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Cary held my mother’s hand as they sat by the pool, sipping on tea and enjoying the sun.
Will that be me and Carson in twenty years?
I hoped so.
I’d never seen my mother so in love. My heart warmed just seeing them so close and intimate.
One month after his wife passed away, Cary moved to England and spent most of his time at Merivale. They’d become inseparable. I could tell he wasn’t taking advantage of my mother because of the love in his eyes whenever he looked at her. One didn’t fake that kind of affection.
Declan and Theadora arrived with Julian, who, at four, was looking more like his father. Bertie, my mother’s corgi, followed along with a bone almost bigger than him dangling in his mouth.
Carson and Declan hugged, while I kissed Theadora and hugged my nephew.
It was the morning of my wedding.
Following tradition, along with my mother’s wishes, the ceremony was to be held at Merivale.
When Ethan and Mirabel arrived with their children and Freddie scampering at their feet, the garden came alive, filled with children, laughter, dogs, and general good cheer.
My brothers, along with their energetic sons, tossed and kicked the football. It was something they’d always done as children, then as teenagers, and now as adults.
Ethan and Mirabel’s little Rosie, now fourteen months, waddled about trying to catch up. She was so cute with that red hair.
Although I couldn’t stop giggling at my brothers and children acting all silly, nerves still invaded me. I felt a panoply of emotions, from elation and a touch of sadness to everything in between.
Watching Rosie stumbling about reminded me how I would never have a little girl of my own. Tears pricked at my eyes, and I took a deep breath while channelling heart-warming thoughts, like spending a lifetime with Carson.
That was all I needed. And I had a great family. I loved my sisters-in-law and my niece and nephews. I’m sure there would be more children to enjoy, and they’d already brought so much light and laughter to Merivale.
I just wished my father had met Carson. He would have approved. Not that my mother disapproved. She had formed a good relationship with Carson, who was always respectful and dignified around those older than him.
I hovered about, watching the crazy sports taking place on the vast grounds of Merivale. Carson had joined in and was leaping in the air to catch the ball, looking all athletic and sexy, which made my panties sticky again. That might have been because, for the first time since dating, we hadn’t had sex for breakfast. Since it was our wedding day, we went with tradition.
Theadora sat down next to me on the filigree cast-iron bench. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m kind of nervous, to be honest.”
She gave me a sympathetic smile. “I hope you like what we’re going to play for the service. Mirabel’s singing something she wrote especially for you. It’s very poetic and sweet.”
I shook my head in wonder. “That’s so amazing. I can’t wait to hear it. And they’ll capture it on film.”
“Are you really okay?” Theadora slanted her head and wore a concerned half-smile. She read me well. People who’d had their own demons were good at spotting struggle.
“The whole Bram experience has shaken me.”
“He was found dead. Overdosed, I hear.”
Declan came up and, having heard Theadora’s comment, said, “He won’t be missed.”
My brother’s cool, matter-of-fact response to Bram’s passing should have shocked me, but it didn’t because all I felt was relief when I heard he’d overdosed.
“I can’t help but wonder if it was an accident.” I’d already voiced this opinion with Carson, who just shrugged it off a little too quickly, making my mind wander into all kinds of territories.
Theadora shook her head. “Try not to think about it. Especially today.”
My brother held his wife’s hand. They’d been married five years, and they still acted like a love-struck pair.
Noticing my growing smile, Declan opened out his hand. “What?”
