Page 48 of Wisteria Winds
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced with theatrical flair, “Bennett and Danielle have a special announcement to make.”
They both rose, Bennett keeping Danielle’s hand firmly in his as they took center stage.
“First of all, we want to thank everyone for being a part of our special day,” Bennett said. “Wisteria Island isn’t just the place we met—it’s where we found our family.”
He looked around the room at all of the residents who had become so much more than just neighbors or patients of Danielle’s.
“The gazebo where we exchanged our vows today is going to remain as a permanent addition to the island, and we’ve decided to name it in honor of someone whose music and friendship have meant so much to us, especially during the last few weeks of planning our wedding.”
Danielle took over the speech. “The Whitman Gazebo will stand as a tribute to Clara and her late husband, Robert, whose legacy in music will continue to inspire us all.”
Clara was seated at a table near the small stage. She smiled as Bennett spoke. Dorothy sat beside her and reached over to squeeze her hand.
“Also,” Bennett said, “we’ve established a small endowment to ensure that the gazebo will host regular musical performances for this island community, and Clara has graciously agreed to serve as the artistic director for this program.”
Everybody clapped, and Clara found herself blinking back tears as residents walked by her table to congratulate her on the news. The unexpected honor touched her deeply—not just the naming of the gazebo, but the opportunity to bring music to the island in an ongoing way. Robert would have loved this, she thought. He always believed music belonged everywhere, not just in concert halls.
As the celebratory atmosphere continued, Cecilia made her way to Clara’s table in her elegant dress.
“That was a lovely gesture from Bennett and Danielle,” she said, taking an empty seat, “and so well deserved. Your music today was absolutely beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Clara said. “It means a great deal to me.”
“And I understand completely,” Cecilia said. “When we lose someone we love, having their name live on—well, it matters.”
Dorothy returned from the dance floor, slightly breathless after being whirled around by Morty.
“I swear that man has the energy of someone half his age,” she said, fanning herself. “Cecilia, you should try dancing with him. It’s positively invigorating.”
“I don’t dance,” Cecilia said quickly.
Dorothy arched an elegant eyebrow. “Oh, nonsense. Everyone dances at weddings. It’s actually mandatory, I think.”
Clara watched with amusement as Dorothy somehow persuaded the dignified epidemiologist onto the dance floor, just as the band began a lively number. Cecilia moved stiffly at first, but then relaxed under Dorothy’s encouraging guidance.
Danielle and Bennett were making their rounds in the room. When they reached Clara, Bennett leaned down to kiss her cheek.
“I hope our speech wasn’t too overwhelming.”
She shook her head. “It was a beautiful gesture, and I’m deeply honored.”
“The gazebo wouldn’t exist without you,” Danielle said. “Your music was so inspiring in much of the design.”
“Besides,” Bennett said with a smile, “who better to oversee a music program in a gazebo than a world-class conductor?”
Clara smiled. “Hardly world-class anymore, but I’ll do my best to bring beautiful music to the island.”
“To your island,” Danielle said. “You’re a part of Wisteria now, Clara—for as long as you want to be.”
The reception continued into the evening, and as it shifted from a formal celebration to more relaxed enjoyment, Bennett found himself momentarily alone as Danielle was swept onto the dance floor by Morty. It promised to be an enthusiastic interpretation of a classic disco song.
“She looks very happy,” a voice said over his shoulder.
Bennett turned to find Cecilia holding a glass of champagne.
“I hope so,” he said. “That’s all I want for her—just true happiness.”
Cecilia studied him. “You know, when Danielle first told me about you, I have to admit I was skeptical. A wealthy tech entrepreneur who built an island—it sounded like a lot of red flags to me.”
