Chapter 23
Chester, looking dapper in his top hat and bow tie, with the custom ring holder Mrs. Arnsby had made attached to his collar, proudly trotted down the aisle. As anticipated, he started to veer off when he saw Ben.
Morgan whistled. She lifted the corner of her gown, revealing the packet of treats taped to her ankle. They’d been practicing the trick every day since she’d come up with a surefire plan, guaranteeing Chester would deliver the rings.
The pup picked up the pace and hurried the rest of the way down the aisle. Morgan patted his head and fed him the treats while the guests chuckled. She removed the ring pouch and handed it to the best man.
Elizabeth and Gerard, keen to keep the ceremony short and sweet, exchanged their vows and rings, ending it with a loving kiss that brought guests to their feet for an enthusiastic round of applause.
The tempo picked up and the couple triumphantly marched down the aisle. Morgan fell into step with Gerard’s best friend, following the newlyweds to the back where they greeted guests, directing them toward the “welcome tent,” the first of several strategically placed around the estate’s meticulously manicured grounds.
The party was in full swing by the time the couple finished with the photographs. Morgan escorted her pup upstairs to Elizabeth’s apartment, concerned he might get lost in the shuffle of well-wishers.
Wyatt stood near the rear entrance, waiting for her to return. He slipped an arm around her as they meandered toward the reception area. “It was a beautiful wedding and you are a stunning woman.”
“Thank you.” Morgan absentmindedly tugged on her sleeve. “I wasn’t sure if the dress was too revealing, but it fits like a glove.”
“I’m the envy of every man here,” Wyatt insisted.
A server appeared, offering an array of decadent appetizers…the traditional Canadian dish of poutine…a blend of French fries and cheese curds topped with savory gravy, blinis with caviar, petite mashed potato balls, a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and chives, along with puff pastries filled with mushrooms, shallots and a tastebud tingling blend of herbs.
Keeping Wyatt by her side, the couple made their rounds while the newlyweds mingled near the center of the room. Brett, with Quinn on his arm, greeted guests at the far end of the tent.
The cocktail reception wound down. It was time to move to the next tent where the meal was being served.
Despite the early hour, the dining spot was bathed in soft light. Towering floral centerpieces adorned the tables. Tucked beneath each, votive candles flickered, casting a romantic glow. Enormous bouquets of flowers, more than Morgan had ever seen in her life, filled the tent, creating an elegant garden of pink and blue.
Brett offered a toast congratulating the couple, sprinkling in a few anecdotal stories. Morgan was next. When first asked, she’d been reluctant about making a speech until she really thought about it. She wasn’t speaking to strangers. These weren’t “just” people. They were family, friends, islanders…her world, and then she realized she had something to say.
She approached the microphone after Brett finished, standing next to where her grandmother and Gerard were seated. It grew quiet, and she could feel all eyes on her.
“I would like to echo my brother Brett’s sentiments and thank all of you for being here to help celebrate this special occasion.” Morgan cleared her throat. “When I first found out about Easton Island, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The only thing I knew was my mother, Laura, had left a will. I didn’t know I had a brother. I didn’t know my grandmother was still alive. It was a jarring time in my life, and I’ll be the first to admit I was a little lost.”
Morgan placed her hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder. “As I look around this room at my neighbors, my friends, my family, I can only say God truly blessed me by bringing me here. Grandmother has been my rock through some tough times. From the moment I met Gerard, it was clear to see their special bond. I couldn’t be more proud or happier to have stood at the altar today watching as they promised to share the rest of their lives together.”
She wrapped it up by thanking guests again before handing the microphone to the master of ceremonies. Morgan hugged Elizabeth and then Gerard. “I love you both.”
“We love you too.” Gerard dabbed at his eyes. “Thank you for welcoming me into the family.”
“I meant every word I said. I hope you have many years together.”
As soon as the speeches ended, dinner service began. Waitstaff clad in crisp black and white uniforms appeared. The meal started with a traditional first course, followed by a second course. The first round of dishes was cleared away and the main course arrived. One scrumptious dish right after another until Morgan was certain she couldn’t eat another bite.
The meal ended and the wedding guests moved on to what Quinn jokingly referred to as the “party tent.” The band played a medley of tunes. Morgan felt a light tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Jax standing behind her.
“Look at you?” She playfully straightened the pocket square tucked in his tuxedo jacket. “You clean up nicely,” she teased.
“Thank you. And you look beautiful, Morgan. I wanted to tell you that your speech brought tears to my eyes. You summed up the Easton family perfectly.”
“So even the negative Nellies won’t have a snarky comment to say about us,” she joked.
“Even Priscilla Finkpin.”
“Who has had a complete change of heart, which is nothing short of a miracle.” Morgan noticed Jax furtively gazing at Ronni, who was only a few feet away, chatting with Elin Jensen. “Ronni looks gorgeous.”
“I like her hair up,” Jax said gruffly. “It gives her a softer look.”
“Softer, meaning she’s not ready to do battle.” Morgan lowered her voice. “Why don’t you ask her to dance?”
“Ask Ronni to dance?”
She nodded. “It’s a nice slow song. I think you can handle it.”
“She’ll turn me down.”
“You’re wrong,” Morgan said. “I bet she’ll say yes.”
“You think I should walk over there and ask her?”
“Absolutely. What do you have to lose?”
“She hates me.”
“She does not,” Morgan chided. “Tell her what you told me. How you like her hair up.”
“I…”
Morgan nudged his arm. “She’s looking our way.”
“All right. But if she tells me no, it’s all your fault.”
“And I’ll accept full responsibility. You can even blame it on me and tell her it was my idea.”
“I suppose you’re right. There’s no harm in asking.” Jax trudged off.
Quinn, who had been standing on Morgan’s other side, leaned in. “He’s going to do it.”
Jax nodded toward Morgan, who waved at them.
Ronni hesitated.
“She’s going to say no,” Quinn groaned.
“Not so fast.” Morgan watched Ronni hand her drink to Elin. She took Jax’s arm as they made their way to the dance floor.
“Will you look at that?” Quinn marveled. “Hurry up and snap a picture before they start duking it out.”
Morgan grabbed her cell phone and scooched to the left, where she was able to get a clear shot. They were both smiling, gazing at one another.
“Hey, beautiful.”
Morgan shivered at Wyatt’s voice in her ear. She instinctively leaned against her boyfriend, who stood directly behind her. “Quinn and I were watching Jax and Ronni.”
Wyatt made a choking sound. “They’re dancing.”
Brett slipped in next to Quinn. “Wyatt and I are here to sweep you lovely ladies onto the dance floor.”
“Sweep away,” Quinn quipped.
Taking Wyatt’s arm, Morgan and her beau followed her best friend and brother through the crowd. He pulled her close, swaying to the music, alongside Grady and Grace, Elizabeth and Gerard, Jax and Ronni, and Ariel and her date.
The celebration flew by. All too soon, the newlyweds began making their way down to the beach for the cake cutting.
Morgan ran inside to grab Chester for the quick trek to Easton Estate’s beach. She and Wyatt arrived to find the guests gathered along the boardwalk. Parked nearby was Elizabeth’s Porsche, its top down and decorated with streamers and balloons.
More picture taking ensued for the cutting of the cake. A champagne toast followed, the final celebration before the newlyweds climbed into the car.
A commotion from above caught Morgan’s attention. She shaded her eyes, watching a small plane dip down and circle around. “It’s Denver.”
Rose petals fell out, a shower of flowers cascaded across the water, some landing on the beach.
Chester barked excitedly, leaping into the air, trying to catch them. The shower of petals tapered off and Denver’s plane drifted away.
Morgan made her way through the crowd, past the well-wishers, and approached the passenger side of the car.
“Denver gave us a lovely sendoff,” Gerard chuckled.
“A one of a kind, Easton family style,” Morgan joked. “Enjoy your honeymoon. Don’t worry about us. Brett and I will hold down the fort.”
“I still have one more wedding tradition.” Elizabeth waved her bouquet in the air.
“I’m not ready to catch a bouquet, at least not yet.” Standing at what she figured was a safe distance away, Morgan watched as her grandmother tossed it up and over her head. A mad scramble ensued, with several of the single ladies clamoring to catch it and claim victory.
As luck would have it, Elizabeth's aim was slightly off. It veered right, sailing over the top of Morgan’s head. The bouquet bounced off the cake table. Ronni who had begun cleaning up, instinctively lunged forward to keep it from hitting the ground.
Grabbing hold of it, she triumphantly waved it in the air. “I saved the day!”
Morgan laughed out loud. “ And you caught the bouquet.”
The end.