Page 47 of Wisteria Winds
Clara began playing along with the string quartet, and Danielle couldn’t help but smile. With Morty at her side, she began to walk toward the gazebo, toward Bennett, and toward their future together.
Bennett stood in the center of the gazebo and tried to maintain his composure as the music started. Eddie stood beside him as his best man and offered silent support as they watched Danielle’s mother being escorted to her seat in the front row. The music shifted, signaling the bride’s approach, and Bennett’s heart felt like it was going to stop.
He saw Danielle appear at the end of the aisle, radiant in her beautiful wedding gown, her smile so big that he could see it from far away. Everyone else disappeared in that moment. There were no guests or decorations, or even a beautiful view. Everything was insignificant compared to Danielle walking toward him.
As she reached the gazebo steps, Morty placed her hand in Bennett’s with uncharacteristic seriousness.
“Take care of our girl,” he said quietly.
“Always,” Bennett said.
Together, they turned to face the pastor. Before he began, Clara’s music swelled in a brief interlude, and then they took a moment of reflection and remembrance for those who couldn’t be there, like Bennett’s grandmother, Danielle’s father, and Clara’s beloved husband, as well as many other people on the island who had lost those they loved.
Then Bennett and Danielle exchanged vows that they had written for each other.
“Danielle,” Bennett started, his voice steady despite the fact that he wanted to break down, “before you came to Wisteria Island, I’d created a community for everyone else, but I remained isolated. You changed all of that, showing me that real connection means being vulnerable, being authentic, and being fully present with another person. I promise you that I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to bring you joy every day, trying to understand you, and being the unwavering support that you need. I promise to build our life together with the same care and attention to detail that I gave this island and that you give your patients. I promise to love you through all seasons, all challenges, and all of the unexpected twists and turns our journey may take.”
Danielle’s eyes watered as she spoke her own vows.
“Bennett, you found me at my lowest point, wounded, disillusioned, and convinced I didn’t need anyone. With patience and steady kindness, you showed me what a real partnership would look like. It’s not perfect, and it’s not without challenges, but it’s built on mutual respect and care and love. I promise to be your partner in everything, to support you in your dreams as you’ve supported mine, and to create a home with you that’s filled with laughter. I promise to face whatever life brings us together as a team, and to continue growing with you, learning with you, and building a life - our lives together - one day, one moment, and one memory at a time. I promise to love you completely, honestly, and with my whole heart today and for every day that follows.”
They exchanged rings, simple platinum bands that symbolized their lifelong commitment, and then the pastor pronounced them husband and wife as Clara played again, a joyful melody that seemed to fit the mood. Their first kiss as a married couple was met with enthusiastic applause from their island friends and their mainland guests. Cecilia was dabbing discreetly at her eyes in the front row.
As they turned to face all of their guests, now officially Mr. and Mrs. Alexander, Bennett squeezed her hand.
“Happy?” he whispered.
She looked at him, smiling completely. “And you?”
“More than I ever thought possible,” he said, bending to kiss her once more as their guests continued to applaud.
The ceremony had been perfect, and not because of the flawless weather or beautiful decorations, but because it truly reflected who they were as a couple.
As they moved through the crowd accepting congratulations, Bennett caught Clara’s eye at the keyboard. She smiled and nodded about the note he had sent earlier. Later, during the reception, they would announce the official naming of the Whitman Gazebo. But for now, the moment belonged to him and Danielle, to the promises they had made before friends and family, and the life they would build together on their beloved island.
CHAPTER 13
The community center had been transformed for the reception. Tables were arranged around a dance floor in the middle, and thousands of little lights created a starlit effect overhead. There were clusters of orchids and sea glass that decorated each table, complemented by candles and hurricane lamps.
Danielle and Bennett made their entrance to enthusiastic applause. The ceremony had been everything they’d hoped for - meaningful, personal, and a true reflection of their relationship. Now it was time to celebrate with the community that had brought them together in the first place.
After their first dance to a piece Clara had composed specifically for the occasion, dinner was served. Esther and her team had outdone themselves, creating a menu that showcased all of the local seafood and seasonal produce. Conversation flowed along with champagne as the room filled with laughter and animated conversations.
Midway through the meal, Eddie stood to offer the first toast. Initially, he seemed a little nervous, but then he found his footing and spoke from his heart.
“I’ve known Bennett since he had the crazy idea to build this retirement community on an undeveloped island,” he said, smiling. “Most people thought it wouldn’t work, that it was far too isolated and too unconventional an idea. But Bennett had this vision of creating not just housing, but a true community where people could age with dignity and purpose.”
He turned and looked at Danielle. “And then this amazing woman arrived. Initially, just as temporary medical staff, I figured she’d leave just like everybody else had. I remember Bennett calling her, quote, ‘the most stubborn, opinionated health care provider he’d ever met’ after their first week working together. Those of us who knew Bennett recognized his tone immediately—he was already falling for her, even if he didn’t know it yet.”
Laughter rippled through the reception as Bennett shook his head, smiling.
“But what makes these two so perfect together isn’t just their love for each other, although anybody can plainly see that. It’s their shared commitment to this island and the people here. They’ve put their hearts into making Wisteria Island not just a place to live, but a place where everyone belongs.”
He raised his glass. “To Bennett and Danielle. May your marriage be as strong as the foundation of this island, and as beautiful as the community you’ve built together.”
Everybody echoed the toast and clinked glasses as Danielle leaned over to kiss Bennett’s cheek.
Dinner continued, and Morty approached the microphone wearing his lavender suit again.
