16. Linda #2
Hours later, the celebration was in full swing inside the grand ballroom of the Hearts Hotel.
The space was magnificent, a breathtaking showcase of historic restoration that left Linda in awe.
The high, arched windows looked out over the darkened expanse of the bay, where the silver moon cast long, shimmering reflections across the water's surface, while the light of the crystal chandeliers danced across the polished oak floorboards.
Rosa had spent the last two days coordinating the decoration details with the florist, and the room looked like a cozy, elegant paradise.
Long tables were draped in clean white linen, decorated with low, fragrant arrangements of white roses, eucalyptus, and flickering candles that cast a gentle, warm glow over the guests.
The local bluegrass band was playing a lively, acoustic set near the veranda doors, the fiddle and guitar notes blending naturally with the bright, cheerful hum of laughter and constant chatter.
Linda stood near the edge of the service doors, helping Rosa and the chef ensure the catering trays and the beverage carafes were continuously topped up.
"We need more of the savory tarts on the main buffet table," Rosa whispered, her face slightly flushed from the heat of the ovens as she hurried past Linda with an empty platter. "And I think the secondary bar near the veranda is running low on clean glasses."
"I'll handle the glasses," Linda promised, offering her a supportive smile before heading toward the kitchen threshold.
Once she had coordinated the delivery with the staff, Linda stepped back out into the ballroom, pausing near one of the high arched windows to take in the scene.
She watched Michael and Maggie dancing near the center of the floor, their faces glowing with a simple, relaxed happiness that made them look ten years younger.
Beside them, Tom and Lila were sharing a comfortable dance, while Anna and George sat together near the veranda steps, their hands laced tightly over George's lap as they watched their family.
Linda felt a deep, steady peace settling over her.
Looking out over the crowded room, taking in the happy, familiar faces of her neighbors and friends, she realized that this wedding represented far more than just a beautiful beginning for Michael and Maggie.
It was the start of a brilliant new era for her family and the Sweet Blossom Bay community.
With her own son and daughter-in-law coming back to establish the wellness clinic on Shell Street, her grandchildren Sophia and Jake would grow up playing on this beach every single afternoon.
Michael's son was returning to set up the marine life sanctuary near the north creek, keeping the delicate ecosystem protected for generations, and Isabel was officially staying to manage the Bay Cafe alongside Owen.
The old, painful divisions of the past had been thoroughly dismantled, and the heritage trust her parents had established was finally being used to restore the historic town from the inside out.
They were building a permanent, beautiful future together, and the bay was quietly stitching the broken pieces of their family back into a single, unified circle of love.
The clock on the ballroom wall was ticking toward midnight when Linda finally managed to slip away from the lively bustle of the reception.
The high heels she had been wearing all afternoon had turned into real instruments of torture, and her feet were aching with a persistent, dull throb.
She pushed open the heavy French doors, stepping out onto the stone terrace and heading down the wide steps toward the sanctuary of her parents' memorial rose garden.
The night air was cool and refreshing, carrying the thick, sweet fragrance of blooming roses and the clean, salt-rimed breeze of the gulf.
She walked down the narrow gravel path, past the shadow of the tall dune grass, until she reached the private wooden bench nestled near the center of the garden.
Linda let out a long, contented sigh as she sat down, leaning over to unbuckle her silver shoes and slipping them off her feet with a look of pure relief.
She dug her bare toes deep into the cool, damp grass, letting the soothing chill of the earth wash away the lingering exhaustion of the long day.
She closed her eyes, letting her head drop back against the wooden slats of the bench as the distant notes of the bluegrass band drifted over the lawn.
A shadow fell over her, blocking out the silver light of the moon.
Linda opened her eyes, her heart giving an excited, wild stutter against her ribs as she looked up. Darius was standing on the gravel path right in front of her, his dark pullover and tailored trousers silhouetted against the starlit sky, his hands resting loose in his pockets.
"May I join you?" he asked, his deep, rich baritone carrying a gentle lilt.
Linda smiled, her shoulders relaxing as she gestured toward the empty space beside her. "Of course," she answered.
Darius sat down on the wooden bench, his movements slow and unhurried.
He didn't hesitate, reaching out to slide his arm gently around her waist and pulling her close against his chest. Linda let out a soft, happy breath, leaning her head naturally against his solid shoulder as the comforting scent of his cedarwood cologne wrapped around her.
"It was a beautiful wedding," he said, his voice low against the rustle of the rose bushes.
"It really was," she agreed, her fingers lightly tracing the fabric of his sleeve. "But I have to admit, I'm incredibly glad it's almost over. I wasn't even the bride, and I'm thoroughly exhausted."
"I can easily understand that," he said, a chuckle vibrating in his chest. He turned his head slightly, his gaze locking onto hers with an intense tenderness. "This has been the best summer of my life."
Linda tilted her chin up to look at him, her eyebrows rising in curious interest. "Oh? Why do you say that?"