Page 107 of Christmas at Valentine Inn

“You’re the gorgeous one. Patrick is a lucky man.” She adjusted the sapphire brooch that had been added to my bouquet. A gift from Ophelia. It was my something newandblue. Mostly, it was her way of welcoming me into their family.

“I should feel like this is crazy, but I can’t imagine it being any other way. You know, except for the whole episode ofCopsearlier.”

Charlotte laughed. “Can you believe that? Especially Irma. It makes me feel dirty.”

“I can’t believe she was dating Dave. She’s old enough to be his mother.” I wanted to gag just thinking about it.

“Well, he was paying her for info.”

“That makes it even worse.” I shuddered. “Maybe we shouldn’t talk about it right now.”

“Good idea.”

“Are you ready for this?” She let out a big breath.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever been more ready for anything.” I delicately touched Daisy’s pearls. I felt her cheering me on. An idea struck me. “Char, do think Dad would mind if I asked George to walk me down the aisle? I mean, he’s already given me away once, and I want you to have your moment. And George—he’ll never get the chance to.”

Charlotte’s eyes filled with moisture. “I think that is the loveliest idea you have ever had. I’ll have Dad go get him.” She carefully maneuvered down the stairs.

I followed her down to the main floor where our wedding party, minus the grooms, waited for us. I took in the beautiful scene. Rory and Bridgette, our best man and maid of honor. Jameson, our ring bearer, was holding on to Fiona, who was the honorary flower girl. Patrick’s brother’s family had flown in, and they had a daughter, Poppy, who was Jameson’s age. She looked darling in her little red flower girl dress. Jameson was keeping his distance from her, but he kept looking at her out of the corner of his eye. Poppy had been doing her best to be friends, but Jameson wasn’t sold on the idea. I had a feeling she would eventually wear him down. She was pretty dang cute with curly dark hair and big blue eyes.

As soon as Bridgette and Rory saw me, they rushed to my side.

“You look so beautiful.” Bridgette’s eyes lit up.

“Yeah,” Rory agreed, his cheeks reddening.

“Thank you. And thank you for letting me join your family.” My voice got all pitchy.

“Welove you.” Bridgette nudged Rory like he should say something.

“What she said,” he added, embarrassed.

I would take it. “I love you both so much. Should we go get hitched now?”

“Yes!” Bridgette held up her bouquet.

Rory surprised me and gave me a side hug. “I love you, Stepmommy dearest.”

My makeup was toast at that point. I couldn’t even speak, I was so overcome with emotion.

George came in clutch. He arrived with Dad, and with him he brought a handkerchief. He gently dabbed my eyes with it. “Daisy used to say the greatest joys in life are expressed best through tears.”

She wasn’t wrong.

“Thank you, George,” I managed to say.

He held out his arm to me. “No, thank you, dear one, for the honor. I think it’s time.”

The lyrical tones of the acoustic guitar playing “At Last” rang through the hall. I just prayed Mom didn’t start singing. We’d suggested she might serenade us during dinner. Hopefully she would control herself until then.

Dad gave me a kiss on the cheek before taking Charlotte’s arm. “You look radiant. I love you, sweet Izzy.”

I watched as Rory and Bridgette marched in first, then Jameson, Poppy, and Fiona.

Charlotte winked at me before she and Dad headed in.

“Are you nervous, dear one?” George asked as we made our way toward the ballroom, slowly.

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