Page 15 of Wisteria Winds
Danielle felt her heart skip a beat. A gazebo on her favorite spot overlooking the cove. She could just picture it—standing there with Bennett as the sun set over the water, surrounded by all the people they loved.
“I love it,” she said, finally stepping into the room.
Everyone turned her way.
“Danielle, darling!” Morty exclaimed. “We were just brainstorming some ideas for your beautiful wedding.”
“I see that,” she said, looking at Bennett’s sketch. It was rough, and he was definitely not an artist, but it showed a beautiful octagonal structure with an elegant domed roof and had the most picturesque view behind it.
“It’s not just for the wedding,” Bennett explained. “I thought maybe we could build something permanent that everyone could enjoy for years to come.”
“That could be quite an undertaking,” Danielle said. “I mean, the construction, the cost…”
“Worth every penny,” he said, taking her hand. “And perfect timing. I’ve been wanting to add some gathering space for residents—you know, something for sunrise yoga or sunset concerts.”
Cecilia cleared her throat. “I must say the concept has potential. With the right materials and design, it could look quite sophisticated.”
“Wait, so you like the idea of an island wedding now?”
Cecilia looked at her daughter. “I told you I’d keep an open mind. And the gazebo concept is something that could address a lot of practical concerns, but honor your wish for a natural setting.”
“Translation: your mother’s brilliant design suggestions have elevated our humble beach wedding to something worthy of Architectural Digest,” Morty whispered, earning a glare and half-smile from Cecilia.
Danielle walked closer and examined some of the materials and drawings. “So y’all have all been planning this without me? Together?”
“Well, we were going to present it to you when we had a concrete proposal,” Bennett said, apologizing. “I mean, it just sort of evolved this afternoon.”
“It started as a tent discussion and escalated a little bit quicker than we anticipated,” Clara added with a small smile. “Although your mother makes very compelling arguments about weather problems.”
Danielle couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, I’m sure she does.”
She studied the sketch carefully and tried to imagine what the gazebo would look like on her wedding day. The idea of creating something that would last and remain part of Wisteria Island long after their wedding day felt good to her.
“So when could we start building?”
“Well, as soon as we finalize the design. I have contractors who work with us regularly. I’m sure they could begin soon.”
“You think so? So quickly?”
Cecilia looked surprised.
“Yeah, that’s one of the advantages of being the island’s owner. I can expedite certain projects when motivated,” Bennett said, smiling.
Dorothy clapped her hands decisively. “Well, then it’s settled. A gazebo it shall be. And we can now move on to the important matters like the color scheme. I’m thinking sea glass tones. You know, greens, soft blues, maybe a touch of frosted white.”
“With just a hint of blush,” Morty added, “for romance.”
As Dorothy and Morty launched into an animated discussion about fabric, Bennett pulled Danielle aside quietly.
“Are you really okay with all of this?” he asked. “It all happened so quickly, and I don’t want you to feel steamrolled.”
Danielle squeezed his hand. “It’s perfect, Bennett. Truly. I adore the idea of creating something that will last beyond our wedding day.”
“And your mom seems to be coming around,” he said, as he looked over at Cecilia, who was showing Clara some different flower arrangements she found in a magazine. “I’m actually in shock. I expected her to fight the island wedding idea tooth and nail.”
“You must be magic. What did you say to her?”
“Nothing special,” he said, shrugging. “I think she’s just seeing how the community cares about us, and it’s making an impression. She has excellent taste. And once she realized that she could contribute something, she became more invested.”
