51. Chapter 51

fifty-one

The bride wore an elegant scoop-neck floor-length chiffon sheath dress in blush. The sheer long sleeves and the deep-V back brought a little attitude to the simple dress. She carried a bouquet of pink roses as she walked down the aisle on Chris’ arm, full of smiles for the small party gathered on the lawn.

Chris smiled at George Sullens as he gave Rosemary’s hand to his father. George’s eyes were bright with joy as he took in his lovely bride and looped her arm around his elbow, whispered something in her ear that made her giggle before turning to the judge.

Chris joined Rowan in the front row, and together they witnessed Chris’ father getting a second chance at love, marrying his new partner. They looked sweet together, and Rowan was glad for them.

Chris had told her about his father’s almost-miraculous transformation. To think that the man had gone through decades of his life coping with his wife’s death by burying himself in work and shutting out his son, when he could’ve had this happiness if he’d recognized his problem and sought help earlier. But sometimes, it took the right person at the right time to break through a hard shell. For George, it was Rosemary, and the time was now.

With the beach as their backdrop, George and Rosemary made their vows under an arbor covered in white and pink roses. Rowan had helped Chris work his magic in throwing this wedding together in a matter of days .

“I can’t believe you pulled this off in four days,” Rowan whispered to Chris when they threw rose petals over the newly married Mr. and Mrs. George and Rosemary Sullens.

“It’s a small enough wedding that I had little trouble. The toughest part was making sure we had enough roses. They’re Rosemary’s favorite,” Chris said.

“Figures.” Rowan grinned, watching the older couple surrounded by their local friends. “For someone in his position, I thought he’d want to invite more people.”

“My dad’s done with all that. He’s retiring,” Chris said.

“He is?” Rowan glanced at him.

If George is retiring, that means Chris is taking over The Sullens.

Chris smiled as if he’d read her mind. “Yes, I’m taking his place, but The Sullens have an excellent management board. I may have to go to Boston once in a while, but for most of the summer, I’m planning to be in Vinalhaven with you. And while you’re off season, maybe we’ll stay some of it in Boston, and other times we’ll work on the Eve resorts?”

“You’ve figured it all out, haven’t you?” Rowan narrowed her eyes at him, a little peeved.

“Not at all,” Chris said, unnerved. “But we have to start with something. I know this won’t be easy, but you and I can work at it. You love a challenge, don’t you?”

Rowan rolled her eyes with a laugh. “This is what I get for marrying a boy from Massachusetts.”

“Hey, this Massachusetts boy is moving to Maine for you.”

“You’ll never survive our winter.”

“I plan to whisk you to sunny, exotic locations in the winter.” Chris spun her toward the beach. “How about that, Maine girl?”

“I can be persuaded.” Rowan played coy.

Chris laughed and pulled her to him. “Life will be interesting with you.”

Rowan smiled. “My advice is to expect the unexpected.”

“Oh, I count on that.” Chris brushed his lips over hers and sealed their fate together.

Rowan felt it strongly in her gut. Whatever fate would bring them, they’d face it together.

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