Page 23 of Wisteria Winds
Cecilia paused and wiped a fine sheen of perspiration from her brow. “Oh, good morning, dear. I’ve just been exploring your little island. The walking paths are quite lovely at dawn.”
Danielle blinked in surprise. Her mom had never been one for casual exercise. Her fitness routine in New York always involved personal training sessions or Pilates classes with celebrities.
“Wait, you were, like, hiking voluntarily?”
Cecilia laughed, a light sound that reminded Danielle of those rare carefree moments from her childhood. “Oh, don’t look so shocked. I’m not completely set in my ways.” She gestured toward the gazebo under construction. “I see construction’s underway. Bennett certainly doesn’t waste time.”
“He’s very efficient,” Danielle said. “And when he decides something is important, he makes it happen.”
“That’s a quality I’ve come to admire about him,” Cecilia admitted. “You know, I’ve been thinking about the gazebo designs. The current plans are lovely, but I wonder if we might incorporate some lighting elements within the structure. You know, something subtle that could transition from daylight ceremony to an evening reception.”
Danielle stared at her mother. “You’re… you’re, like, really getting into this island wedding idea, aren’t you?”
Cecilia smoothed her hair. “Well, I mean, once I accepted that you weren’t going to come to New York City, I decided I needed to make the best of it. I will say there’s a certain charm to this place. Besides, it’s on an island. That doesn’t mean it can’t be memorable and elegant.”
Impulsively, Danielle hugged her mother. “Thank you for trying. And for being so open about doing things differently.”
Cecilia returned the embrace, awkwardly patting her daughter’s back. “Well, yes, your happiness is what matters, after all.” She stepped back. “Now, I know you have patients waiting, and I’m meeting Dorothy for breakfast so we can discuss the centerpieces. That woman has surprising taste for someone who wears sunglasses indoors.”
As her mother continued on her way, Danielle shook her head. Wisteria Island was definitely working its magic again. Cecilia Wright, renowned epidemiologist and Manhattan socialite, was power-walking at dawn and planning beach decorations with a retired movie star.
The clinic day passed quickly, and at eleven, Danielle locked up, put a sign on the door, and headed toward the gazebo.
She saw Bennett before he saw her. He was standing at the edge of the marked foundation, deep in conversation with one of the contractors. The morning sun caught the little bits of red in his dark hair, and his hands moved as he explained something in an animated fashion. He was pointing at various areas of the site.
She couldn’t help but feel a wave of love wash over her. This man could run a tech empire from afar, and yet chose to take big parts of his day involving himself in every aspect of island life.
“Is that my coffee I see?” she called as she approached.
Bennett turned, his face lighting up at the sight of her. “Ah, you’re right on time. One large vanilla latte and a chocolate croissant, as promised.” He handed her the treats and leaned in for a quick kiss. “So, what do you think?”
Danielle looked around where concrete footings were already being prepared. “It’s happening fast.”
“Oh, Miguel’s crew is the best. They understand when something is urgent.” He put his arm around her waist. “I want you to be able to stand in it and really feel what it will be like on our wedding day.”
“At this rate, we could get married next month,” Danielle joked, taking a sip of her coffee.
He looked at her with a sudden seriousness. “Hey, why not?”
“What?”
“Why not next month? Once the gazebo is complete, what are we really waiting for?”
Danielle blinked, caught off guard. “I mean, I just thought we’d have a longer engagement. Most weddings take months to plan and?—”
“Do we need months?” Bennett interrupted. “We know we’re getting married. We know where we’re getting married. We know who’s coming. They all live here. Morty and your mother have practically planned every detail. Why wait?”
Danielle thought about it. The truth was she’d been thinking of a longer engagement just out of convention, more than desire. She’d been married to her career for so long that she’d internalized the idea that big life decisions took extensive lead time. But standing there with Bennett, watching their wedding venue take a physical form, she felt only certainty. There really wasn’t any reason to wait.
“Okay, let’s do it,” she said suddenly. “When the gazebo is finished, why not?”
Bennett smiled. “Really?”
“Really.” She set her coffee down on a stack of wood and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I don’t need a long engagement or a bunch of planning time. I just need you.”
He kissed her then, a full kiss of promise and joy, not caring at all that a construction crew was a few yards away.
“Should we tell the others?” Danielle asked when they finally broke apart.
