Page 41 of Wisteria Winds
Before Danielle could respond, Bennett arrived. He looked calm but concerned.
“Cecilia,” he said, sitting beside her on the bench, “I think we might need to make some adjustments to today’s schedule.”
“I’m perfectly capable,” she started.
“Of course you are,” Bennett interrupted. “That’s never been a question. But Danielle and I have been talking, and we realize we’ve been so unfair to you.”
She blinked in surprise. “What? Unfair? How?”
“Well, we’ve allowed you to shoulder so much of the wedding preparation burden. You’ve been working non-stop, and we’ve been so caught up in our own excitement that we haven’t properly acknowledged everything you’ve done.”
“Well, that’s what mothers do,” Cecilia said.
“Perhaps. But you deserve to enjoy the celebration too, and not just work yourself through it. So here’s what we propose. Dorothy and Morty are going to take over the final coordination duties for today and tomorrow. Of course, you’ll still be consulted on any major decisions, but all the hands-on work will be theirs and whoever they get to help them.”
“Absolutely,” Dorothy agreed. “I’ve directed enough film sets to handle a wedding coordination.”
“And I’ve been taking meticulous notes of all your specifications,” Morty said. “Every ribbon placement, every floral arrangement, all according to your standards.”
Cecilia looked at all of them suspiciously. “You know, this feels like a conspiracy.”
“No, Mom, it’s us recognizing you,” Danielle said, “for how much you’ve done and how much we just want you to be able to enjoy the results of your hard work.” She took her mother’s hand. “Please, let us do this for you.”
Cecilia’s expression softened. Maybe she was just too exhausted to maintain her usual level of control.
“Well, I suppose I could use a bit of rest before tonight’s rehearsal dinner.”
“Great,” Bennett said, offering his hand to help her up. “I’m going to walk you back to your cottage. Danielle’s going to finish her morning appointments. Dorothy and Morty are eager to prove their coordinating capabilities.”
As they walked slowly along the path leading to Cecilia’s cottage, she sighed. “This is about my blood pressure, isn’t it?”
“Well, it’s about wanting my future mother-in-law to be well enough to dance at our wedding,” Bennett said. “And yeah, Danielle is very concerned about your health. We both are.”
“I never wanted to cause anyone worry,” she said. “I just wanted everything to be perfect for Danielle. She deserves that.”
“She also deserves to have her mother healthy and present. Above all else,” he said gently. “Those details at the wedding matter far less than you do.”
They walked in silence for a moment before Cecilia spoke again. “You know, I missed so many important moments in her life because of my career. I missed school plays, sports competitions, even her college graduation. There was always some conference or research deadline that took precedence.” She shook her head. “I don’t want to miss this, too.”
“You won’t. But you need to rest today, take your medication properly, and let everybody else handle the details.” He smiled. “I promise we won’t let Morty add sequins to the gazebo columns while you’re napping.”
That earned a small laugh. “Very well. I’ll be the perfect patient for the remainder of the day.”
As they reached her cottage, she looked at him. “You know, you’re good for her. I wasn’t entirely convinced at first, but I am now.”
“Thank you,” he said. “That means a great deal coming from you.”
“Take care of her,” she said, “even when she insists she doesn’t need it. She can be a bit like her mother.”
“I will,” he promised. “Now you go rest - nurse’s orders.”
As he watched Cecilia enter her cottage, he sent a quick text to Danielle:
Mission accomplished. Your mother has agreed to rest and let Dorothy and Morty handle the remaining details. Coming back to check on you.
The crisis had been averted for now, but he had no illusions that Cecilia was going to let other people control all the wedding preparations. He just hoped this intervention would ensure she made it through the celebrations without a serious health incident. Danielle always reminded him that the best medical treatment was prevention. In this case, they were trying to prevent Cecilia Wright from working herself into collapse.
The rehearsal dinner was in full swing at Esther’s Restaurant, which had been closed to the public for this private event, although most of the island was in attendance. Long tables had been arranged on the deck overlooking the water, decorated with hurricane lamps and simple arrangements of beach roses and sea lavender. Bennett stood at the head of one of the tables, looking at the scene with quiet satisfaction.
