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ChapterThree
Andrea had been driving for over thirty minutes when she spotted the sign that indicated the highway was just a few miles away from where she was. She watched the road keenly, not wanting to miss the turn-off that would take her onto the interstate. Two minutes later, she was on the highway heading toward her childhood home.
Her phone rang. Looking over at the device mounted on the air vent, she realized that it was her daughter calling. Andrea tapped the answer button and then greeted Rory.
“Hi, sweetie.”
“Hi, Mom.” Rory’s chirpy voice filled the interior of the Jeep as she greeted her mother.
“You sound extra bubbly this afternoon,” Andrea observed. “What’s up?”
“I am,” Rory agreed. “Remember I was telling you that James and I wanted to have our wedding reception at the Le Meridien, but they were completely booked for all of next spring?”
“Uh-huh,” Andrea mumbled, waiting for her daughter to finish her statement.
“Well, we got the call today that they can pencil us in for March third after another couple dropped the appointment,” Rory replied, unable to contain her excitement.
“Wow, sweetie, that’s great news,” Andrea responded, happy for her daughter.
Even though the wedding was a little more than eight months away, Andrea knew how important it was to get some of the most pertinent items, such as the wedding venue and guest list, out of the way. You could end up rushing and feeling frustrated the longer you waited to sort those things out. She knew because event planning was something she occasionally did. She also knew how much her daughter had wanted the glitzy upscale restaurant that was widely sought-after and usually heavily booked during the spring for wedding receptions, bridal, and baby showers.
“Yeah, I know. James doesn’t understand why I’m so happy about this, so I couldn’t really get him to feel the joy I felt. I thought it was best I called you. You would understand.”
Andrea laughed at her daughter’s reasoning.
“So, how is my favorite son-in-law?”
“James is great, Mom. Barring his lack of understanding of the importance of getting the best reception venue, he’s been so wonderful and supportive,” Rory spoke dreamily.
Andrea smiled in satisfaction. She was happy Rory had someone to lean on at this time, someone who seemed to always put her needs first. Andrea could not have asked for a better partner for her daughter.
“He has this huge case he’s working on, and it’s been really stressing him out. I think he may of bit off more than he can chew. It’s a really big opportunity for him to move from junior attorney to an associate, though, so hopefully, he’ll push through,” she informed her mother.
“That’s wonderful, honey. I’m sure he’ll manage. He always does.”
“I’m just happy he still finds time for me, to make me feel special. I’m trying to take care of as much of the wedding arrangements as I can by myself so that he doesn’t have to worry about this too. I need to send out our save the dates soon. Speaking of, do you think I should send any to my cousins? I already made all of them along with Aunt Cora, Aunt Josephine, and one for Grandma, but I wasn’t sure if—”
Andrea sighed inwardly at the uncertainty in her daughter’s voice. She could see how much she wanted to get to know her family, but with so many years of barely keeping in touch, she could understand how unsure Rory felt about it, probably not wanting to appear out of character, inviting them like that. They had spent the few days they had been in Oak Harbor getting to know each other, but it was hardly enough time to build a bond with anyone.
“You should,” she encouraged her. “I’m sure they would appreciate the gesture.”
“Okay, great.”
She could hear the sigh of relief in her daughter’s voice as if she’d been holding her breath, waiting for Andrea’s weigh-in.
“So, where are you? I hear cars passing by.”
“Oh, I’m actually on my way to Oak Harbor. I promised Cora that I would go back and help her with the inn and with Mom,” she explained. “I should have let you know when I was leaving. Everything has just happened so fast.”
“Mom, it’s fine. I understand,” Rory assured her. “How long will you be gone for?”
“I’m not sure, sweetie. I packed for at least a month, but I think I’m going to be there for a while,” Andrea replied. She hadn’t given much thought to that, and she still wasn’t sure.
“If I need you, I know where to find you then. I’m happy you’re getting this time to reconnect with them.”
Andrea wanted to hug her daughter right now for how mature she’d become but instead settled for, “I love you, Rory.”
“I love you, too, Mom.”
