“Hello.” Joy clasped her hands together and did her best to grin. “Nice to see you again, Tony.”

“Back this way, mom and dad of the bride.” Annette scooted them to the entrance where Jaime and Michael stood.

“Groom—this way.” The wedding planner took his arm and led him into the garden.

Michael turned and waved goodbye to Jaime.

Tony and Joy faced Jaime.

“Here we are,” Tony said. He took both her hands into his and leaned in to kiss her cheek. “My baby girl is getting married tomorrow.”

“Dad.” Jaime rolled her eyes. “Don’t get all mushy today. Save it for tomorrow,” she teased him.

“Mom, this is your usher, Henry. He’ll take you to your seat for the show.” She winked.

“See you after.” Joy pecked Jaime’s cheek, then took the usher’s arm.

Once seated, Joy turned in her seat to watch each bridesmaid head down the aisle to the music Jaime selected. She waved to Edith and Millie seated in the back, both beaming with happiness. Edith raised her fist into the air as if encouraging Joy to be strong.

She nodded in response.

When “Canon in D” played, everyone stood and turned while Jaime and her father walked down the aisle.

Joy did her best to keep from crying, but the tears won. Especially when she faced Michael. His expression as he watched Jaime head towards him would be forever etched in her mind.

If I’m crying now, what am I going to be like tomorrow? Joy wiped her eyes. I’m gonna be a mess, I just know it.

Tony’s eyes shone with tears too. He nodded to her as they passed.

“Okay, you stop here and then the pastor asks who gives this woman to be wedded, blah, blah, blah. And then Jaime steps over here by Michael, and you exchange vows. All right? Now let’s practice filing out, and we’ll try this one more time before brunch is served.” Annette clapped her hands. “Let’s go, people. Work with me.”

Everyone scurried to the back to start over.

At brunch, Joy sat with Edith and Martin on her left with Millie and Walter on her right as if they were protecting her from Tony.

“This French toast is fantastic. I think they used nutmeg in the batter.” Millie pointed to her plate.

“I agree.” Joy spotted Tony talking to Michael and his friends.

“You okay?” Edith asked as she cut up her French toast.

“I sure am. Isn’t everything lovely? Jaime’s bridesmaids decorated the room. Tomorrow I’m helping decorate for the reception.”

“They did an outstanding job.” Edith nodded. “But be honest with me. You holding up all right?”

“Believe me, I am just fine.” Joy buttered her biscuit. “Every time I look over at Jaime and see how happy she is, it makes me happy, and that’s what this weekend is all about.”

Edith ate in silence for a bit. “Don’t forget about your happiness, too, friend.”

“I’m not.” Joy nudged her. “I’m not forgetting.”

As Joy ate her meal and sipped her mimosa, she thought about her new flower shop, her trip to Venice, her home, and now her new son-in-law.

She had so much to be grateful for.

And still so much to hope for.

CHAPTER 16

Jaime and Michael’s Wedding

Joy gulped as she studied the new sign. This is it. The big day. Removing a tissue from her purse, she used it to dab her forehead, damp from anxiety. Or was it a hot flash?

We’re ready. Totally ready. She breathed heavily. Oh, Lord, please bless this union, Joy prayed. Michael is so perfect for Jaime. Thank You for bringing him into her life. Please let everything go smoothly.

“Hang in there.” Edith approached. “It’ll all be over soon, and then we dance and party. Sound good?”

Joy wiped more sweat off her brow. “Sounds good. . .if I survive.”

Annette waved to them from the entrance to the reception hall. “This way, mom of the bride. Jaime wants to see you before the ceremony.”

Edith squeezed her hand. “Go on. I need to meet Millie out front anyway. Give Jaime a big kiss from us.”

“I will.” Joy waved to her and followed Annette to the room where Jaime and her friends dressed for the wedding.

When the doors swung open, Joy froze, her breath catching at the breathtaking sight of Jaime in her elegant white gown. She clutched her chest to keep from weeping. Adorned with tiny pearls, her hair was intricately styled into a French twist, the long veil cascading down her back to the floor.

“Mom.” Jaime smiled as her friend helped her with her veil. “What do you think?” She turned so Joy could see the dress.

“Oh, Jaime.” She wept. “You look . . . Sorry to cry before the ceremony.” Joy laughed through her tears. “You look perfect. Absolutely perfect.”

Mother and daughter embraced in the room while the photographer snapped pictures.

Jaime held up her wrist. “Look what Dad gave me.”

“A diamond bracelet?” Joy’s mouth dropped open. “My goodness.”

“Isn’t it gorgeous?”

“It sure is. And generous too.” Joy gently touched it and thought about her amethyst ring still in her purse. “Hold on a minute.”

She reached into her purse and pulled out the ring.

“Oooh, that’s pretty.” Jaime leaned in. “Where did you get that?”

“From your dad when we were in Venice.” Joy handed it to Jaime. “But now I want you to have it.”

“Mom . . .” She pursed her lips.