I’d told her to wear her wedding dress in case it helps her mother’s memory in some way since Dolly showed her a few of the pictures. But the truth is, Dolly had the great idea of having our reception at the nursing home. Once she got permission from management, I sent her some money so she could order a cake and a few other little touches. According to the last text she sent me, everyone had gotten involved decorating the solarium.
I don’t know what she has planned exactly—she said to leave it all to her—so some of this will be a surprise for me too. Summer just thinks we’re coming to see her mom and remind her about the wedding. And the baby.
“Surprise!” We walk in the front doors, and a bunch of the staff and residents are standing there holding flowers and they throw fistfuls of rice at us. That’s not exactly tradition, but Summer gets a huge smile on her face, so I really don’t care what the details are as long as she’s happy.
“What did you do?” she says, running to hug Dolly.
“It was actually your handsome new husband,” Dolly replies, smiling at me. “It was his idea—I just put a spin on it.”
“Babe.” Summer turns to me, eyes shimmering with tears. “This is amazing. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I wrap my hand around hers as we walk into the solarium and another round of cheers goes up. We’re immediately surrounded with people wanting to congratulate us, and I meet Dolly’s eyes worriedly. “Where’s Tricia?” I mouth.
She winks. “Don’t worry.”
We spend a little time talking to everyone and then there’s movement behind us.
“Summer—come say hello to your mom.” Dolly’s holding Tricia’s arm as they approach.
“Mom!” Summer’s all smiles when she sees her mother. They’ve dressed her in a fancy dress and she’s even wearing a little makeup—she must have been a knockout when she was younger. There’s no doubt where Summer gets her looks.
“Hello, sweetheart.” At least she recognizes her, but Summer warned me that Tricia always knows who she is, just not what time period it is. “You look lovely—and look at your date. Hi, I’m Summer’s mom, Tricia.”
I can only imagine how heartbroken Summer is that her mother doesn’t know what year it is or how old her daughter is.
“Tate Jeffries,” I say, holding out my hand.
She squints. “Why do you look familiar?”
“I play in a band,” I say in a stage whisper. “You may have heard of us? Crimson Edge?”
Her eyes widen and she puts her hand over her heart. “Crimson Edge! Oh, my goodness—you do the song ‘Living on the Edge.’ It’s my favorite!”
“That’s nice to hear. Thank you.”
“And you’re dating my Summer?” She looks at her daughter. “You’ve been holding out on me, young lady.”
“Mom.” Summer blinks away the tears shimmering in her eyes. “Tate and I are getting married.”
“But you’re so young,” Tricia says, looking at me. “Summer has to go to college… and do you have a job other than music?”
I nod solemnly. “Yes, ma’am. I teach guitar at the Yates School of Music.” Well, I did, up until we got our record deal.
“And someday, when you’re rich and famous, you’ll take care of my girl?”
“Of course.”
She smiles and then a vacant look takes over her expression as she seems suddenly confused. “Why are we having cake? Is it Terry’s birthday?”
“No, sweetie.” Dolly swoops in and takes her arm again. “Summer and Tate got married.”
“Who?”
Dolly pulls Tricia off in another direction, and I slide my arm around Summer’s waist.
“You okay?”
“Yeah. This isn’t the first or hundredth time this has happened. I’m mostly used to it.”
