Chapter 20
Morgan held her breath, closely watching her grandmother’s face.
Gerard remained on bended knee, the enormous sparkling diamond solitaire twinkling up at her.
Elizabeth stood dumbstruck. Only a handful of times could Morgan remember her grandmother being at a loss for words. “Marry you,” she finally said.
“Yes. Will you be my wife, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer?”
“I think they both have the for richer part covered,” Brett joked.
“Why…” Elizabeth gazed at Brett and Morgan. “Did you know about this?”
Morgan lifted her hand. “Not a clue.”
“If I stay down here much longer, I’ll need some help in getting back up,” Gerard warned.
Elizabeth’s lower lip quivered. “Gerard Ainsworth, whatever were you thinking?”
“I’m thinking we’re not getting any younger. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, if you’ll allow me the privilege.”
“Y-yes. Yes, I will.”
Gerard grabbed hold of the side of the chair and slowly stood. He removed the diamond from the folds of the velour box and slid it on Elizabeth’s ring finger.
She held up her hand. “It’s a perfect fit.”
He leaned in for a gentle kiss. “You have made me the happiest man on earth.”
Brett gave Gerard a hearty whack on the back and hugged Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Morgan hugged her grandmother and then Gerard.
“This is wonderful,” Morgan said excitedly.
Gerard shook Brett’s hand. “I appreciate the pep talk.”
“Glad I could be of assistance.”
Elizabeth wagged her finger at her grandson. “You knew about this.”
“Only a couple of hours ago,” Brett said. “I gave Gerard my blessing.”
Mrs. Arnsby appeared in the doorway, a puzzled expression on her face. “I hate to interrupt, but the guests are waiting.” She tapped the top of her watch. “It’s almost ten past seven.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Thank you, Jane. You’re right. We mustn’t keep the guests waiting.”
Gerard offered Elizabeth his arm. With heads held high, the couple strolled out of the library, across the hall and into the formal dining room, with Morgan and Brett only steps behind.
Morgan slipped into her seat while Gerard escorted her grandmother to the head of the table. “Elizabeth and I apologize for keeping you waiting.”
The couple stood close together, both beaming from ear to ear.
“As I look around this table, I see many of Elizabeth’s friends, who are now also my friends, seated here. And I would like to thank you for joining us on such short notice for this special dinner.”
He reached for Elizabeth’s hand and kissed the top. “It is my great honor to introduce you to my future wife, Elizabeth Easton, soon-to-be Ainsworth.”
A stunned silence ensued as everyone stared at the couple in disbelief.
Brett started clapping.
Morgan caught his eye and winked. She lifted her hands, a wide smile on her face as she echoed his enthusiasm.
The others quickly sprang to their feet, lifting their glasses and toasting the newly engaged couple.
Mrs. Arnsby, who stood near the door, dabbed at her eyes. “How wonderful. This is truly a day to celebrate.”
Everyone began talking at once, and for the first time Morgan could ever remember, the Easton Estate’s first dinner course was served late.
Her eyes were drawn to Quinn’s empty chair. She had missed out on the special celebration. Her decision. Her choice , Morgan reminded herself.
After the meal ended, the guests gathered in the library again, this time for dessert and coffee.
The evening passed and one by one, guests left until it was only Gerard, Elizabeth, Morgan, Brett, and Nigel, who was staying at the estate.
Elizabeth gazed lovingly at her betrothed. “I had no idea.”
“Which was my plan all along. I didn’t want to give you time to come up with an excuse to tell me no.”
“We have some logistics to work out,” Elizabeth said. “My place. Your place.”
“I think we already have it perfectly worked out,” Gerard said. “We split our time between both. You know how I abhor talking about money, but it goes without saying you will keep your assets. I will do the same.”
“Of course,” Elizabeth agreed.
“So I’m not here to revise wills,” Nigel teased.
“You are only here as a friend who helped me with a small issue concerning the art gallery.”
“Oh?” Morgan perked up. “What about the art gallery?”
Elizabeth and Nigel exchanged a glance.
“I had considered adding Quinn as a partner. I’ve changed my mind.”
“Because of what happened between Morgan, Quinn and me,” Brett guessed.
“Yes. I believe it may have been premature.” Elizabeth waved her hand. “Let’s keep this conversation between those of us in the room.”
“Of course,” Brett said.
Morgan made a zipping motion across her lips. “I won’t breathe a word.”
“She will continue to be employed for as long as she does her job and wants to stay. Having said that, in light of recent developments, I believe a more hands off approach will work best.”
“Except for Brett,” Morgan said. “It’s clear he and Quinn care for each other.”
“Their relationship will be whatever they choose. Business and personal intermingling can get messy,” Elizabeth said.
“So can besties and business,” Morgan sighed.
“Hence, the decision. We will keep the two separate.”
“I don’t disagree,” Brett said.
“So.” Morgan clasped her hands. “This may be premature, but when is the big day?”
“If given the chance, I would marry Elizabeth tomorrow,” Gerard said. “I’ll leave it up to her.”
“I need time for it to sink in. The guest list will be ridiculous.”
“Which means you might need some time to plan.” Morgan offered to help in whatever way her grandmother needed.
Brett offered the same.
“I would like to marry here, if Gerard is okay with it.”
“Absolutely. My only request is you don’t leave me at the altar.” He lifted her hand and kissed the top.
“Never.”
Nigel slowly stood. “I believe Morgan wanted me to take a quick look at a contract.”
“For both Brett and me,” she said. “We’re going into this venture together.”
Elizabeth arched a brow. “You decided to sign on with Morgan and David Wynn?”
“I have.”
“Well, perhaps I have made a mistake in not wanting to become involved,” Elizabeth muttered.
“It’s too late now,” Brett teased. “Besides, something tells me you’re going to have your hands full.”
Brett, Morgan and Nigel congratulated the couple again and made their way down the hall to the office.
Pulling up the contract, Morgan forwarded a copy to the attorney.
“You can give it the once over, but I’ve already had the company’s attorney review it,” Brett said.
“I’m sure you have.” Nigel grew quiet. He slipped his reading glasses on and perused the contract. “All seems to be in order. I must say, I know a little about Wynn Harbor Inn. It is a very tragic situation indeed.”
“Hopefully, with Brett and me on board, we’ll be able to breathe new life into the place.”
“I was there many years ago for a convention. It was an incredible piece of property. You’ll have your work cut out for you.”
“Brett and I are up to the challenge,” Morgan said.
“More than up to the challenge,” Brett agreed. “The real question is—will Wynn be ready for the Easton family dynamic duo?”