Page 51 of Married at Midnight

Viola waved Ellie back to her seat. “Oh, no. He’d be upset if he knew.”

Her frown deepening, Ellie sat. “Okay, so now that that’s out of the way, what did you really want to talk to me about?”

“A wedding.”

“Connor and I are already married,” Ellie said, even as her heart jumped. Did Viola’s people have something to report there as well?

The older woman’s face lightened. “Not your wedding, dearie. Mine.”

Ellie’s jaw dropped. “To who?”

Viola smiled. “That’s my little secret, but I’ll give you a hint. He’s one of the four men who left this room earlier.”

Ellie was stunned. “Why tell me this and not Connor?”

“He’ll know soon enough. We want to get married at Grayson House the day after Thanksgiving, with everyone there. That includes your family, as well as your and Connor’s friends.”

Still struggling with the whole concept, Ellie replied, “You want me to add planning a wedding on top of the Holiday Street of Dreams?”

“How much more work can it be? You’ll already have the house decorated. We don’t need anything special—maybe a cake, some flowers, and if you’ll choose one of the dresses in my closet for me to wear.” Viola’s cheeks flushed pink, making her look ten years younger. “I’ll make it worth your while financially. You and Connor will have all the money you need to start your new life.”

Ellie’s breath faltered. “Shouldn’t you talk to Connor or your son about all this?”

“Not them.” Viola sighed. “I don’t think Connor or Clark will be too happy about me marrying again even though I lost my dear Spencer over forty years ago.”

“Connor told me your husband died after you were married for thirteen years.”

Viola nodded. “I had a perfect marriage. To think I deserve that twice in one lifetime will not go over so well with my son or grandson. But I can count on you, Ellie. You believe in true love. I can see it in your eyes every time you look at Connor.”

The older woman turned to her bedside and retrieved a small wooden box. “It’s because of that love that I wanted you to have this.” She placed the box in Ellie’s hands.

Ellie snapped the hinged lid open to reveal a silver necklace with filigreed edges that circled a large aquamarine stone. “It’s beautiful, Viola, but I can’t accept this.”

“The pendant is a family heirloom. The stone was mined in the Cairngorms in Scotland, and handed down through five generations of Graysons.”

“No.” Ellie handed the heirloom back. “It should stay with you.”

Viola crossed her arms over her chest, refusing to take the heirloom back. “You are Connor’s wife and the future of this family. What better person to keep the tradition alive but you?”

Left holding the box, Ellie curled her fingers around the wood. She would accept the gift for now even though she’d never be able to keep it, even if a small part of her wished otherwise.

A deep-seated ache settled in Ellie’s chest. “I’ll plan your wedding, Viola. But I won’t accept any more money from you. You’ve already offered Connor and me a small fortune to refurbish the house.”

Viola frowned. “I have more than enough to spare.”

“No money or no deal.”

“Agreed,” Viola said, the word filled with capitulation.

Ellie had won that battle for now, but something else beat at the back of her brain. “Why get married now?”

Viola’s face paled. “Because I’m in love.”

“With which man?” Ellie asked, scooting closer as a thought occurred to her. Maybe this sudden marriage had less to do with any one of the Elvises and more to do with Viola herself. “Are you sure you should be getting married?” She and Connor were proof that even marriage didn’t shield a person from feeling alone.

Fear flared in the older woman’s eyes. “I’m dying.”

“We’re all dying, Viola.”

“My heart could go at any minute,” she whispered in a strained voice.

Ellie reached for Viola’s small, withered hand. “You aren’t alone. Connor and I are here for you for the rest of your life.” Even as the words left her lips, Ellie cringed. Why was she making promises she couldn’t keep?

Ellie felt like such a fraud. If Viola wanted to hold fast to a commitment to another human being in the last days of her life, who was she to convince her otherwise?

She’d found contentment with Connor again in only one week. If she died today, would she die happy?

Yes,the answer whispered across Ellie’s heart.

Viola released a heavy breath. “I’m not worried about being alone. I know you and Connor will be there for me. It’s just that I really do love him,” she told her. “You know what love feels like . . .” Viola watched her expectantly. “I want more warmth, more security, and a little less uncertainty for my last days.”

The weight of Viola’s words settled on Ellie’s shoulders. She did know that feeling. And she’d be lying if she didn’t admit she wanted more of it in her life. “I’m sorry, Viola. I didn’t mean to doubt your love. When will we get to know who the lucky man is?”

A radiant smile lit Viola’s face. “As soon as I tell him.”