I can’t help but wonder, if Jack and I worked out, would we have another wedding? I think if we did, I would choose something small and intimate. Not that this isn’t beautiful, it’s absolutely stunning, but considering grand affairs and over-the-top parties are part of my work life, I would appreciate something smaller for my personal life.
Sadie leans her head on my shoulder and sighs again.
“You’re loving yourself sick over all of this, aren’t you?” I tease.
Her chest vibrates in silent laughter. “Yeah, pretty much.” She takes my hand in hers. “Thank you for helping and staying here this week. I know it was hard with work. I truly appreciate you taking time off, and I have to say it was wonderful to spend some time just the four of us. And Buddy, of course.”
“Is The Ritz even dog-friendly?”
I already know if Wills wants something, he’ll get it, or he would have moved the whole wedding somewhere else to ensure Buddy was involved. He’s no less one of their kids than Charlie and Chloe.
“They are, but only up to ten pounds. Wills told the manager that since our guests have booked all seventy-one rooms and seventy-one suites, we’re allowed up to one thousand four hundred and twenty pounds of dogs.” She laughs. “Can you believe it?”
“Of course I can. It’s bloody genius.” I laugh, because it’s something I would do. “So, how did the rest of the trip go?”
“It was amazing, Belle. It’s the first time the four of us have been away, and it was honestly the most magical feeling in the world.” She smiles, her whole face glowing at the memory. “I did come to a conclusion about some news I wanted to share with you.” She wrings her hands—Sadie’s tell when she’s nervous.
“What is it? You’re making me anxious.”
“I’m going to step back and let Marco take over the floral design business for a while. I’ll still focus on Amelia’s Angels Animal Rescue, but that’s it.”
I frown, confused.
Besides Charlie, Chloe, and Buddy, Sweet Pea Blooms is her pride and joy. It was the first thing she did for herself when she finally left New York, something she dreamed of her whole life.
“I don’t understand.”
She swallows hard, and if I know her as well as I think I do, she’s trying to hold back tears, not wanting to get emotional again. “The girls were perfect. Charlie was my sweet angel, the best big sister I always dreamed she would be. And I can only assume it was because we were all together. I feel guilty for being a working mom and not spending enough time with them. It’s not like I’m giving it up completely, trust me. Sweet Pea Blooms is my baby, and I’m only stepping back. I want to pick up Charlie from school, go to her drama classes, and bring her to play dates. Take Chloe to the music class I used to attend with Charlie when we had more time. All the things I wish my mom did for me.” She sighs. “Being the boss of your own company should afford you at least that. It’s not permanent, but for now, it’s a decision I feel comfortable with. And as soon as I made the decision, it was as if a weight had lifted off my shoulders and the guilt I’d been carrying around dissipated.”
I’m shocked, but I’ll always support whatever she wants. “If you’re happy, I’m happy. You should know, though, that being a working mum doesn’t make you any less perfect.” She smiles and hugs me tight.
“I appreciate that. I still run one of London’s top animal rescues, don’t forget.” She winks, proud of herself. “I think focusing on that, for now, will keep me busy enough. And the girls love helping, especially since Maeve is there often. Charlie wants to go more than she ever has.”
She’s probably right. Charlie has a special bond with Declan’s sister Maeve and has always been obsessed with animals like Sadie. “What did Wills say about all this?”
“I asked for his input, but for once in his life, he wouldn’t tell me what to do.” She smirks. “He actually told me he would take some time away from work to be with the girls if I wanted to continue working full-time.”
I smile softly. “Of course he did. He would do anything to make you happy. You know that.”
“He really would, and before I start blubbering like a baby again, I just want to say another thank-you… for accepting him. I know you don’t always see eye to eye with Wills—”
I stop her mid-sentence. “Don’t finish that. Just because I disagree with him sometimes doesn’t mean I don’t see how perfect the two of you are together. Someone hand-made that man just for you, and he was waiting in the lobby of that Antibes hotel for a reason. I like to bust his balls because he’s like a brother to me, but believe me when I say, I appreciate what a good father he is and how he treats you the way you deserve.” I pause. “I never told you this, but before Wills proposed, he called Jackson and me to ask for your hand in marriage.” I smile at her surprised face.
“I thought he proposed on a whim.”
“He asked us a few weeks prior, since he knew he wanted to do it soon, but the time and place was on a whim.”
“Oh.” She places her hand on her heart and takes deep breaths. “That means a lot.”
She leans in and hugs me again. No words are exchanged—we don’t need them. This is perfect the way it is.
A few minutes later, I see Lola over Sadie’s shoulder in the distance, walking hand in hand with Evelyn, and I start waving my arm like a crazed woman trying to get her attention.
“Gahh, you’re so embarrassing. Can you stop?” Sadie whispers and steps aside so as not to be seen with me.
We’ve always joked that she should have been born in England and I, in New York. Sadie is prim and proper, never curses or raises her voice, and I couldn’t be more different.
“I can’t help it. I’ve missed my sweet Lo.”
