Linda gasped. “Really? You actually like the designs?”
I stared at her as if she’d lost her mind. “Are you kidding? I want them all. Where did you get the book?”
Linda’s eyes started to mist. “They’re mine. I drew all of them.”
I was frozen in shock and awe. “Linda, I didn’t know you could draw like that. What other talents have you been keeping from me?”
She winked. “Well, other than wielding a deadly frying pan, not much. I was hoping you’d let me make your wedding cake. Free of charge, of course. It would be my gift to you and Declan.”
Grabbing my chest, I couldn’t stop the tears fromfalling down my cheeks. If she only knew how much of an honor it was to have her make our wedding cake.
“Oh, Linda, I would be ecstatic if you did that for us. It’ll be the best-tasting wedding cake ever.”
Linda snorted. “You’re damn right, it will be.” She pointed at the book. “I designed all of those specifically for you and Declan. Take a look at them all and let me know which one you want. You can choose whatever flavors. We can make each tier something different. Maybe have one of them be Declan’s favorite coconut cake.”
Yep, it was going to be the best wedding cake in existence. I flung my arms around her, and more tears fell, soaking the back of her floral shirt.
“Now don’t you dare get snot on me, darling,” Linda said, chuckling. “I love you and all, but I draw the line on that.”
Leave it to Linda to say something like that. We both laughed and I let her go.
“Thank you, Linda.” I placed my hands on her shoulders. “At the wedding, I would love for you to sit with my family as an honorary grandmother. I wish we could let the whole world know how you saved my life.”
Linda patted my cheek. “Weknow. That’s allthat matters. And I would be honored to sit with your family. You and Declan mean the world to me.”
I walked her outside to her car just as Declan pulled in next door. A few seconds later, he appeared around the corner of our fence, still dressed in his uniform.
Linda glanced back and forth at us and smirked. “He sure is handsome.”
“That he is,” I agreed.
She grabbed my hand and squeezed. “Treasure him, sweet girl. Don’t take this time you have for granted. I look forward to the day I see my George again.”
I met her sad gaze and could only imagine what it felt like to be without the person you loved.
“I won’t take it for granted,” I said wholeheartedly. “I’ll treasure every single day.”
That was a promise.
Chapter 29
Ayla
October was almost over; it was one of my favorite months of the year. Mainly, because Magnolia Grove had one of the best fall festivals in Alabama. I couldn’t wait for Declan to experience it. Everyone in town always dressed up for the festivities. Declan wasn’t excited when I told him we had to wear costumes, but when I mentioned that I’d make it worth his while, he was all for it. He was going as Robin Hood while I was dressing up as Maid Marian. Was it silly? Yes, but I loved Kevin Costner in his Robin Hood movie. Declan would be perfect as the character.
But, as far as town festivals went, our Christmas one was the most renowned. The local businessesmade more money in December than any other month. Several of the townspeople thought it’d be funny to make Declan think we were going to make him dress up as Santa Claus this year. They were going to ask him at the fall festival, and I couldn’t wait to see his reaction. If he was going to belong to a small town like Magnolia Grove, he had to be able to handle all the shenanigans. I had no doubt he’d be able to; everyone loved him. That was how I knew he’d be chief of police one day.
I grabbed all of my wedding planning books and headed outside to the pool. It was one of the last days I’d be able to enjoy the water. The weather was still warm in October, just less humid. There were times I went swimming in November, and it was perfect.
Once I had all my notebooks spread out on my chaise lounge, I sat down and opened them all. Would it be easier to elope like Kat and Jonah did? Of course, but it wasn’t what I wanted. Theirs was amazing, but the people of Magnolia Grove wouldn’t approve. All they’ve been talking about is the wedding. It was going to be the biggest event of the year, possibly even larger than the Christmas festival.
The wedding wasn’t for another six months, andmostly, everything had been done. We were going to have the ceremony in May when all the magnolia trees would be in bloom. It was going to be right in the middle of Magnolia Park with the whole town in attendance. There was going to be tons of food, drinks, dancing, and good times to last the entire night. I was even told there were going to be twinkling lights in every single tree. All I knew was that it was going to be magical.
“Are you getting anything done, or are you just daydreaming?” Declan joked as he walked out to the back porch. He moved one of my notebooks to the side so he could sit down on the chaise lounge with me.
I reached for the notebook he pushed to the side. “I was thinking about our wedding, smart ass. I have the right to daydream if I want to.” He laughed and leaned over to kiss me. “But in all honesty, I haven’t had to do much.” I opened the notebook in my hand and showed him the to-do list with everything checked off. “My mom has pretty much taken the reins on everything. She’s been the one calling everyone and getting things scheduled.”
Declan laughed. “Yeah, I think our mothers are best friends now. They talk on the phone every single day.”
