Page 11 of Wisteria Winds
“But darling, don’t you want something more substantial? The Plaza has hosted the most elegant weddings in New York for generations. Your father and I always dreamed of seeing you walk down that grand staircase.”
Bennett reached under the table and squeezed Danielle’s hand.
“I know you did, Mom, and I’m appreciative that you want to give me everything. But this is about what I want and what Bennett wants, which is a simple, meaningful ceremony surrounded by the people who know us best and care about us. I don’t care a thing in the world about a society event where half the guests are just there for appearances.”
Her mom looked momentarily hurt. “Well, I suppose I’ve been planning your wedding in my head since you were a little girl. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of those visions.”
“I understand that,” Danielle said gently. “And I want you to be involved. But it needs to be our wedding, not yours. You already had your chance.”
After a moment, Cecilia nodded. “Well, perhaps I should at least see what your friend Morty has in mind before I make any judgments. I mean, his enthusiasm is definitely infectious.”
Danielle exchanged a glance with Bennett. “So, really? You’d be open to his ideas?”
“Well, I didn’t say that. I said I’d look at them. There’s a difference.”
Bennett chuckled. “I think that’s fair. And I should say, for Morty’s ideas, we need to warn you that he’s now recruited Dorothy to help with the planning, which means everything is likely to be over the top. She’s quite a presence on the island, but she always keeps to herself.”
As they finished their dessert, Danielle felt a tiny sliver of optimism. Her mother hadn’t exactly embraced the idea of an island wedding, but she wasn’t actively fighting it anymore, either. It was progress, however small.
The evening concluded, and they walked back to the cottages under a canopy of stars. Danielle felt Bennett’s arm slip around her waist.
“That went pretty well,” he murmured.
“Better than I expected,” she said. “I’m not sure how I feel about my mother and Morty joining forces to plan my wedding.”
“It is a terrifying prospect,” Bennett said. “But at least they’ll be working toward the same goal—making our day special.”
At the guest cottage, Cecilia kissed her daughter’s cheek.
“Thank you for a lovely evening, dear. I’ll see you in the morning. Perhaps you could show me your clinic tomorrow. I’d like to see your setup here.”
“I’d like that,” Danielle said.
Cecilia disappeared into the cottage, and Bennett pulled Danielle close.
“See? Progress.”
“Baby steps,” Danielle said. “Tiny little baby steps.”
CHAPTER 4
Clara sat on her porch in the morning, sipping tea and watching the island come to life. After her music session recently, she’d slept so much better than she had in months. Although the familiar ache of grief was still ever-present, it just felt a little bit less overwhelming. She felt a little bit less alone.
A movement caught her eye. A tall, elegant woman was walking along the path. She wasn’t one of the regular residents. She definitely didn’t look like she belonged here. But something about her reminded Clara of symphony board members she’d dealt with throughout her career—confident, sophisticated, and used to being in charge.
The woman walked closer and noticed Clara. She paused.
“Good morning,” she called. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Cecilia Wright, Danielle’s mother.”
Clara set down her teacup. “Clara Whitman. I’m actually new to the island.”
“Do you mind if I join you? I’m just taking my morning walk, trying to get acquainted with the place.”
“Oh, please,” Clara said, gesturing to the empty chair beside her.
Cecilia settled gracefully onto the porch and looked around the cottage.
“So you’ve recently arrived as well? What brings you to this unique community?”
