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“Look at his silly grin,” Lindsay teased.
Charlie smiled, her eyes bright with tears. “I wish Mom and Dad could see us now. All together again.”
Lindsay put her arms around Gavin and Charlie. “I’m sure they can,” she said, with a sniffle.
CHAPTER 19
It was another glorioussummer’s day. In the distance, the mountains rose high up into an azure blue sky with not a cloud in sight. Brooke jumped out of bed. She’d stayed with her mom the night before. Gavin had moved most of his things into her house yesterday. The rest, they’d pick up later.
Gavin had mentioned they could add a room or two to Brooke’s house, seeing that there was no need to build one for him. But that was something to think about later; at the moment, she couldn’t wait to marry her fiancé.
Charlie, Lindsay, and her mom had pampered her last night, and she now had soft hands, oil-paint-free nails and painted toenails. She lifted her hand and looked at the ring. On the top of a narrow golden band was a gorgeous ruby, surrounded by tiny diamonds. It was his mother’s ring.
Gavin had invited the men for a barbeque, which he called a braai, at their house. Next time she walked into the house, Gavin would be there, as well.
Hugging herself, Brooke closed her eyes for a moment. Adam. He’d been a good man, a loving dad to Connor, and she’d always have a special place in her heart for him. She’d never thought she’d have a second chance at love, but then Charlie and Lindsay had moved to Alisson, and not long after, their brother had followed them. And even though she hadn’t known it at the time, she’d fallen for this big, sexy South African the first time she’d seen him.
Some things were simply meant to be and had been written in the stars a long time ago.
Her bedroom door flew open, and her mother, Lindsay, and Charlie entered. All were still in their pajamas, and Charlie was carrying a tray with four coffee mugs.
“You’re supposed to be still in bed!” laughed Lindsay. “We’ve brought coffee.”
“Sounds amazing, thanks.” She quickly got under the sheets again and took her mug from Charlie. “Mmm, I’m so glad I can drink coffee again.”
“I remember the feeling.” Charlie laughed. “I’m so glad you’re feeling better. We can’t have the bride sprinting for the bathroom every five minutes.”
While everyone laughed, Lindsay handed her a small, square box. “From the bridegroom. He was here at the crack of dawn and very disappointed he couldn’t see you.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? I’m sure it’ll be okay,” Brooke protested as she stared at the small box. “He doesn’t have to give me another present; he’s given me a ring. I didn’t even expect that.”
“Open it,” Charlie urged her.
With unsteady fingers, Brooke opened the small package and lifted the lid of the small box. She lost her breath. “A chain with a ruby pendant. It’s gorgeous.”
Charlie leaned closer to look at it. “He says you seldom wear rings while you’re painting, but this you can wear around your neck, and you’ll always have something of his with you.”
