“It’s the same principle. I know a florist who will be more than happy to squeeze us in.”
Becky had gone from being overwhelmed to shocked in the space of a few minutes.
Sean’s smile disappeared. “If you don’t want to marry me now, I could ask you again in a few months’ time.”
“It won’t make any difference.” Becky took a deep breath and pulled Sean into the seat beside her. “I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I’ll love you tomorrow. I can’t think of anything I’d like to do more than be your wife.”
With shaking hands, Sean took the ring out of the box and slid it onto her finger.
“It fits,” Becky said with tears in her eyes.
“I had a little help with that.”
“It was me,” Mary said excitedly. “Grandma said to take a ring out of your jewelry box and give it to Sean. And it worked!”
“Grandma has good advice.”
Mary nodded. “Does this mean I can sleep in the pink bedroom?”
Sean lifted Mary into Becky’s lap and hugged them tight. “It means you can sleep in the pink bedroom. I love you both very much.”
With Sean’s arms around them, Becky knew their lives couldn’t get much better than this. Their home would be filled with love, light, and happiness. And two kittens who were desperately trying to jump onto Mary’s lap.
Chapter23
Three Months later…
Becky saton the veranda of Sean’s grandparents’ house, swinging on the seat she’d made with Mary last weekend.
A little over five weeks ago, she’d married Sean in Pastor Steven’s church surrounded by their family and friends. It was a glorious event and everything she’d ever imagined a wedding should be. Mary had looked adorable in her pretty pink gown and Molly had stunned everyone in her satin sheath.
Becky was still in love with the gown Emily had made for her. With its pretty satin bodice decorated with diamante crystals, it sparkled whenever she moved. And the tulle skirt, gathered in soft flounces around the hem, made her feel like a princess.
Sean’s brothers had been expert groomsmen for the second time in a few months. And, excluding a sudden shower of rain, the afternoon was perfect.
She looked across the yard into the inky black darkness and smiled. The new house they were building would be pegged out next April. By then, the winter snow would have thawed and life would return to normal. Or as normal as it could be on the ranch.
“Are you all right?” Sean handed her a mug of tea and sat beside her.
She looked at her husband and sighed. “I’m fine. ‘Tis a wondrous night to enjoy the stars.”
“As long as you’re wearing four layers of clothes.” He straightened his ski cap and smiled. “Edith would have enjoyed her funeral.”
“That wouldn’t surprise me. She planned every last detail, right down to what the priest would say.”
Sean nodded. “Father Grayland won’t forget her in a hurry. He said they had some interesting discussions before she died.”
Becky smiled. “Edith told me some of what was said. He’s a very understanding man. Is Mary okay?”
“She’s sound asleep. It’s been a long few days.”
Sean wasn’t wrong. They’d flown to Milwaukee four days ago. Edith’s health had been steadily declining but, in true form, she’d told the staff in the palliative care unit not to let them know how bad it was until after she’d died.
The last few months had been healing for Edith, Becky, and Mary. They’d found an easy friendship with each other and learned to live with their differences. Edith’s passing was bittersweet, but Becky hoped the last few months had brought her some kind of comfort.
She pulled an envelope out of her pocket and stared at her handwritten name across the front.
Sean took a sip of his coffee. “Are you opening it now?”
