She was blinded by happiness as Aldo and Gloria grinned at each other.
She could imagine them standing at the alter beaming at each other and hoped that she could be there to witness such happiness.
Gloria hopped off the stage and Harper grabbed for her hand. The diamond sparkled like its owner’s eyes. She wrapped the tiny brunette in a fierce hug. “I am so happy for you two.”
“We wouldn’t be here without you, Harp,” Aldo said, moving in for his hug.
“So we’re hoping you’ll agree to be our maid of honor,” Gloria said, clasping her hands together.
“Are you serious?” Harper yelped. “Oh, you guys! I would be honored!”
Gloria hugged her again. “Mind if we join you?”
“Please! Sophie disappeared. I can’t believe she’s missing this.”
A third chair was magically produced, and Gloria and Aldo crowded around the tiny table.
“This is a pretty incredible send off,” she whispered to Gloria.
Her friend smiled, but said nothing.
Aldo dug into the nachos. “I was too nervous to eat dinner tonight.”
“You guys were great.”
“Wait until you see the next act,” Gloria winked.
She didn’t have long to wait. They were already taking the stage.
The Garrisons. And Joni.
Sophie was front and center with Claire and Joni flanking her. Charlie, James, Uncle Stu, and Ty crowded in behind them. They were all wearing ugly Christmas sweaters that said Garrison X’mas.
The funky ’70s beat of Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” filled the bar. The women moved toward the mic in unison.
They pointed to Harper and sang to her about family. Tears pricked at her eyes and quickly changed to laughter when the men stepped forward for their off-key chorus.
From the stage, Sophie tossed her something soft. Harper unfolded it to reveal a matching sweater. She hugged it to her chest and mouthed “thank you.”
The Garrisons took their bows to wild applause and the people at the front tables scrambled to make room for them.
Charlie stopped next to Harper and put his hand on her shoulder. “You’re family, kid.”
Claire swooped in for a hug, giving Harper a few precious seconds to compose herself.
“Thank you,” Harper said, squeezing Claire tighter.
“Oh sweetheart, we’re thanking you.”
“Me? Why? You’ve given me so much.”
“And this is what you gave us,” Claire said pointing to the stage.
Harper’s heart clutched. Luke stood alone in front of the mic, hands in his pockets.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
It hurt to look at him. The perfect face, the body that had been so familiar. Now he was someone that she used to know. It broke her heart all over again.
