Page 82 of Patio Lanterns

“Well, think about this. You were the one who said how important it was that we trusted each other. Remember?”

He nodded, looking away. “Yeah.”

“You told me, ‘When I give you my trust, I’m giving you a piece of my heart,’” she reminded him. “Don’t you realize that you’ve had a piece of my heart all along?”

He looked up at her. “I want to be with you, Robin, more than anything,” he said. “But it doesn’t change the fact that you’re twenty-eight, and I’m… not. Realistically, we’d have so much working against us and so much more we’d have to overcome. You have no idea how hard it would be for the two of us to be together.”

“I’m up for it,” she said with a little shrug. “Kind of sounds like an adventure to me.”

Robin moved off the armrest, standing up to pull her buzzing phone out of the front pocket of her shorts. “Aw, shit. I’ve gotta run,” she hissed as she glanced at the screen. She put the phone away, then reached down to pick up the end of Mutt’s leash. “Mind if I give you some advice for a change?”

He sighed. “Sure.”

“Whatever it is that you’ve been carrying around, I suggest you put it down,” she told him. “In the meantime, I’m going to my mother’s celebration of life. I really hope you feel up to coming too, Big Rick. But if not, enjoy your pity party.”

27

Robin

Mutt trotted close by her side as Robin trudged up Rick’s driveway. Running on empty, the last of her energy now leaked out of her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. She’d screwed up the party. She’d let her family down. And if that weren’t enough, she might’ve just lost Rick, too.

Slowly putting one foot in front of the other, Robin began climbing the steep grade of the hill, steeling herself to fess up and take responsibility for the calamity she’d caused. As her fate loomed closer with every step, she envisioned the catastrophic scenarios about to unfold.

Rows of cars lined both sides of the street in front of the Blue Canoe Cottage. People streamed into the yard from every direction, carrying baskets and coolers and bags. As Robin approached, the steady hum of chatter grew louder, greeting her as a multitude of voices blended together into the most harmonious sound she’d ever heard.

Mutt barked and ran ahead of her to the backyard, where dozens of guests were talking and laughing, milling about, and staking out suitable spots for their lawn chairs. There were tables of food as far as the eye could see, opened coolers and chests of ice overflowing with cold drinks.

She saw Aidan and Mr. Stanhope working together to connect patio lanterns as fast as the neighbours donated new light strings. Already, the yard was illuminated by a dazzling array of golden twinkle lights, but the added layers of colour—the pinks and reds, yellows and oranges, greens, and blues—created a radiant circle of love. Lights of all shapes and sizes were burning brightly, glowing in the trees, draped over the fence and around the deck. The backyard sparkled with a warmth and beauty unlike anything Robin had ever seen before.

“Look at what they’ve done for you, Mom,” Robin whispered through her tears. “It’s all for you.”

Dove, dressed impeccably in a breezy blouse and fitted white jeans, rushed over and threw her arms around her. “Oh, Rob, isn’t this wonderful?”

“Sure is,” she said, hugging her sister back. “Where did all these gorgeous lights come from?”

“I think I heard something about the Stanhopes having a group chat, and they put out the call,” Dove told her. “By the way, that delivery truck never did show up, you know.”

Robin pulled back first. “I know. There was a bit of a… uh, misunderstanding. But I’ll explain it all later,” she said. “Have you seen Lark?”

“Right now, she’s finding places to put all the food, but she’s been looking for you,” Dove said, grabbing Robin’s hand. “She’ll be relieved that you’re finally here.”

“Oh yeah, I’ll just bet.” So she can tear me a new one.

The sisters moved through the masses, smiling and saying hello, thanking people for coming, gradually making their way to the cottage. Inside was crowded with wall-to-wall guests. Lark was in the kitchen, helping people to locate spoons and spatulas and whatever else they needed as an assortment of hot and cold dishes were stirred, sliced, and served up for the potluck. She waved Robin and Dove over.

“Oh my gosh, isn’t this amazing?” Lark beamed. “People started arriving all at once, and suddenly, we have a real party.”

“It is amazing,” Robin said, stunned to see Lark so delighted.

“I think we should get started soon. We don’t want all this food sitting out for long,” she said. “Do you have your eulogy ready?”

“My eulogy?” Robin gulped. “But you’re first in the Pecking Order. I just assumed you’d do the talking for us.”

“Nonsense,” Lark said. “This was your idea. You should be the one to speak on behalf of the family.”

“You’ll do great, Rob,” Dove assured her. “I’ll bring Mom’s urn out with us.”

Robin took a deep breath. “Uh, well, I guess I could say a few words,” she said. “Can you give me ten minutes to collect my thoughts? I’d like to change anyway.”

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