“So, without further ado,” Stone adds, “the Summit at Mystic Meadows is officially open. I welcome all of you to enjoy the gardens and the restaurant, and if you brought your swimsuit, you’re welcome to jump into one of the pools. They’re heated, so you can enjoy them even in the colder months.”
People laugh and clap while Stone cuts the ribbon and moves aside so that folks can wander the premises.
I stand next to him, smiling and greeting people. Cristina approaches with Clarice and some of the book club ladies in tow.
Clarice eyes me up and down, leans over, and says, “I still woulda fixed you up with a Collins boy. But I see now you don’t need it.”
“Thanks, I don’t.”
Cristina hugs me. “You look beautiful. I’m so glad things worked out with you two.”
“Same here.” My gaze slides to Stone, who’s talking to the mayor. “Thank you for coming.”
“Of course. I brought my swimsuit.” Her gaze lands on Rhett. “Who’s that?”
“Stone’s cousin. He’s a bit prickly.”
She winks at me. “I can handle prickly.”
“Good luck,” I reply as she walks off to meet a very prickly Rhett.
My parents are in the crowd, and I greet them, as well as Nu-Nu, who requests sugar before going inside.
Brittany and Jet are here, too, and my sister doesn’t even have her phone out recording.
“I left it at the house,” she says, shrugging. “You don’t always need to document every moment of your life.”
I couldn’t agree more.
As the crowd makes their way inside, Stone turns to face me. “There’s something I want to show you.”
“Sounds mysterious.”
“Not really.”
He takes me to the side of the property where a rock entrance welcomes visitors to the garden. He gestures to a plaque hanging on the wall.
My hands fly to my face as I read the inscription. “Coco’s Garden?”
He nods. “I told you I was building this for you. Here it is.”
I squeeze his hand as tears prick my eyes. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He kisses my forehead. “Would you like a tour?”
“I would love one.”
Blankets of flowers line the winding stone path, making the whole place magical. I wipe tears from my eyes as Stone guides me. I’m so full of love as my gaze skips over benches and hedges, flowers climbing lattices and beds of brightly petaled peonies and tulips.
“Tulips,” I exclaim.
Stone slides his hands into his pockets. “Tulips.”
“Thank you.” I kiss his lips and sigh into him. “Nothing could make me happier right now. Nothing.”
“Maybe one thing.”
“What?” I tease. “What could make me happier?”
