Page 25 of Wisteria Winds (Wisteria Island #2)

T he community center had been transformed for the reception.

Tables were arranged around a dance floor in the middle, and thousands of little lights created a starlit effect overhead.

There were clusters of orchids and sea glass that decorated each table, complemented by candles and hurricane lamps.

Danielle and Bennett made their entrance to enthusiastic applause. The ceremony had been everything they’d hoped for - meaningful, personal, and a true reflection of their relationship. Now it was time to celebrate with the community that had brought them together in the first place.

After their first dance to a piece Clara had composed specifically for the occasion, dinner was served.

Esther and her team had outdone themselves, creating a menu that showcased all of the local seafood and seasonal produce.

Conversation flowed along with champagne as the room filled with laughter and animated conversations.

Midway through the meal, Eddie stood to offer the first toast. Initially, he seemed a little nervous, but then he found his footing and spoke from his heart.

“I’ve known Bennett since he had the crazy idea to build this retirement community on an undeveloped island,” he said, smiling.

“Most people thought it wouldn’t work, that it was far too isolated and too unconventional an idea.

But Bennett had this vision of creating not just housing, but a true community where people could age with dignity and purpose. ”

He turned and looked at Danielle. “And then this amazing woman arrived. Initially, just as temporary medical staff, I figured she’d leave just like everybody else had.

I remember Bennett calling her, quote, ‘the most stubborn, opinionated health care provider he’d ever met’ after their first week working together.

Those of us who knew Bennett recognized his tone immediately—he was already falling for her, even if he didn’t know it yet. ”

Laughter rippled through the reception as Bennett shook his head, smiling.

“But what makes these two so perfect together isn’t just their love for each other, although anybody can plainly see that.

It’s their shared commitment to this island and the people here.

They’ve put their hearts into making Wisteria Island not just a place to live, but a place where everyone belongs. ”

He raised his glass. “To Bennett and Danielle. May your marriage be as strong as the foundation of this island, and as beautiful as the community you’ve built together.”

Everybody echoed the toast and clinked glasses as Danielle leaned over to kiss Bennett’s cheek.

Dinner continued, and Morty approached the microphone wearing his lavender suit again.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced with theatrical flair, “Bennett and Danielle have a special announcement to make.”

They both rose, Bennett keeping Danielle’s hand firmly in his as they took center stage.

“First of all, we want to thank everyone for being a part of our special day,” Bennett said. “Wisteria Island isn’t just the place we met—it’s where we found our family.”

He looked around the room at all of the residents who had become so much more than just neighbors or patients of Danielle’s.

“The gazebo where we exchanged our vows today is going to remain as a permanent addition to the island, and we’ve decided to name it in honor of someone whose music and friendship have meant so much to us, especially during the last few weeks of planning our wedding.”

Danielle took over the speech. “The Whitman Gazebo will stand as a tribute to Clara and her late husband, Robert, whose legacy in music will continue to inspire us all.”

Clara was seated at a table near the small stage. She smiled as Bennett spoke. Dorothy sat beside her and reached over to squeeze her hand.

“Also,” Bennett said, “we’ve established a small endowment to ensure that the gazebo will host regular musical performances for this island community, and Clara has graciously agreed to serve as the artistic director for this program.”

Everybody clapped, and Clara found herself blinking back tears as residents walked by her table to congratulate her on the news.

The unexpected honor touched her deeply—not just the naming of the gazebo, but the opportunity to bring music to the island in an ongoing way.

Robert would have loved this, she thought.

He always believed music belonged everywhere, not just in concert halls.

As the celebratory atmosphere continued, Cecilia made her way to Clara’s table in her elegant dress.

“That was a lovely gesture from Bennett and Danielle,” she said, taking an empty seat, “and so well deserved. Your music today was absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Clara said. “It means a great deal to me.”

“And I understand completely,” Cecilia said. “When we lose someone we love, having their name live on—well, it matters.”

Dorothy returned from the dance floor, slightly breathless after being whirled around by Morty.

“I swear that man has the energy of someone half his age,” she said, fanning herself. “Cecilia, you should try dancing with him. It’s positively invigorating.”

“I don’t dance,” Cecilia said quickly.

Dorothy arched an elegant eyebrow. “Oh, nonsense. Everyone dances at weddings. It’s actually mandatory, I think.”

Clara watched with amusement as Dorothy somehow persuaded the dignified epidemiologist onto the dance floor, just as the band began a lively number. Cecilia moved stiffly at first, but then relaxed under Dorothy’s encouraging guidance.

Danielle and Bennett were making their rounds in the room. When they reached Clara, Bennett leaned down to kiss her cheek.

“I hope our speech wasn’t too overwhelming.”

She shook her head. “It was a beautiful gesture, and I’m deeply honored.”

“The gazebo wouldn’t exist without you,” Danielle said. “Your music was so inspiring in much of the design.”

“Besides,” Bennett said with a smile, “who better to oversee a music program in a gazebo than a world-class conductor?”

Clara smiled. “Hardly world-class anymore, but I’ll do my best to bring beautiful music to the island.”

“To your island,” Danielle said. “You’re a part of Wisteria now, Clara—for as long as you want to be.”

The reception continued into the evening, and as it shifted from a formal celebration to more relaxed enjoyment, Bennett found himself momentarily alone as Danielle was swept onto the dance floor by Morty. It promised to be an enthusiastic interpretation of a classic disco song.

“She looks very happy,” a voice said over his shoulder.

Bennett turned to find Cecilia holding a glass of champagne.

“I hope so,” he said. “That’s all I want for her—just true happiness.”

Cecilia studied him. “You know, when Danielle first told me about you, I have to admit I was skeptical. A wealthy tech entrepreneur who built an island—it sounded like a lot of red flags to me.”

Bennett laughed. “I can see how that might have been a little concerning.”

“But watching you together… You truly see her, don’t you? Not just her beauty or her intelligence, but who she really is inside.”

“From the moment she arrived on Wisteria,” he said, “even when she was telling me everything I was doing wrong.”

Cecilia smiled. “Well, she comes by that honestly. Her father and I were never one-time mentors either.” She placed her hand on Bennett’s arm. “Take care of each other. That’s all that really matters in the end. Not the careers or the achievements, but how well you care for the people you love.”

“I’m starting to realize that myself. I will,” Bennett said.

Cecilia nodded. “And I expect you to bring her to New York occasionally. You know, just because she’s found paradise on the island doesn’t mean she should forget civilization entirely.”

“We’ll visit,” Bennett said. “And you’re always welcome here anytime, for as long as you’d like.”

“Well, I may take you up on that,” she said. “I find I’ve become rather fond of this peculiar little community of yours, especially now that my daughter is first lady, so to speak.”

She moved away to join Dorothy and Clara at their table.

Bennett felt a sense of satisfaction, not just because the wedding had gone off without a hitch, but because the community had come together to celebrate with them.

When Wisteria Island had only been his vision—a place where people could age with dignity, purpose, and connection—he had never imagined this.

He knew the vision had actually been realized beyond his wildest hopes and dreams.

But now, at the center of it all, was Danielle.

As she made her way back to him, slightly out of breath, with Morty still dancing behind her, he smiled.

“Having fun, Mrs. Alexander?” he asked, pulling her into his arms.

“Oh, the most fun,” she said, leaning in to kiss him. “Though I think I need to request slower songs from now on because Morty’s idea of dancing is completely aerobic.”

He laughed and held her close. “Whatever you want, today and always.”

They swayed together as the band shifted to a slower song, lost in their own world for a moment, despite the crowd around them.

“Are you ever going to tell me where we’re going on our honeymoon?” Danielle asked, laughing.

Bennett smiled down at her. “Where’s the fun in that? I thought I’d blindfold you on the way to the airport terminal and then…”

She lightly punched him in the stomach. “You’d better not!”

“Okay, fine. You and I are going on a two-week adventure around Italy, France, and Spain.”

Danielle’s mouth dropped open. “Seriously?”

“Seriously. We’re staying in castles and villas. We’re eating all the food. I hope to come back ten pounds heavier.”

She smiled. “You’re already spoiling me, Mr. Alexander. How will you ever top this honeymoon?”

He hugged her tightly. “I don’t know, but I’m sure going to have fun trying, Mrs. Alexander.”