At first, I thought Parisian, but Tuscany—where Jack gave me my wedding band—felt more appropriate.
She decorated the rented rustic tables with candles, small olive trees, and potted rosemary plants that line the table with lemons stacked between them. She might have gone overboard with having our gardener plant cypress trees, but she was in her element and we weren’t about to stop her.
I look around at all our guests, loving the mix of them all. There’s Mum and her new mate Eleanor, who we have to thank for Mum’s speedy recovery, and Wills’s dad surrounding the kids.
Besides the typical crew, there’s Matthew and Theo. Of course Oliver is missing in action. Nora’s bodyguards, Jameson and Max, sit with us as friends today, next to Archie, their foster child, Agnes, Nora’s nan, Maeve and Penny, her nurse, who has also turned into a friend.
And scattered around are our new neighbors, employees of Charlotte’s, and a handful of our cherished clients.
It’s bound to be a great night.
“You know your pregnancy is messing up my party vibe tonight,” I joke with Sadie.
“Tell me about it,” She huffs and drinks her diet coke.
I turn toward Jack and smile wide. “Today is perfect.”
He lifts my wrist and kisses the inside. “I love you,” he says softly.
I let out a sigh of happiness and stare into those mesmerizing green eyes. “Same. Always, Jack.”
* * *
After a long but delicious dinner paired with too many glasses of wine, Jack and I stand to give a toast.
I lift my drink. “Bear with us, but it’s been a while since we’ve all been together, and we have a few things to celebrate tonight. First and foremost, cheers to all of you who have supported us individually and as a couple. Having a group of badass friends and family is what it’s all about.”
“Auntie Belle!”
“Sorry, Charlie, love. We can say bad words at the fun house, remember?”
She shrugs her little shoulders. “Okay.”
Everyone laughs, and we cheers one another.
Jack tilts his glass toward his sisters. “Congratulations to that spunky one’s mom and dad for expecting their third baby girl. Sadie, you’re an incredible mother. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve turned into. You’re an amazing role model for my nieces.”
Jack leans down and hugs his sister.
“Two babies are coming,” Nora announces, pointing between her and Sadie.
“What!” I squeal. “Oh my God.”
“It’s still early days. I’m right behind Sadie.”
I smile warmly at Nora and Declan and whisper congratulations before turning back toward our guests. “Cheers to Nora and Declan.”
“Now to Jack and Declan for becoming part owners in The Taylored Group. I know it killed Wills to give up some control, but the three of you are a formidable trio.”
Shouts ring through the house as I turn toward Jack. “I’m so proud of you, Jack.”
“Thanks, sweetheart.” He leans over and kisses my cheek.
“Last but not least”—I turn toward my Lola girl—“Lola, my sounding board. The one who keeps me in check and who is like a younger sister to me, has finally found the man of her dreams, my brother, Matthew. The man who raised me into the person I am today. And obviously, I’m pretty great, so he did a good job.” We all laugh. “In all seriousness, they both deserve happiness, and I want to wish them the best on their new journey together in Africa.”
Everyone clinks glasses, but Nora and Declan stand up as we sit down.
“If you don’t mind, we’d like to make an announcement,” Nora states.
