Chapter 3
“Your grandparents would be tickled pink if they were here this evening, to be a part of what Locke Pointe was designed to do…hosting parties so much like the ones they had when they were alive.” Ronni placed the floral arrangement on the side table. “I don’t think we’ve overlooked a single detail.”
“I want the party to be perfect for Grandmother and Gerard.” Morgan tied a bouquet of lavender and gray balloons to the back of a chair. “She’s done so much for me.”
“And she loves you,” Ronni said. “Hopefully, no one spilled the beans and spoiled the surprise. I wonder what they’ll think when they see the parking lot full of cars.”
Quick steps echoed in the hall. Quinn appeared. “I have the baked goods from Danish Delight.”
“You can drop them off in the kitchen. Tina is wrapping up the prep work. While you do that, I need to tie this last bouquet of balloons to the mailbox so guests know where to park.” Morgan hustled to the street where she made quick work of adding the cluster of balloons.
She fiddled with the strings, making a few minor adjustments before lingering at the end of the walkway. The porch lights cast Locke Pointe in a warm glow, ready to welcome their special guests.
Morgan wasn’t sure how her grandmother would react to a surprise party. Hopefully, she would embrace it with the spirit in which it was intended…with love.
Hurrying back inside, she, along with Ronni, Quinn and Tina, Locke Pointe’s cook, added the finishing touches to the decorations, and not a moment too soon.
Friends and family streamed in. Morgan stood by the front door, greeting each of them and ushering them into the living room.
Her brother, Brett, Mary, Elizabeth’s best friend, Elin, who owned Locke Village’s downtown bakery, Ariel, proprietor of the local coffee shop. Grace Coates and her father, Denver, who managed Easton Island’s airport. Jax, Mrs. Arnsby, Grady MacDonald and his parents. One after another after another.
Tink. Morgan’s cell phone chimed. It was Ben, the estate’s chauffeur, giving her a heads-up he and the couple were pulling out of Easton Estate.
“Hey, everyone!” Morgan clapped her hands. “Grandmother and Gerard are on their way.”
She dimmed the lights. The whispers faded, and it grew quiet…
Keeping watch from the front door, Morgan spotted Ben first, leading the couple along the sidewalk.
She slipped out of the house and met them halfway. “You’re right on time.”
“The parking lot is jam-packed,” Gerard joked. “Locke Pointe and Lilac Inn must both have a full house tonight.”
“I’m not sure about Grace’s place, but Locke Pointe definitely has a full house.” Morgan accompanied the trio inside, stopping in the foyer to hang their jackets on the hooks by the door. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“Famished. I ate a very light lunch.” Elizabeth was the first to notice something was afoot. “The dining room table is filled with platters of food.”
Morgan ignored the comment, quickly steering them toward the living room. “I thought we would have a pre-dinner bite to eat.”
“It’s dark in here. Perhaps you should turn the lights on,” her grandmother suggested.
“You’re right. That’s an excellent idea.” Morgan caught Quinn’s eye, who was standing nearby, and winked. “Go ahead and hit the lights.”
Quinn flipped the switch.
“Surprise!”
Elizabeth’s eyes grew round as saucers. For once, the stoic senior Easton was speechless.
Gerard recovered first. “For heaven’s sake, what in the world is this?”
“It’s a surprise party,” Morgan beamed. “I invited fifty of your closest friends and family.”
Mary emerged from the crowd, a mischievous grin on her face. “Your expression is priceless.”
Elizabeth pivoted, pinning her granddaughter with a pointed stare and playfully shaking her finger at her. “You did this?”
“Guilty as charged.” Morgan grinned. “Without a doubt, the wedding will be a wedding to remember and more than likely a little chaotic, which got me to thinking a smaller scale gathering would be fun.”
Quinn picked up. “When Morgan said she wanted to throw a surprise pre-wedding party, we were all in.”
“Including Tina, Ronni, and Elin, who whipped up some fabulous dishes and baked goods, along with Ariel, who insisted on bringing the beverages.”
“Thank you for putting this together.”
“You’re welcome.” Quinn nudged Brett, who was standing next to her. “Even Brett contributed.”
“I blew up the balloons,” he joked.
“You did not.” Morgan playfully punched him in the arm.
“Okay, but I did bring them here.”
“It’s simply perfect,” Gerard said. “We had no idea.”
“We Easton Islanders know how to keep a secret,” Ronni said.
“You certainly do.” Not missing a beat, Elizabeth, with Gerard by her side, began making her rounds, greeting their special guests.
Morgan felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Wyatt standing behind her. “Hey, beautiful.”
“There you are. I thought you were going to stand me up.”
“Never. I had to swing by the house to change after work.” He sneaked a kiss. “This is a fancy shindig.”
“You think so?” Morgan gazed around the room, her heart warming at the sight of so many familiar faces, people she loved and cared for.
“Absolutely. Your grandmother appears to be enjoying herself.”
It was true. Elizabeth Easton was in her element. Not as a businesswoman, or estate owner, investor or even grandmother, but as a woman who had built strong relationships and valued her close friendships.
Although the party was for Elizabeth and Gerard, Morgan had a slightly selfish reason for hosting the event. It gave her the opportunity to bring those who meant so much to the Easton family under one roof. Not only to celebrate the upcoming nuptials, but also a celebration of the future.
She snuggled close to her boyfriend, placing her head on his shoulder. All was right in her world. Wyatt had almost completely recovered from his accident. Amber, his ex, had been vanquished from the island. Quinn had moved back to Easton Island. Brett had recently received a good progress report from his doctor. Locke Pointe's reservations were picking up.
The trio of musicians segued into a slower tune. As if on cue, the lights dimmed. Grasping Elizabeth’s hand, Gerard escorted his bride-to-be onto the makeshift dance floor.
The couple swayed to the music, moving in unison. Elizabeth gazed into Gerard’s eyes, a look of love, of promise for the future.
Soon, other couples joined them—Quinn and Brett, Grady and Grace.
“Let’s go.” Wyatt led Morgan to the edge of the dance floor and pulled her into his arms. Her pulse ticked up a notch, feeling his warmth through his silky shirt. She closed her eyes, thanking God he was on the mend. The only remnant of Wyatt being struck during a traffic stop was a slight limp.
“You’re a pretty good dancer,” Morgan murmured.
“I have some moves.” Wyatt shifted back, catching her eye. “Wait until the disco tunes start. You haven’t seen anything yet.”
“Disco tunes?” Morgan tilted her head. “You mean like Saturday Night Fever?”
“You know it.” Wyatt thrust his right hand in the air and his left behind him. “I can boogie down with the best of them.”
“I can’t wait to see you in action,” she teased. “I’ll be sure to request the band to play a tune or two.”
As soon as the song ended, a small army of servers Morgan had hired appeared. They began offering round two of hors d'oeuvres. Petite pizzas, platters of meatballs, shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, and lobster avocado bites.
While Wyatt left to refill their drinks, Morgan circled the room, chatting with guests. Despite knowing Elizabeth wouldn’t be interested in playing party games, she’d come up with a compromise…a trivia game about Easton Island.
Quinn helped her host by handing out paper and pencils. It was no surprise, at least to Morgan, when Captain Davey and Denver Coates tied for the most correct answers.
She passed out the goodie bags filled with treats from the bakery, coffee from Bean Brewing, Ariel’s coffee shop, and even a gift card for the local hardware store.
All too soon, the party ended.
“Gerard and I shall stay to help you clean up,” Elizabeth said.
“No way.” Morgan shook her head. “As honorary guests, you’re not allowed to help.”
“You can, however, take some food off our hands.” Ronni held out a platter of petite sandwiches and decadent desserts.
“Thank you. It was lovely to see everyone.”
“I met a few of Gerard’s friends. It was nice to put faces with names.” Morgan trailed behind the couple, following them and Ben to their vehicle. She placed the leftovers in the trunk. “I’ll swing by tomorrow to pick up Chester. Please tell Mrs. Arnsby thanks again for keeping him at the house.”
“He’s no trouble at all.” Elizabeth closed the door and rolled the window down. “It was a beautiful party. Thank you, Morgan.”
“You’re welcome. I love you, Grandmother. I want this to be a special time for both of you. This was my small contribution.”
“You succeeded splendidly,” Gerard said. “I’m not sure the wedding can top this.”
“It will, but on a completely different scale. I should get back inside.” Morgan waved goodbye and turned toward the house. As much as she had looked forward to hosting the celebration, a tiny corner of her heart was sad.
Elizabeth had been such a huge part of her life these past couple of years. She and Gerard planned to split their time between Toronto and Easton Island, a change that was bittersweet in so many ways.
The senior Easton stepping back meant one thing for certain. Morgan and Brett would take on more prominent roles in the family’s business. She only hoped they were ready to fill a very important pair of shoes.