Aurélie blushed, then launched into rapid introductions. “This is Ivy, Marco, Kimi, and Lucy. Well, technically Harper Rose?—”
Colette’s eyes gleamed with recognition as she stepped toward Lucy. “As intheHarper Rose?”
Lucy froze, eyes wide. “Umm…”
“Don’t worry, it’s our little secret,” Colette said with a wink. “I’ve judged enough label art competitions to spot brilliance when I see it. Trust me. I’m the best at keeping identities hidden.”
Lucy just blinked. “I think I love you?”
Colette chuckled, brushing a curl behind her ear as she looked back at us.
“Anyway,” she said, extending her arms with a sweeping, theatrical gesture, “welcome toSterna Grove.”
“Sterna?” I asked.
“Greek for ‘starling.’ Little bird. They nest here every spring and flock like crazy.”
“I love it,” Aurélie whispered, finally letting go of her friend. “God, I haven’t seen you inages.”
“Well,” Colette said with a rueful smile, “when things went sideways withMathis, I needed to disappear and restart. And as I’m sure you know, getting legal documentation to get residency in another country isn’t exactly an overnight process.”
Aurélie flicked a glance toward me and let out a soft laugh. “Yeah. I can imagine…” Then she lifted her hand. All the diamonds caught the sunlight, sparkling a ridiculous amount. “We’re trying to figure that out for ourselves.”
Colette’s jaw dropped. “Shut up.”
“We’re engaged,” Aurélie said, giddy and glowing. “But my parents don’t know yet, so as far as you’re concerned, you knownothing. Oh, and we’re eloping while we’re here.”
Colette let out a delighted gasp that turned into a squeal, and they hugged again, spinning each other in a little circle that made dust kick up from the gravel. It was girlhood joy, unfiltered and earned.
When they finally pulled apart, Colette turned toward the rest of us, sweeping a hand across her brow dramatically. “Okay,more information, please. Especially the bridesmaids. Have we got elopement details yet? Dresses? Coordinated color palettes? Emotional meltdowns?”
Ivy perked up instantly. “Tragically few meltdowns, to be honest. I feel under-utilized because I’ve beenwaitingfor a breakdown so I can schedule a wine-fueled intervention. Except Aurélie is one of the strongest people I know and rarely cries.”
Lucy giggled, cheeks already pink. “I don’t think we’re official bridesmaids yet.”
Aurélie reached for both of their hands at once. “Yes, you are.”
“Venue?” Colette probed with an arched brow.
Slowly, Aurélie shook her head, then groaned. “Oh mon Dieu, Cal, we are so underprepared.”
I grinned and wrapped an arm around her waist. “We’ll figure it all out, mo chridhe.”
Colette lit up, her expression softening with something that felt like purpose. “Allow me to help,” she said warmly. “I would be honored to host it here. You’d have food, wine, and enough space that you wouldn’t need to go anywhere after or feel rushed. There are a few places on the property that might work—there’s a clearing in the olive grove, a terrace that overlooks the sea, and a small hill with a view of the whole vineyard at golden hour.”
Aurélie’s breath caught, and Colette added gently, “And, of course, I’m ordained. I’ve hosted a few weddings here. But I also know several officiants on the island, if you want someone else.”
Aurélie’s eyes watered immediately, her lips parted like she couldn’t quite catch her breath. She looked up at me, blinking quickly, her hand pressing flat to my chest.
My heart could’ve shattered and reassembled right there.
I slid both arms around her and kissed her forehead, then her lips. “We can do it right here if you want, baby.”
She nodded slowly, lips wobbling. “I want.”
“Perfect,” Colette said, clapping once and nodding like it was settled. “Come inside. We’ve got chilled wine, shade, and a vineyard tour to scheme your wedding properly. And you three boys,” she added with a teasing smile, “I assume you’re good at carrying heavy things? I have a few casks that need moving.”
I lifted a brow. “Anything for the bride.”
