Page 16 of Wisteria Winds (Wisteria Island #2)
Morty’s head snapped toward her. “Really? You would do that?”
“Darling, I’m Dorothy Monroe. I was seducing orchids from botanical gardens long before you were born.”
She patted his knee. “Let me make a call.”
Dorothy swept off to retrieve her phone, and Morty felt his panic subsiding slightly.
Of course, Dorothy was right. The wedding would be beautiful no matter what kind of setbacks they had.
But if he was being honest with himself, a part of his distress came from knowing that once the wedding was over, his role in island life might diminish again.
Planning the wedding had made him feel important and given him purpose, a reason for people to seek his input.
As boisterous and extroverted as Morty was, he craved connection with other people, and sometimes he felt like he didn’t get enough of it.
What would happen when the gazebo emptied and the guests went home, and he was left to feel alone again?
Dorothy returned, looking triumphant.
“Well, it’s arranged. Clara’s cousin William will personally select and deliver a collection of premium orchids two days before the wedding. Crisis averted,” she said, putting her sunglasses back on.
“Dorothy, you’re a miracle worker.”
“Yes, I’m aware,” she said dryly. “Now, can we discuss more pressing matters, like the fact that your bow tie collection doesn’t include anything in that exact shade of sea foam that we’re using for the bridesmaids’ bouquets?”
Morty gasped in horror. “Oh my gosh, you’re right. I need to place a rush order immediately.”
He pulled out his phone to remedy this critical fashion emergency and realized something important.
The wedding might end, but the relationships he’d formed with those who had helped him plan it - like Dorothy and Danielle and Bennett, and all the residents of Wisteria Island who’d been involved - those would continue.
His place in the community didn’t depend on planning the most perfect event. It was secure simply because he was finally in a place where he belonged.
* * *
T he gazebo stood like a monument, gleaming in the morning light, with its white columns and graceful dome catching the sun’s early rays. Two weeks of dedicated work had transformed it from a construction site into an elegant structure that looked like it had always been a part of the island.
Bennett walked around it slowly, inspecting every detail.
The railings had been installed yesterday.
The floor was finished with a natural cedar planking that would weather to a soft silver-gray over time.
Inside, recessed lighting was strategically placed to illuminate the space for evening gatherings.
It was in every way exactly what he had hoped for—a beautiful setting for their wedding and a lasting addition to the island they both loved.
“It’s beautiful,” came a voice from behind him.
Bennett turned to find Cecilia approaching, looking rested despite her recent trips away from the island for medical conferences.
“Thank you,” he said. “Your design suggestions made it exceptional.”
Cecilia walked around the gazebo. “Miguel’s team executed all the details perfectly. These proportions are exactly right - elegant without being ostentatious.”
“Well, that’s high praise from someone with your eye for design,” Bennett said.
She smiled. “Maybe in another life, I was an architect rather than an epidemiologist. I might have missed my calling.”
“Well, it’s never too late to explore new interests,” Bennett said. “That’s one of the principles Wisteria was founded on.”
“Indeed,” Cecilia said, running her hand along one of the smooth columns. “Have you shown Danielle yet?”
“Not the finished version. She’s been busy with clinic duties and training Dr. Patel. I want to surprise her this evening once the landscaping is done.”
They both turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. Eddie was leading a small team, carrying flats of flowering plants and bags of mulch.
“Morning, boss. Dr. Wright,” he said, nodding at Cecilia. “Ready to put the finishing touches on this beauty today.”
“Well, perfect timing. I was just telling Cecilia about the landscaping plans.”
Eddie gestured toward the plants. “Coastal natives mostly - sea lavender, beach roses, and some ornamental grasses that can handle the salty air. Plus wisteria, of course, to climb the trellises on either side. Come spring, this place will be draped in beautiful purple blooms.”
“How appropriate,” Cecilia nodded. “I particularly like the idea of planting something that will grow and mature along with their marriage.”
Bennett hadn’t thought of it that way, but the metaphor made him smile. “Exactly. Something beautiful that becomes something stronger with each passing year.”
As Eddie’s team began placing the plants according to the landscape designer’s plan, Bennett and Cecilia moved over to a bench overlooking the site.
“You know, I had lunch with Danielle in Atlanta,” Cecilia said.
“She mentioned it went well,” Bennett replied.
“Better than well. We talked - really talked - for the first time in years.” She paused. “She told me about your plans for a family,” she said, turning to face him.
Bennett nodded. “Not immediately, but yes. We both want children.”
“I’m glad. Nothing has brought me greater joy than being Danielle’s mother, despite my…
let’s just say… imperfections in the role.
” She looked out toward the ocean. “Her father and I would have been overjoyed to know that we would have grandchildren someday. He always said Danielle would be a wonderful mother.”
“She will be. And you’ll be a wonderful grandmother.”
Cecilia smiled. “I hope to be. I’ve been given a second chance with Danielle, and I don’t intend to squander it.”
They sat in silence for a while, watching the planting progress. Bennett found himself appreciating this new side of his future mother-in-law, the woman beneath the polished exterior who clearly loved her daughter, even though she hadn’t always shown it in ways that Danielle could recognize.
“You know, I brought something for you too,” Cecilia said, reaching into her handbag. She pulled out a small black box and handed it to Bennett. “This belonged to Danielle’s father.”
He opened it to find a pair of platinum cufflinks, simple but elegant, each inset with a small sapphire.
“They were his favorite. He wore them to every important occasion in our life together, and I’m sure afterward. I thought perhaps you might wear them for the wedding. A connection to Danielle’s father, who would have been proud to welcome you to our family.”
Bennett was momentarily speechless. “Cecilia, I’m honored. Truly.”
“Good.” She stood quickly, as if she was embarrassed by the emotional moment. “Now I should check on Morty. He has texted me seventeen times today during my flight about some orchid emergency that Dorothy apparently resolved. That man needs my constant supervision.”
As she walked away, Bennett remained on the bench, the box of cufflinks warm in his palm. Her gift to him represented more than just a wedding accessory. It was an acceptance of him, a passing of a symbolic torch between Danielle’s father and him, who would now be her partner through life.