Summer on Highland Beach

Epilogue

Two Years Later

“I don’t think the flowers are going to make it down the aisle,” Billie whispered to Perry. Olivia stared at her reflection in the mirror. Years ago, three girls under the age of seven tossing blush pink rose petals in her dressing room would’ve sent her over the edge.

But to Olivia Brooks (soon to be Brooks in thirty minutes and counting), this was heaven.

“It’s okay.” Olivia smiled at Billie’s reflection in the mirror.

“I knew Isabel wasn’t ready for the big leagues.”

“A three-year-old flower girl is a... choice, for sure,” Addy added, while posing for the photographer who insisted on taking organic, behind-the-scenes photos.

“Well, I couldn’t say no to that cute face,” Olivia said, defending her position. “Besides, we can just pick up the flowers.”

“And who is this we?” Addy teased.

“Maybe one or all of my seven bridesmaids.”

Whitney laughed. “There are a lot of us.”

“Yes, make that six of us on petal duty,” Perry added. “There’s no way Ama will pick up anything off the floor.”

Olivia laughed. It took about a full week of begging to get Ama to agree to be her matron of honor. She argued that she was much too old to wear a dress in colors that matched those of her bridesmaids. But Olivia was adamant. She didn’t want Ama just sitting in the audience. She wanted the woman who taught her to love and accept herself right by her side.

“Speaking of, where is my matron of honor?” Olivia scanned the room.

“Here,” Ama said by the door. She waved at a server who held champagne glasses on a platter. Ama wore a beautiful sheer chiffon blush pink gown with sequin accents. The style differed from the other bridesmaid dresses, which were sweetheart chiffon gowns, but the colors were the same.

The server handed around glasses to everyone in the room.

“I’d like to make a toast to my beautiful Olivia. I know your mother and father will do the honors during the reception, so please indulge me in celebrating Olivia before the wedding begins.”

Whitney, Addy, Kara, Billie, Perry, and her childhood friend Tanya lifted their flutes in the air.

“To Olivia. The woman who has it all. A beautiful and meaningful career. Strong friendships that I know will last a lifetime. A beautiful daughter, Zora. And now she’s marrying the love of her life, Garrett. You’ve found yourself. You loved yourself through the difficulties, and that is why you have triumphed—because you’ve learned to love and trust yourself. And through this, all things flow. So let’s raise our glasses and bask in my beautiful goddaughter’s special day. To Olivia!”

“To Olivia!”

Oliva’s heart burst with joy. She had found happiness, friendship, and her home.

She had finally pulled her brass ring.