Page 20 of Wisteria Winds
Cecilia looked at the samples with a critical eye. “The palette is pretty, but I’m concerned about the structure of this arrangement. For the gazebo columns, we need something more vertically dramatic.”
“That’s exactly what I said,” Dorothy said as she slowly stood up and joined them at the table. “The columns need a cascading element, something that will draw the eye upward.”
“Well, maybe orchids,” Cecilia said, “but integrated with trailing jasmine or clematis for movement.”
Morty watched them in fascination as they started rearranging all the elements, their heads bent together over the samples. Even though they came from very different backgrounds, they shared an impressive innate sense of aesthetics.
“The gazebo is going to be white, correct?” Cecilia said, making notes in a small leather-bound notebook.
“Yes, with subtle gray undertones so that it won’t look so stark against the natural setting,” Morty said.
“Well, then we need warmth in the flowers to soften the overall effect. Blush pink, perhaps, with maybe some pale peach.” Cecilia selected several color swatches and arranged them in a fan-like shape. “Something like this.”
Dorothy nodded. “Oh yes, that will photograph beautifully against the ocean backdrop. But we must think about the light. A late afternoon wedding will have a golden quality that will enhance these tones.”
For the next hour, the three of them worked through every single detail of floral design—from the gazebo decorations to the bridal bouquet, from boutonnieres to centerpieces.
Morty was amazed how Cecilia just folded right into their planning process.
“You have quite the eye for design,” he said as Cecilia sketched an arrangement for the gazebo entrance.
“Well, I’ve chaired my share of fundraisers and galas. One develops a certain sense for these things.”
“It’s more than that,” Dorothy observed. “You have a natural talent. I think in another life, you could have been a designer yourself. Do you believe in reincarnation?”
Cecilia chuckled. “Not really. I am a scientist, after all. But perhaps I could have been a designer. My mother was an artist, actually. But science was always my calling.”
“So is it difficult balancing a demanding career with family life?” Morty asked.
Cecilia was quiet for a moment. “Oh yes. I was often absent when Danielle was growing up. Her father was a doctor too. We had conferences and research trips. I spent endless hours in the lab.”
“But you clearly adore her,” Morty said.
“Oh, more than anything. However, I haven’t always been good at showing it. I wanted her to have every opportunity and every advantage. Sometimes I pushed too hard and tried to shape her path instead of letting her find her own way.”
Dorothy nodded. “It’s the eternal maternal dilemma. Mothers want to protect them from their mistakes and only find out that they’re making new ones.”
“Oh, do you have children, Ms. Monroe?”
A shadow passed over Dorothy’s face. “No. I always wanted children, but it was never meant to be for me, I suppose. I spent a lot of time away from home on movie sets, so I guess it was for the best at the time. It’s quite lonely now, not having any family to visit me, though.”
Morty knew Dorothy’s painful history and reached out to squeeze her hand supportively.
Cecilia broke her silence. “You know, that’s why this wedding is so important to me. This is my chance to show Danielle that I care about her and support her in a way I often didn’t show. To show her that I support her choices, even when they’re different from what I might have chosen.”
“Then we shall make it perfect,” Dorothy said, putting her hand on Cecilia’s shoulder. “A celebration worthy of the love that Bennett and Danielle have found with each other.”
Morty felt his eyes welling with tears, as they often did.
“Tissues, Morty,” Dorothy offered, rolling her eyes.
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” he said, dabbing at his eyes with the back of his hand. “Just a bit of pollen from all these flowers.”
Cecilia chuckled. “You care deeply for them, too, don’t you? Danielle and Bennett?”
“Oh, they’re family. The first real family I’ve had in a long time,” Morty said.
“Now, shall we discuss table linens?” Cecilia said, changing the subject. “I have some thoughts about incorporating a tiny, subtle pattern that complements all the floral design.”
