“I don’t want an adjustment,” she said. “I want the work done.”
“I get that, and I’ve been clear with the teams. We’re going to follow up with them after every job, going forward.”
“That sounds like a good solution. I’ll be in touch.”
She hung up. Cindy beamed at her. “You were very forceful but polite. Good for you.”
“Thanks.”
Cindy smiled. “I think I found the venue.”
Something Shannon had heard three times already, only to have her mom change her mind. “Tell me.”
She pulled a folder out of her tote and opened it. “It’s right on the beach, with plenty of parking. I know it’s a little pricey, but everything would work, and I think it’s lovely.”
Shannon took the offered paper and stared at the oceanfront mansion. It was obviously seventy or eighty years old and gorgeous. The views were stunning, but wow, was it going to cost money.
“Isn’t this a little grand for what you’re talking about?”
Cindy grinned. “Oh no, not that. Turn it over.”
Shannon did as she asked and saw a charming bungalow with a walled garden. Trees provided shade while bougainvillea climbed the stone walls. The small building was open on the inside. Looking at the picture, she counted a dozen or so tables of eight—more than Cindy and Luis would need if they kept their guest list to the approximately fifty they were talking about.
“It’s really pretty, Mom.”
“I know.” Cindy clasped her hands together as she shimmied in her chair. “I’ve always wanted a garden wedding. See all the trees and the flowers? It’s like a little oasis.”
“I didn’t know you wanted a garden wedding.”
“I did when I was little.” Her mother leaned toward her. “You know how when you’re growing up you daydream about what your wedding will be like? Oh, the man in question is always sort of fuzzy, but other details are so clear. At least they were for me.”
Her expression turned dreamy. “I wanted a beautiful princess-style dress, something off the shoulder. My hair up.” Her smile returned. “When you were little, I pictured you in one of those cute dresses, maybe your hair in ringlets, tossing rose petals.”
“You saw yourself getting married when I was that young? But I don’t remember you dating anyone. Did I miss it?”
Shannon tried to recall if there had ever been a man hanging around. There’d been her grandfather, of course, but no one else. Later, when Cindy had gone to work for Luis and Gloria, they’d been visitors, along with their two boys, but as to someone her mother had been involved with? She didn’t have a clue.
Cindy sighed. “No, there wasn’t a man. When would I have had the time? I was so young when I had you, and trying to keep us going took all I had. Then your grandfather took a turn for the worse, and I had to take care of him. Plus the medical bills. Like I said, it was just a daydream.”
“Which you’re about to turn into reality,” Shannon said lightly, thinking that her view of those early days and her mother’scouldn’t be more different. She remembered laughing and playing. There’d never been a hint of a financial struggle. Oh, sure, there were things they didn’t have, but the situation had never seemed dire. Now with a little perspective, she could imagine that back then, her mom’s life had been pretty shitty and difficult. She’d gotten pregnant at seventeen and had given birth the week she graduated from high school, which was no one’s idea of a thought-out life plan.
Shannon remembered how she’d demanded swimming lessons. At first her mom had balked at the cost, but then she’d figured out how to pay for them. She’d driven Shannon to her lessons and then to practice. There had been things like dance and new clothes every school year. Once her mother had started working for L&G Real Estate, the money had been better, but they’d never had surplus.
“I’m sorry things were so rough for you,” she said quietly. “You were so careful to keep all that from me. I wish you’d been more clear that money was tight.”
“Don’t say that.” Her mother patted her arm. “We made it. Look at how happy we are. There were a few difficult years, but everyone goes through something.”
As always, her mom was trying to make her feel better. “Mom, you need to have your garden wedding. This place is beautiful. Let’s go look at it.”
Cindy took the paper from her and studied the pictures. “Are you sure? You said it wasgrand.”
“That giant place was, but the bungalow and garden are perfect. You need this in your life. No, you deserve it.”
Her mother pressed her lips together. “Maybe. Would you want to get married here?”
“No. It’s lovely and very you, but I want something more casual. Maybe barefoot on the beach. Or a park wedding.” Aaron would appreciate the simplicity of that.
“With your hair long?” Her mother leaned forward. “I cansee it. Aaron could wear one of those cream-colored linen suits. Of course, you couldn’t wear a princess dress to a beach wedding. It would look out of place.”
