Page 5 of Easton Island: A Wedding to Remember

“So far, so good, although we’re getting down to the wire. Grandmother and I had our final dress fitting today. Her gown is gorgeous.”

“I heard she and Gerard will split their time between Easton Island and Toronto.”

“That’s the plan. I’m going to miss having her nearby,” Morgan said wistfully.

“You two are close.”

“Grandmother helped me through a very rough…tough time in my life. I don’t know what I would do without her.”

Priscilla started to say something and stopped.

“What were you going to say?” Morgan prompted.

“You’re blessed to have such a strong, caring woman in your life.”

“I thank God for her every day. It was hard losing my mother, but I gained something in return. Actually, I gained a lot…a brother, Looking Glass Cottage, Grandmother.”

“If I were ever to need an ally…a person in my corner, I would want someone like Elizabeth.” Priscilla shifted. “She invited me to the wedding. Between you and me, my first instinct was to decline. After giving it some thought, I’ve decided to go. Are you part of the wedding party?”

“I am. Grandmother even helped me pick out my dress.” Morgan pulled her cell phone from her pocket. “I have a picture.”

She slipped her reading glasses on and studied the photo. “The dress is stunning. I love the color. I haven’t stepped foot on Easton Estate’s property in decades.”

“I’m glad you accepted Grandmother’s invitation,” Morgan said sincerely.

Priscilla lowered her head and studied her hands. “As you know, Elizabeth and I have not always been on the best of terms. Looking back, I’m not sure how things got so far off track.”

“Perhaps it’s time to put the past behind you and start over,” Morgan said softly.

“I’ve been giving it a lot of thought lately. You’re right. I only hope I haven’t completely burned my bridges.”

Morgan paused, carefully choosing her words. She couldn’t speak for her grandmother, hadn’t been a part of the former feud. But she’d been the target of and subject to her share of Priscilla’s hostility.

Clearly, the woman was hoping to make amends. Perhaps the wedding invitation was the olive branch needed.

“I can only speak for myself, but I think there’s always an opportunity to move beyond the past. To be honest, the only person you’re hurting is yourself.”

“I don’t want to die a bitter, angry old woman.”

Morgan impulsively hugged her, her heart plummeting when she felt her shoulders tremble. “I think you’re heading in the right direction.”

She pulled away, noticing tears in Priscilla’s eyes. “Thank you, Morgan. I don’t deserve your kindness, but I do appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll let myself out.” Morgan made her way out of the house. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it, grateful she’d gone with her gut and helped Priscilla. With a single, small act of kindness, she may have turned an enemy into a future friend.

Chapter 3

“Your grandparents would be tickled pink if they were here this evening, to be a part of what Locke Pointe was designed to do…hosting parties so much like the ones they had when they were alive.” Ronni placed the floral arrangement on the side table. “I don’t think we’ve overlooked a single detail.”

“I want the party to be perfect for Grandmother and Gerard.” Morgan tied a bouquet of lavender and gray balloons to the back of a chair. “She’s done so much for me.”

“And she loves you,” Ronni said. “Hopefully, no one spilled the beans and spoiled the surprise. I wonder what they’ll think when they see the parking lot full of cars.”

Quick steps echoed in the hall. Quinn appeared. “I have the baked goods from Danish Delight.”

“You can drop them off in the kitchen. Tina is wrapping up the prep work. While you do that, I need to tie this last bouquet of balloons to the mailbox so guests know where to park.” Morgan hustled to the street where she made quick work of adding the cluster of balloons.

She fiddled with the strings, making a few minor adjustments before lingering at the end of the walkway. The porch lights cast Locke Pointe in a warm glow, ready to welcome their special guests.

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