Chapter 5
Victoria stood by the low fence and stared at the ocean. The morning was perfect—cool and clear with a light breeze. She could
smell the salt and hear the waves. She’d never been one of those people who seemed to have a religious experience every time
they saw the water, but she did enjoy the view. Given that she could take in a deep breath with only mild discomfort, she
was enjoying the freshness of the air. Her all-over aches were also fading, her black eyes had morphed to an intriguingly
sickly green, and she found it easier to use her crutches. All wins.
Even better, the venue her mom had picked for her dad’s birthday party was amazing. The main building was big and open, with
lots of seating and views from every window. Milton enjoyed a big party and would get a kick out of being celebrated simply
for being alive.
Ava stood next to her, making notes on a large pad of paper. Later her mother would put them all into a spreadsheet that she
would load on both her phone and her tablet. Checklists would be generated, to-do lists passed out. The army of caterers,
servers, musicians and general help required to make the evening go smoothly would be told their duties, and one of the party
planners her mother worked with would monitor every second of the evening.
Victoria didn’t understand how her mother had come by her skill set, but she respected the characteristic. Given that she was adopted she had, of course, not inherited anything from either Ava or Milton. And whoever her parents had been, neither of them had anything close to the organization gene.
Her mother glanced at the thirtysomething event coordinator aka salesperson who was showing them around.
“Tell me about the other venue on the property.”
“It’s a small bungalow with a private garden. You won’t be able to see it or hear it from the main building. The guests don’t
mingle.”
Ava looked at Victoria who held in a smile. Here it comes, she thought, prepared to enjoy the fireworks. Although that description
wasn’t fair. Ava didn’t blow up or even get loud. She had a quiet kind of power and determination that went on for days.
“That doesn’t work for us,” her mother began. “I’ll want to be the only party on the premises.”
The saleswoman offered an understanding smile. “I promise the two parties will never—”
“We’ll rent the entire property,” Ava told her. “Include the cost in the bid. I’ll be bringing in my own people for everything,
including food and entertainment.”
“But we provide—”
“No,” Ava told her. “Put that in the bid, as well. My husband is turning sixty. That’s only going to happen once. The party
needs to be perfect.” She looked at Victoria. “What do you think?”
“I agree. Perfection is required. Dad will love this place, Mom. It’s big enough to invite everyone you want but not so big
that it isn’t intimate.”
Ava returned her attention to the salesperson. “We’ll walk around while you work up some numbers for the available dates.
We can meet back in your office in half an hour.”
“I . . .” The other woman closed her mouth. “Yes, of course.” Her smile was tight, as if she were annoyed rather than pleased. The sale would be a big one, but it would be on Ava’s terms.
“What about dinner?” her mother asked when they were alone. “It’s going to be a crowd, so I’m thinking a buffet.”
“Oh, Mom. Don’t even try. You always start out thinking a buffet is a good idea, then you change your mind and everyone has
to scramble. You’re not a buffet person. It’s Dad’s birthday. Are you seriously going to have people stand in line to get
their meal?”
Her mother smiled. “You’re right. We’ll have a plated, sit-down dinner with all his favorites.” Her expression softened. “I
want him to be happy.”
“He will be. He’ll be with you.”
“And you. We’re his girls. Now, are you up to exploring the grounds, or do you need to sit down?”
“I can explore.”
She and her mom were getting along for once. It wasn’t the kind of thing that happened very often, so it was a moment to enjoy.
Shannon couldn’t remember ever feeling so enchanted and out of place at the same time. The bungalow was just the right size,
while still being open and airy, and the walled garden was gorgeous. Whoever was taking care of all the plants and trees knew
their business. She loved the archway with the roses, the way the outdoor seating area was shaded. She’d never considered
a garden wedding for herself but totally got the appeal.
Without meaning to, she imagined herself walking toward the archway, her perfect bouquet in her hand. She heard the music,
pictured Aaron watching her with a heartwarming combination of love and anticipation. She could feel the butterflies in her
stomach as she got closer.
Happiness filled her until she nearly ached from the joy of it.
She wanted to spin around and shout out that she was getting married.
She wanted to unfasten the chain from around her neck, put on her ring and flash the world.
Only sharing her engagement would have consequences, and she wasn’t ready to deal with them.
Last night she’d spent a little time online, looking at all things wedding. She’d found a pretty tank-style dress with a bit
of lace around the neckline and some embroidery on the skirt. It wasn’t fancy or even something she had to order eight months
out. It was an in-stock retail dress she could get for a hundred and twenty dollars from . Her mother would freak at
the thought, but Shannon wasn’t much of a dress person, and why spend a fortune on a gown she would wear once?
Her mom walked from the garden to the bungalow and back. She looked both happy and uncertain.
“It is lovely,” she said, looking at Shannon. “What do you think?”
“It’s beautiful, Mom.”
“I can see you here,” Javiar told her.
When he’d found out about their appointment, he’d been happy to tag along. Representing the groom, he’d teased. Shannon had
been grateful for his presence. Having him around was a distraction. More than once he’d changed the subject, keeping her
from blurting out that Aaron had proposed.
“It’s lovely,” her mother said, “but it’s so expensive. I’m not sure I’d be comfortable here.”
Shannon could relate. While she knew she was well-dressed, her clothes had come from an upscale resale shop in Santa Monica.
Why buy new when rich women put their barely worn last-year’s styles on sale at consignment stores?
Javiar put his arm around her. “Cindy, my dad wants you to have the wedding of your dreams. If you’re happy here, he’ll be
happy, too. You said you’ve always imagined a garden wedding. Isn’t this place exactly what you were looking for?”
“It is, but . . .” Cindy bit her lower lip. “I don’t know. Is it too much?”
“Absolutely not,” Shannon told her. “Javiar’s right, Mom. It’s your wedding. Can anything be too much?”
Her mom laughed. “I think I could come up with a few over-the-top ideas.” She walked back outside. “It’s so beautiful.”
“Let’s go walk around,” Shannon said. “The salesperson mentioned the grounds are worth seeing. There’s that big building up
the drive.”
Not that they would be renting that one. The deposit alone was fifty thousand dollars.
Such silliness, she thought. To spend that much money. She was too much her mother’s daughter to be extravagant. Besides,
she and Aaron weren’t fancy people. The simple wedding was plenty for her. Not that they were here to discuss any of her wants,
she reminded herself. This was all about her mom.
The three of them walked out of the bungalow and turned toward the ocean. The views were amazing, Shannon thought. They could
see all the way to the horizon. It was a pretty day, clear but not too warm. Maybe she and Aaron could get married in that
park they liked—the one overlooking the ocean, she thought dreamily. That would be easy and much more their style than anything
like the large building they could see just ahead. Honestly, if someone was offering her that kind of wedding, she would ask
for the cash instead.
The path took a turn through some trees. For a second Shannon thought she heard someone talking, then the three of them stepped
around a corner and saw two women walking toward them.
The five of them came to a stop. Shannon’s gaze passed over the tall, blonde woman to settle on the petite brunette on crutches.
She was about Shannon’s age and pretty, although her two black eyes were distracting.
She’d obviously been in some kind of accident.
The bride? Shannon wondered, checking out her ring finger.
She didn’t see a ring and humorously wondered if she, too, were keeping her engagement a secret from her—
Cindy gasped. The other blonde woman went pale.
“Ava?”
“Cindy?”
Shannon looked at her mom who was staring at the stranger—her eyes wide, her mouth parted. She looked as if she’d seen a ghost,
or worse.
“Mom?” Shannon asked. The young woman on crutches looked as confused as Shannon felt. Javiar gave her a quick shrug. It was
only then that she realized the older woman was gazing at her intently.
“I don’t understand,” Cindy whispered, then shook her head and looked around as if realizing where she was. “Right. So, um,
hello.” She drew in a breath. “It’s been a long time.”
“It has,” the other woman, Ava maybe, said, still watching Shannon.
“Mom,” the younger woman said. “What’s going on?”
Ava finally looked away. “This is Cindy.” She waved at the woman on crutches. “My daughter, Victoria.”
“Hey.” Victoria half lifted one of her crutches. “Hi. Yes, I was thrown out of a truck. My bad.”
Cindy seemed to collect herself. “This is Javiar, my fiancé’s son, and my daughter, Shannon.”
Ava’s breath caught. “What a beautiful name. Hello, Shannon. You look so much like your mother.”
“Ah, hi.” She glanced at her mom. “You two are friends?” They weren’t acting like it, but they obviously knew each other.