Vi eyed him. “What’ve you told her besides my name?”
“That I like you.” He winked. “Are you interested in spending the evening together after we get our obligations out of the way?” he said, eager to be alone with her.
“I’m planning on it. This time at my house.”
He smiled. The day was getting better by the minute.
As soon as they parked at the 709, they headed toward the gardens. “Look,” Vi said and pointed ahead. “There are Rose and Peter.”
Blake studied the tall, silver-haired male at her side. “So that’s her husband. He looks quite a bit older than she is.”
“By fifteen years.” Vi spoke softly. “This is his third marriage.” In a louder voice, she called out to Rose.
Her sister turned toward her and waited for them to catch up. “Hello, you two. You look a lot different from the last time I saw you, Blake. Meet my husband, Peter.”
“You’re the guy wearing Vi’s happy coat,” Peter said.
“Rose told you?” Blake didn’t hide his pained expression, and the man chuckled.
Their small group headed along the path. “I wonder where the back garden is,” Vi said.
Blake pointed it out. “See the tall laurel hedge on your left? It’s behind there. The space is used for parties and celebrations.” He tucked a lock of her hair behind the ear without the flower, trailing his finger to the sensitive place below her earlobe. He welcomed her shiver and looked forward to making her wild again. But that would have to wait.
A uniformed man and woman stood guard at the entrance to the hedge. As soon as they checked the names off the guest list, the four of them were allowed entrance.
Vi glanced around the landscaped yard and gardens. “This is every bit as pretty as the regular grounds.”
A fair number of people had already gathered. All seniors from the 709, Blake guessed. No sign of Grandpop or Caroline.
“I don’t even know who’s marrying them,” Vi told them. “The only thing she said was not to dress up. I wonder where we’re supposed to sit?”
“As family members, I’d imagine up front,” Peter said.
He was right. Seats bearing their names had been reserved for them. Shortly after they sat down, two elderly women approached and introduced themselves as Karen and Suzanne.
“Friends of Caroline,” one of them said.
“Gran mentioned you two,” Vi commented. “It’s good to meet you.”
Holding a cordless microphone, a balding male named Karl, who Blake had met before, stepped in the front of the rows of chairs. “Welcome, all. The nuptials are about to begin. Our own Babette Smith has been certified online and will officiate today.” The gray-haired females standing next to Karl nodded and smiled. “After the ceremony, please join us for a buffet supper atthe tables to your right.” As soon as Karl took his seat, a quartet consisting of retired musicians from the 709 struck up a classical piece.
Dressed in a suit and tie, a beaming Grandpop was first up the aisle. He took his place near Babette. Equally radiant and wearing a flowery dress, Caroline followed.
The ceremony was short and joyous. Without a thought, Blake reached for Vi’s hand. They smiled at each other. She no longer seemed worried that people would talk about them, or if she was she didn’t show it. Tears filled her eyes and the expression on her face was somber.
“You’re sad,” he said. “This is a happy occasion.”
“Just a little sentimental.” She wiped her eyes.
Rose gave her a fond smile. “She’s always been softhearted, even cries at weddings on TV shows and movies.”
A side of her he hadn’t known about.
A reception followed. Vi and Rose congratulated Caroline and Grandpop, then hugged them both. Blake did the same. Caroline’s knowing look clued him in that she’d noticed Vi and him holding hands. “What’d I tell you, Malcom? They’re together. I knew you two would be. You fell in love fast, like we did.”
“We’re not in love,” Blake and Vi stated at the same time.
Other guests crowded in, wanting to chat with the newlyweds. Not long after, the buffet opened and guests ate. When Caroline and Malcom rose and signaled they were finished, almost everyone stood.
