Page 32 of Wisteria Winds
“Darling, I’m Dorothy Monroe. I was seducing orchids from botanical gardens long before you were born.”
She patted his knee. “Let me make a call.”
Dorothy swept off to retrieve her phone, and Morty felt his panic subsiding slightly. Of course, Dorothy was right. The wedding would be beautiful no matter what kind of setbacks they had. But if he was being honest with himself, a part of his distress came from knowing that once the wedding was over, his role in island life might diminish again.
Planning the wedding had made him feel important and given him purpose, a reason for people to seek his input. As boisterous and extroverted as Morty was, he craved connection with other people, and sometimes he felt like he didn’t get enough of it. What would happen when the gazebo emptied and the guests went home, and he was left to feel alone again?
Dorothy returned, looking triumphant.
“Well, it’s arranged. Clara’s cousin William will personally select and deliver a collection of premium orchids two days before the wedding. Crisis averted,” she said, putting her sunglasses back on.
“Dorothy, you’re a miracle worker.”
“Yes, I’m aware,” she said dryly. “Now, can we discuss more pressing matters, like the fact that your bow tie collection doesn’t include anything in that exact shade of sea foam that we’re using for the bridesmaids’ bouquets?”
Morty gasped in horror. “Oh my gosh, you’re right. I need to place a rush order immediately.”
He pulled out his phone to remedy this critical fashion emergency and realized something important. The wedding might end, but the relationships he’d formed with those who had helped him plan it - like Dorothy and Danielle and Bennett, and all the residents of Wisteria Island who’d been involved - those would continue.
His place in the community didn’t depend on planning the most perfect event. It was secure simply because he was finally in a place where he belonged.
The gazebo stood like a monument, gleaming in the morning light, with its white columns and graceful dome catching the sun’s early rays. Two weeks of dedicated work had transformed it from a construction site into an elegant structure that looked like it had always been a part of the island.
Bennett walked around it slowly, inspecting every detail. The railings had been installed yesterday. The floor was finished with a natural cedar planking that would weather to a soft silver-gray over time. Inside, recessed lighting was strategically placed to illuminate the space for evening gatherings. It was in every way exactly what he had hoped for—a beautiful setting for their wedding and a lasting addition to the island they both loved.
“It’s beautiful,” came a voice from behind him.
Bennett turned to find Cecilia approaching, looking rested despite her recent trips away from the island for medical conferences.
“Thank you,” he said. “Your design suggestions made it exceptional.”
Cecilia walked around the gazebo. “Miguel’s team executed all the details perfectly. These proportions are exactly right - elegant without being ostentatious.”
“Well, that’s high praise from someone with your eye for design,” Bennett said.
She smiled. “Maybe in another life, I was an architect rather than an epidemiologist. I might have missed my calling.”
“Well, it’s never too late to explore new interests,” Bennett said. “That’s one of the principles Wisteria was founded on.”
“Indeed,” Cecilia said, running her hand along one of the smooth columns. “Have you shown Danielle yet?”
“Not the finished version. She’s been busy with clinic duties and training Dr. Patel. I want to surprise her this evening once the landscaping is done.”
They both turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. Eddie was leading a small team, carrying flats of flowering plants and bags of mulch.
“Morning, boss. Dr. Wright,” he said, nodding at Cecilia. “Ready to put the finishing touches on this beauty today.”
“Well, perfect timing. I was just telling Cecilia about the landscaping plans.”
Eddie gestured toward the plants. “Coastal natives mostly - sea lavender, beach roses, and some ornamental grasses that can handle the salty air. Plus wisteria, of course, to climb the trellises on either side. Come spring, this place will be draped in beautiful purple blooms.”
“How appropriate,” Cecilia nodded. “I particularly like the idea of planting something that will grow and mature along with their marriage.”
Bennett hadn’t thought of it that way, but the metaphor made him smile. “Exactly. Something beautiful that becomes something stronger with each passing year.”
As Eddie’s team began placing the plants according to the landscape designer’s plan, Bennett and Cecilia moved over to a bench overlooking the site.
“You know, I had lunch with Danielle in Atlanta,” Cecilia said.
