“I’d never try to take your mother’s place, but I hope you know I’ll be there for you and Grace too.” Her eyes were so sincere, they reminded me of my mother’s. “I’ll be your mother-in-love.”
I laughed through my tears. “I’d really like that.”
“Dessert is served whenever you two are ready,” Cash said, sticking his head into the room. He took one look at our faces and immediately grew concerned. “Is everything okay?”
Delilah laughed. “Yes, of course.” She patted my knee. “Why don’t I give you two a moment?”
With that, she excused herself, giving Cash’s arm a squeeze as she passed him.
He made his way over and sat next to me. “What was that about?”
I didn’t speak for fear that I’d never be able to stop the waterworks from coming. Instead, I opened the box for him to see.
His eyes flashed with recognition and then confusion. “But how…”
I opened the card, and his hand covered his mouth when he saw Carrie’s handwriting.
After he read it, he looked back at me, astonished.
“Can I put it on for you?” he asked.
I nodded, and he gently took the pendant from the box as I gathered my hair in my hand. The cool metal hit my chest, and I placed my hand over it. I held it close to my heart as I made a silent vow to the woman I would never meet.I will, Carrie. I promise.
Epilogue
Cash
Five months later…
I watchedas Ella and Derek twirled little Jonathan and Chloe on the dance floor as the song “Stand By Me” played. Liv and Jax danced nearby, smiling and likely grateful for the moment alone together. It was a warm, spring evening in Nashville. Liv and Jax had transformed their property into a magical, matrimonial wonderland for the perfect sunset ceremony and reception. They’d spared no expense in making sure Antoni got all the glitz and glamour his heart desired for his and Nate’s big day. I was sitting at the bridal party table with Dallas who had been sulking since Katie had walked in with a date.
“Cash Montgomery, you better get your ass out here,” Antoni said as he and his groom floated by me. “Even Luca’s crazy ass is dancing!”
My eyes landed on Luca who was dancing alone, drink in hand, and shook my head. At least he hadn’t tried to bring another woman he didn’t know.
“You heard the man.” Grace propped her hand on her hip as she approached.
“Wouldn’t you rather dance with Sam?” I asked, looking for his mop of red hair amongst the crowd.
“I’m asking you.” She held her hand out to me. “Besides, this is our song.”
“Well, I can’t say no to that.” I let her pull me to my feet and lead me out onto the floor.
“They look so happy.” Grace and I swayed back and forth together, watching as Antoni and Nate waltzed past us.
“Almost as happy as Nate’s parents.” I laughed as I spotted the two people I knew to be Nate’s mom and dad sitting at a table nearby openly weeping with the biggest smiles on their faces. The two had told everyone within earshot how lucky they were to have Antoni joining their family.
“I don’t know,” Grace said. “I think Antoni’s dad might give them a run for their money. I didn’t think he was going to make it down the aisle.” Antoni’s dad had cried through the entire ceremony, beaming with pride as he watched his son and new son-in-law say their vows.
“It was pretty sweet.” The whole thing had made me a little misty-eyed as I imagined Grace up at the altar one day.
“I’d like that to be us one day.” It was as though Grace were reading my mind. “Someday, when I get married, I want you to walk me down the aisle.”
My heart swelled in my chest, and I feared I’d be joining the running for the most emotional parent at the wedding. “Grace, it would be the greatest honor of my life.” I cleared my throat, seizing the opportunity I’d been waiting for. I thought I already knew the answer, but my palms started to sweat. “With that in mind, I have a favor I’d like to ask of you.”
“What’s that?” she asked.
I took a deep breath. “You know I love your mom, and I love you. You two are everything to me.”
