“You’re a bear,” Suzie’s father said.
“Ah, you heard the bit about shifting and bare bottoms,” Niall said.
“We did.”
“I have a natural aptitude for honey, so it made sense to embrace my strengths.I have a talent for finding honey blends that resonate with the public.Do you have honey producers here?It’s too cold right now but during the summer?”
Donald frowned.“Could we do that to generate more income?”
“I can research it for you,” Niall said.“If honey production is viable during the warmer months, we could put in several hives.I’d be happy to invest.”
Donald nodded, accepting a mug of tea from Suzie.“Thank you.I’ve been trying to think of ways to diversify.I’d appreciate your help.”
The residual tension leached from the room, and Niall relaxed.
“Have you set a date for your wedding?”her mother asked.
“Two weeks.”Suzie grinned.“We’re getting married in grandmother’s garden and having the reception at the cafe or the hall.It depends on how many people we invite.”She glanced at Niall.“We’d prefer something intimate.”
Suzie’s parents exchanged another glance, this time with a smile that eased Niall’s mind.They weren’t objecting to him marrying their daughter.
“Two weeks it is,” Donald said.
“Suzie, you’ll find a notepad in the drawer beside you.We’d better make lists.”
Suzie followed her mother’s instructions, winking at Niall as she did so.Everything would work out fine.
25
Happy, Happy
Thedaydawnedcrispwith the promise of sun despite her grandmother fretting about a winter wedding.Suzie didn’t care about the weather.All she wanted was to marry Niall, and that would happen today, one way or another, since she and Niall had formulated a Plan B.Many chaperones had limited their time together, so it was just as well they’d decided not to formalize their mating until they married.
Earlier, she had reread Niall’s letters, which brought tears to her eyes.He had expressed regret for his behavior and promised to do much better in using his words and trying to understand her point of view.An excellent reminder that communication was important.He’d also mentioned his research of music courses, and since his arrival, they’d discussed this and her preference for the course at Edinburgh University.With Niall sitting beside her, she’d enrolled yesterday.So exciting!They’d talked a lot since becoming engaged, and although they’d probably argue again in the future, Suzie felt they were better equipped to come out the other side.
Soon, they’d become husband and wife.
And she couldn’t wait to get Niall to herself.
Alone.
Suzie hummed under her breath, still thrilled at a romantic song she and Edwina had composed last year.It was perfect for her to walk down the aisle toward Niall and the wedding celebrant.
Her father tapped on her bedroom door.“Are you ready?”
Suzie grinned, pure happiness fizzing through her and finding an outlet in that smile.“Ready!”
She wore a sleek cream dress with a matching shawl because, although it was sunny, it was still wintery.Her mother had helped her apply subtle makeup and style a casual updo.Suzie felt pretty, and yes, she was ready to embrace the future with Niall.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” her father said.Only one still-healing cut remained on his cheek.Her mother walked with a slight limp, but her rapid progress had pleased Gavin.
“Thanks.Mum helped.”
“We like your young man,” her mother said on entering the bedroom.
“Me, too,” Suzie said, her voice bubbling with laughter.“I think I might marry him.”
“Are you certain?”her father asked, his tone serious.“We can run.”
