made by an artisan designer he’d met a few weeks ago. He’d traveled all the way to San Francisco to pick it up from the specialty shop, and the delicate red enamel poppies looked stunning against Cassie’s dark, glossy hair.
Tears glistened in her eyes as Eliza thought about how fervently Luke loved this woman standing before her, radiant both inside and out. Though only a few years older, the couple had become her role models, displaying a kind of love that defied the odds.
“Something borrowed,” Cassie continued, running her hand along the delicate lace of Maggie’s wedding dress. “And…” Her eyes widened. “I don’t have anything blue!”
Eliza frowned, her pulse stuttering. Why hadn’t they gone over this list before? Personally, she’d never even thought about the antiquated tradition. And it seemed a little late to worry about it now.
Glancing around the room, Eliza racked her brain for an idea. Maybe they could tuck a blue flower in her hair? There was probably some lupine growing in the backyard. Or was that considered purple?
“Yes, you do.” Smiling softly, Donna stepped forward, fidgeting with something clasped in her palm.
“I do?” Cassie peered curiously at her mother.
Donna bit her lower lip, disturbing her perfectly applied lipstick. “When your grandmother passed away and left you this house, you asked if she’d left me anything in her will. I told you she gave me a letter.”
Cassie nodded slowly. “Yes, I remember.”
“Well…” Donna’s gaze darted to the floor, then back to her daughter. “She also left me this.” Pinched between her fingers, Donna displayed an exquisite sapphire ring. The oval gem glittered in a regal, art deco–style setting of soft yellow gold.
“What is it?” Cassie asked in a reverent whisper.
“Your grandmother’s engagement ring. The one my dad… your grandfather gave her.” Donna’s voice quivered. “I wish you could have met him. He would have loved you so very much.”
Dabbing her eyes, Eliza watched Donna slip the ring on Cassie’s right hand, her heart bursting with gratefulness. Ben had gone seven years without knowing his father, and she couldn’t imagine him experiencing another day without Grant in his life. Poor Donna had lost her father as a teenager, before Cassie was born. What an ache that must have left in her heart.
“Are you sure?” Cassie asked, gazing at the intricate facets of the intense blue stone. “Don’t you want to keep it?”
