Page 56 of Easton Island: A Wedding to Remember

As soon as she reached her spot, the wedding march began.

Her head held high and looking straight ahead, Elizabeth, with Brett by her side, began the long walk toward her betrothed. Morgan’s heart sang. Her grandmother was starting the next chapter of her life and she couldn’t be more thrilled.

She tightened her grip on her bouquet, imagining what thoughts were running through Elizabeth’s head, maybe even a tinge of sadness that her only son, Rhett, wasn’t there, wasn’t the one walking her down the aisle.

Brett relinquished his role, giving his grandmother away, and took his seat next to Priscilla.

“Do we have the rings?” the pastor asked.

Gerard’s best man patted his pockets. “Not me.”

“They’re arriving via special delivery.” Morgan caught Quinn’s eye and gave her the signal. It was time for Chester to make his appearance.

Chapter 23

Chester, looking dapper in his top hat and bow tie, with the custom ring holder Mrs. Arnsby had made attached to his collar, proudly trotted down the aisle. As anticipated, he started to veer off when he saw Ben.

Morgan whistled. She lifted the corner of her gown, revealing the packet of treats taped to her ankle. They’d been practicing the trick every day since she’d come up with a surefire plan, guaranteeing Chester would deliver the rings.

The pup picked up the pace and hurried the rest of the way down the aisle. Morgan patted his head and fed him the treats while the guests chuckled. She removed the ring pouch and handed it to the best man.

Elizabeth and Gerard, keen to keep the ceremony short and sweet, exchanged their vows and rings, ending it with a loving kiss that brought guests to their feet for an enthusiastic round of applause.

The tempo picked up and the couple triumphantly marched down the aisle. Morgan fell into step with Gerard’s best friend, following the newlyweds to the back where they greeted guests, directing them toward the “welcome tent,” the first of several strategically placed around the estate’s meticulously manicured grounds.

The party was in full swing by the time the couple finished with the photographs. Morgan escorted her pup upstairs to Elizabeth’s apartment, concerned he might get lost in the shuffle of well-wishers.

Wyatt stood near the rear entrance, waiting for her to return. He slipped an arm around her as they meandered toward the reception area. “It was a beautiful wedding andyouare a stunning woman.”

“Thank you.” Morgan absentmindedly tugged on her sleeve. “I wasn’t sure if the dress was too revealing, but it fits like a glove.”

“I’m the envy of every man here,” Wyatt insisted.

A server appeared, offering an array of decadent appetizers…the traditional Canadian dish of poutine…a blend of French fries and cheese curds topped with savory gravy, blinis with caviar, petite mashed potato balls, a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and chives, along with puff pastries filled with mushrooms, shallots and a tastebud tingling blend of herbs.

Keeping Wyatt by her side, the couple made their rounds while the newlyweds mingled near the center of the room. Brett, with Quinn on his arm, greeted guests at the far end of the tent.

The cocktail reception wound down. It was time to move to the next tent where the meal was being served.

Despite the early hour, the dining spot was bathed in soft light. Towering floral centerpieces adorned the tables. Tucked beneath each, votive candles flickered, casting a romantic glow. Enormous bouquets of flowers, more than Morgan had ever seen in her life, filled the tent, creating an elegant garden of pink and blue.

Brett offered a toast congratulating the couple, sprinkling in a few anecdotal stories. Morgan was next. When first asked, she’d been reluctant about making a speech until she really thought about it. She wasn’t speaking to strangers. These weren’t “just” people. They were family, friends, islanders…her world, and then she realized she had something to say.

She approached the microphone after Brett finished, standing next to where her grandmother and Gerard were seated. It grew quiet, and she could feel all eyes on her.

“I would like to echo my brother Brett’s sentiments and thank all of you for being here to help celebrate this special occasion.” Morgan cleared her throat. “When I first found out about Easton Island, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The only thing I knew was my mother, Laura, had left a will. I didn’t know I had a brother. I didn’t know my grandmother was still alive. It was a jarring time in my life, and I’ll be the first to admit I was a little lost.”

Morgan placed her hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder. “As I look around this room at my neighbors, my friends, my family, I can only say God truly blessed me by bringing me here. Grandmother has been my rock through some tough times. From the moment I met Gerard, it was clear to see their special bond. I couldn’t be more proud or happier to have stood at the altar today watching as they promised to share the rest of their lives together.”

She wrapped it up by thanking guests again before handing the microphone to the master of ceremonies. Morgan hugged Elizabeth and then Gerard. “I love you both.”

“We love you too.” Gerard dabbed at his eyes. “Thank you for welcoming me into the family.”

“I meant every word I said. I hope you have many years together.”

As soon as the speeches ended, dinner service began. Waitstaff clad in crisp black and white uniforms appeared. The meal started with a traditional first course, followed by a second course. The first round of dishes was cleared away and the maincourse arrived. One scrumptious dish right after another until Morgan was certain she couldn’t eat another bite.

The meal ended and the wedding guests moved on to what Quinn jokingly referred to as the “party tent.” The band played a medley of tunes. Morgan felt a light tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Jax standing behind her.

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