“No,” Ava told her. “Put that in the bid, as well. My husband is turning sixty. That’s only going to happen once. The party needs to be perfect.” She looked at Victoria. “What do you think?”
“I agree. Perfection is required. Dad will love this place, Mom. It’s big enough to invite everyone you want but not so big that it isn’t intimate.”
Ava returned her attention to the salesperson. “We’ll walk around while you work up some numbers for the available dates. We can meet back in your office in half an hour.”
“I...” The other woman closed her mouth. “Yes, of course.”Her smile was tight, as if she were annoyed rather than pleased. The sale would be a big one, but it would be on Ava’s terms.
“What about dinner?” her mother asked when they were alone. “It’s going to be a crowd, so I’m thinking a buffet.”
“Oh, Mom. Don’t even try. You always start out thinking a buffet is a good idea, then you change your mind and everyone has to scramble. You’re not a buffet person. It’s Dad’s birthday. Are you seriously going to have people stand in line to get their meal?”
Her mother smiled. “You’re right. We’ll have a plated, sit-down dinner with all his favorites.” Her expression softened. “I want him to be happy.”
“He will be. He’ll be with you.”
“And you. We’re his girls. Now, are you up to exploring the grounds, or do you need to sit down?”
“I can explore.”
She and her mom were getting along for once. It wasn’t the kind of thing that happened very often, so it was a moment to enjoy.
Shannon couldn’t remember ever feeling so enchanted and out of place at the same time. The bungalow was just the right size, while still being open and airy, and the walled garden was gorgeous. Whoever was taking care of all the plants and trees knew their business. She loved the archway with the roses, the way the outdoor seating area was shaded. She’d never considered a garden wedding for herself but totally got the appeal.
Without meaning to, she imagined herself walking toward the archway, her perfect bouquet in her hand. She heard the music, pictured Aaron watching her with a heartwarming combination of love and anticipation. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach as she got closer.
Happiness filled her until she nearly ached from the joy ofit. She wanted to spin around and shout out that she was getting married. She wanted to unfasten the chain from around her neck, put on her ring and flash the world. Only sharing her engagement would have consequences, and she wasn’t ready to deal with them.
Last night she’d spent a little time online, looking at all things wedding. She’d found a pretty tank-style dress with a bit of lace around the neckline and some embroidery on the skirt. It wasn’t fancy or even something she had to order eight months out. It was an in-stock retail dress she could get for a hundred and twenty dollars from Amazon. Her mother would freak at the thought, but Shannon wasn’t much of a dress person, and why spend a fortune on a gown she would wear once?
Her mom walked from the garden to the bungalow and back. She looked both happy and uncertain.
“It is lovely,” she said, looking at Shannon. “What do you think?”
“It’s beautiful, Mom.”
“I can see you here,” Javiar told her.
When he’d found out about their appointment, he’d been happy to tag along. Representing the groom, he’d teased. Shannon had been grateful for his presence. Having him around was a distraction. More than once he’d changed the subject, keeping her from blurting out that Aaron had proposed.
“It’s lovely,” her mother said, “but it’s so expensive. I’m not sure I’d be comfortable here.”
Shannon could relate. While she knew she was well-dressed, her clothes had come from an upscale resale shop in Santa Monica. Why buy new when rich women put their barely worn last-year’s styles on sale at consignment stores?
Javiar put his arm around her. “Cindy, my dad wants you to have the wedding of your dreams. If you’re happy here, he’ll be happy, too. You said you’ve always imagined a garden wedding. Isn’t this place exactly what you were looking for?”
“It is, but...” Cindy bit her lower lip. “I don’t know. Is it too much?”
“Absolutely not,” Shannon told her. “Javiar’s right, Mom. It’s your wedding. Can anything be too much?”
Her mom laughed. “I think I could come up with a few over-the-top ideas.” She walked back outside. “It’s so beautiful.”
“Let’s go walk around,” Shannon said. “The salesperson mentioned the grounds are worth seeing. There’s that big building up the drive.”
Not that they would be renting that one. The deposit alone was fifty thousand dollars.
Such silliness, she thought. To spend that much money. She was too much her mother’s daughter to be extravagant. Besides, she and Aaron weren’t fancy people. The simple wedding was plenty for her. Not that they were here to discuss any of her wants, she reminded herself. This was all about her mom.
The three of them walked out of the bungalow and turned toward the ocean. The views were amazing, Shannon thought. They could see all the way to the horizon. It was a pretty day, clear but not too warm. Maybe she and Aaron could get married in that park they liked—the one overlooking the ocean, she thought dreamily. That would be easy and much more their style than anything like the large building they could see just ahead. Honestly, if someone was offering her that kind of wedding, she would ask for the cash instead.
