“I want you to have it. In a way, this is your blue chip.”
“What do you mean?”
A tender smile illuminated Donna’s face, brightening her glistening green eyes. “You’ve overcome a lot to be standing here today. I know that more than anyone. And I’m…” Donna’s lips trembled as she fought back tears. “I’m proud of you, Cassandra.”
Eliza drew in a breath, startled to hear Cassie’s full name for the first time. It sounded strange to her ears, yet oddly fitting coming from Donna’s lips, as though it held special meaning between mother and daughter. And Eliza marveled at how the inverse of a nickname could feel so intimate.
As the women embraced, Eliza thought she heard Donna whisperI love you, but couldn’t be certain.
Tracing her fingertips along the rims of her eyes, removing any remnants of smeared eyeliner, Donna bid them goodbye before slipping out of the room, leaving Cassie and her maid of honor alone.
Cassie sniffled, turning toward the mirror above the dresser to inspect her makeup.
“Are you okay?” Eliza handed Cassie a tissue, thankful they’d chosen waterproof mascara.
“I still can’t believe she’s here.” Cassie dabbed an imaginary smudge. “My heart feels so… full.”
Eliza smiled, her own heart overflowing. “Since you decided to move in with Luke, do you think you’ll offer the cottage to your mom?”
“No.” Cassie shook her head, setting the tissue on the dresser. “I don’t think Mom will ever move back. I mean, you’ve seen her over the last few days. She’s trying to hide it, but she still hates it here for some reason I can’t fathom.”
Eliza’s features softened in understanding, amazed at Cassie for being so perceptive despite all the distractions.
“But since we’re on the subject…” Cassie pulled open the top drawer of the dresser and removed a small wooden box engraved with tiny daffodils.
Immediately, Eliza recognized Luke’s craftsmanship as she accepted what she assumed to be her bridesmaid’s gift. “It’s beautiful.”
“Open it.” Cassie’s eyes glittered expectantly as Eliza popped open the lid.
Her brow furrowed, Eliza lifted a simple silver key, unclear what it represented.
“It’s a key to the cottage.” Cassie beamed, bouncing on her tiptoes in her excitement. “I’d like you and Ben to live here, rent free, for as long as you’d like.”
Shaking her head, Eliza stuffed the key back inside the box and closed the lid. “Cass, I can’t accept this. It’s too generous.” She held the box out to Cassie, but her friend crossed her arms, a smirk playing about her lips.
“I’m sorry, but it’s against the rules to defy the bride on her special day. Besides,” she added, “Grandma Edie would want you to live here. If you won’t accept it for yourself, then take it for Ben. And that adorable new dog of yours.”
A flood of emotion overwhelmed Eliza, and she choked back a sob. “I… don’t know what to say.”
“Say you won’t be upset when I tell you that Luke and Colt spent the morning hanging a swing on the maple tree while we were getting ready.” Cassie’s eyes danced with glee, as though she could hardly contain her happiness.
“What? But how did they…” As awareness dawned, Eliza’s eyes widened. “That’s why you turned up the music when we were doing our makeup….”
“I thought for sure you’d catch on,” Cassie laughed. “Instead, you must have thought I really,reallylike ‘Pretty Woman’ by Roy Orbison.”
“It’s a good song,” Eliza giggled, reaching for a tissue to blot her damp cheeks. “What made you think of the swing?”
“It was Colt’s idea, actually. He said every little boy needs a tree swing. And I happen to agree.”
Flinging her arms around Cassie’s neck, Eliza hugged her friend, not caring if they crumpled both of their dresses.
The deep rumble of an engine pulled them apart.
Taking a step back, Eliza regarded Cassie one last time before she became Mrs. Luke Davis.
Moved beyond words by her beauty, which emanated from within, Eliza whispered, “I think your ride is here.”
* * *
