59. Maggie
59
maggie
The antique lights with their lit candles in them are swaying in the breeze as we all raise our glasses on the patio. I have things to say but first there’s a dance. I’m in his arms, surrounded by everything. Seriously, it’s everything I ever thought I could want. I look into his eyes, and I know what I want my life to look like.
“You good?” He grins. “You have that crease between your brows and the one is twitching.”
“I am. I just thought of something radical, and I don’t know how to make it happen.”
“Can I move heaven and earth for you?” I grin, knowing he would.
“I want to take care of people.”
“Well, you’re very good at that.”
“No. The little houses. The guest houses. The lemons. I want to share those and I want to ---” He kisses my forehead.
“That is the most wonderful idea. Why shouldn’t we use our people pleasing, caring for others skill set to our advantage?” Mak and Tony whirl by us in a very grand gesture. My new husband leans to me and says, “I think I know where we might get the money to make Mongoose the ultimate Tuscan hospitality cat.” I squeal a little bit and he holds me tighter then twirls me around.
“I’d like to make a toast to Gemma.”
There are some murmurs but I press on. “We’re a weird sort of ying and yang in the life of Colt Andrews. Connected through time, circumstance, and now through those lovely young women.” I look up toward the sky and address Gemma directly. She deserves at least that. “They’ll always be your girls, but I hope, in time, I can be theirs.” I glance down at the sisters who are raising their glasses of lemonade. “Girls, I can’t wait to see what’s next. So, thanks to your mom for making such amazing people. Cheers!”
Colt takes my hand, and my flower crown wobbles a bit. Lizzie jumps up and fixes it while Colt stands. Girl squad to the rescue.
“I’m not sure there’s much else to say. It’s all getting rather redundantly happy. Brothers, thanks for being here. Mom, Dad, even though I didn’t invite you, I’m thrilled you’re here. And to Maggie’s dad, I’m sorry it took me so long, sir. You’re right, I should have known I couldn’t shake her loose. Ever. I love you, Maggie. And I always have. Let’s all raise our limoncello and toast, well, everything.” I lean into him as some take a sip but lots of them shoot it. ‘Affamata,’ or as I call her, Affie, stands up and claps. I’m not sure she knows what’s going on, but then she winks and shoots her limoncello.
I wipe under my eyes and yell, “I can’t cry anymore. Let’s have cake. Did you make a cake, girls?”
“Duh,” says Daisy as they wheel out a slightly crooked but beautiful three tiered cake. I know she made it. Maybe she should go into pastry, but I’ll save that conversation for another day.
Colt looks at the wonky confection with the eye of a chef and says, “Flavor profile?”
“Lavender, vanilla and, what do you think?”
Daisy turns to our small crowd and Liliana yells, “Limon!”