I was proud of George for being bold and telling Kip to take the rest of the day off with his team. He nodded, rounded up the workers, and told them to go home. Once he was in his truck, I knew he was displeased by how he revved the engine. He accelerated past us in a rage, leaving us in a cloud of dust.
At least we won’t have to worry about him now, especially when Janie asks our guests if anyone objects to our marriage. Losing his strong grip on owning part of Jamison Farm would definitely be a reason for Kip to speak up and ruin things.
But that’s not going to happen.
“I just have to get dressed. My makeup and hair accessories are laid out at George’s cottage. He’s going to get ready here at the main house.”
“I can’t wait to see you in your outfit. And by the way, I’m thrilled to be your maid of honor.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” We giggle, and she reaches for me, our pinkies linking together between the rockers.
“Did you talk to Mom?” I scrunch my nose, prepared for the worst.
“I did. I called her on my drive here.”
“And?”
“And… she’s over the moon happy for you.”
I sit up straight and stop rocking. “Really? She’s… she’s happy for me?”
“Of course. I mean, she’s sad too because she can’t make it. She and Mike have already allotted their vacation days for their wedding and honeymoon. They only get a handful, and Mom insisted she doesn’t want you to worry about her, okay? She sends her love. Oh! And she asked me to give you this.” Beverly pulls a piece of scrap paper from her purse and passes it off to me.
I frown. “What is it?”
“Open it and see for yourself. I had to pull over on the side of the highway to write her message. You know how she can get. She was adamant. Sorry, all I could find in my car to write on was a ripped-off piece of my fast-food lunch bag.”
I nod, slowly unfold the paper, and read my mother’s message in my sister’s handwriting out loud.
“To my daughter on her wedding day. This is the start of your new life. And even though I can’t be present, please know my heart is there with you. I wish you and your George a lifetime of happiness. Love, Mom.”
I look up at my sister, shocked by my mother’s kind words. “Wow. She hit it out of the ballpark with this message.”
“I know. I told her as much. You know we’ll have to find a way to attend her wedding in a few months, right? She told me we can make her reception a double celebration to include you and George.”
I fold the paper in half and slip it into my pocket, knowing it will take an act of God for George to get on an airplane and bea part of my quirky mother’s festivities. But maybe I’m selling him short. Maybe he could?
A sure calmness settles over me, and I rub the gold band around my thumb again. “That’s very thoughtful of her. We’ll do our best to be there.”
“Gah! I’m so excited for you, Maddy. But I’m dying to know something.”
“What?” I laugh.
Her voice is laced with contagious excitement and cuts through the air in a squeal. “When do I get to meetGeorge?”
“Oh,” I laugh. “For some reason, I feel like you and George have already met, which is weird because I know you haven’t. But you’ll meet him soon enough. He can’t be disturbed right now.”
“Why not?”
I look at the barn in the distance, knowing George is inside. “He told me he’s working on a secret project and needs time alone. When he’s finished, he’ll let me know. But if he doesn’t finish before we get ready, you’ll have to meet him at the ceremony.”
Beverly rocks with her head leaned back against the chair. “Well, I can’t wait to meet him.”
We’re interrupted by Janie and Jenny coming outside carrying a bottle of champagne and four flutes.
“Hey, girlies!” Jenny exclaims.
“Hey!” We reply in a high-pitched tone.
