Change of Heart

by Judith Keim

  “It’s your family now, Dev.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  “I’m so sorry about the necklace. I know I’ve already apologized, but I have to mention it again.”

  He shrugged. “Accidents happen.”

  Em lifted his hand to her lips and kissed it. “Love you.”

  “I know,” he replied, sounding for the moment like Ava, bringing a smile to her lips.

  ###

  The rain that had been promised pounded on the roof of Seashell Cottage with steady, thunderous beats.

  “A real tropical rain,” declared her father looking out at the beach. Foamy crests atop the waves were in contrast to the deep, gray color the Gulf water had adopted in the storm.

  “A good afternoon for naps and family games,” said Em’s mother, coming to stand beside them.

  “Why don’t we just do pizza tonight?” Em suggested. “There’s a great pizza restaurant in home delivery range.”

  “Sounds perfect. I’m saving my appetite for Gavin’s tomorrow.”

  The afternoon and evening before her wedding turned out to be a special, low-key, family time. Elena, Andrew, Gran, and Bart joined them for dinner and left early to go back to their hotel.

  After Ava had gone to bed, Em sat with Devin and her parents, enjoying a private moment with them.

  “So now that you’re settled, your mother and I have decided to take some time off and do some traveling. I won’t be ready to retire for some time, but I’m going to take more vacation time in the coming years.” Her father leaned back against the couch and beamed at her.

  “We’re going to be downsizing,” her mother said. “We don’t want the care of a large home anymore. Would you kids be interested in buying the house?”

  “But it’s your home to Elena and me,” protested Em.

  “No, Em. It’s time for you to make a real family home for yourself,” her father reminded her.

  Em exchanged questioning looks with Devin. “What do you think, Devin?

  “It’s a great house in one of the best parts of town,” said Devin. “I’m sure we can get it at a bargain price,” he said with a straight face.

  Em’s father laughed. “Not so fast. We’ve already had an appraisal done on it. Fair market value is what we’ll be expecting.”

  “What will Elena say?” Em knew no matter the price, the house would be a steal. Her parents had taken excellent care of it, making updates on a regular basis.

  “I’m sure she’ll be pleased for you,” Em’s mother said.

  “We’ll discuss it and get back to you,” said Devin. “I like the idea.”

  “Good enough,” said Em’s father. “You have enough to think of right now.”

  Talk turned to the wedding and how her father would escort Em to the ceremony site on the beach.

  Soon, her mother rose. “Time for this mother-of-the-bride to retire.” She beckoned to her husband with a curled finger.

  He jumped up from the couch. “Coming, sweetheart.” Grinning, he turned to Em and Devin. “This wedding is turning out to be very romantic.”

  “Eeek! TMI, Dad,” said Em, laughing. “Too much information. Go!”

  Left alone in the living room, Devin turned to her. “What do you think about the house, Em? I didn’t want to say too much without talking to you first.”

  “I would love to live in that house. I’d want to make changes to wall colors and use our own furniture and all, but it’s a great house for Ava and any other children we have.”

  Devin grinned. “That’s what I thought. We’ll talk to our real estate agent when we get back from our honeymoon.”

  “Honeymoon? I can’t wait!” Em exclaimed.

  “You don’t have to,” Devin said, pulling her up from the couch into his arms. “Come right this way.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  When Em stepped out the door the next morning, the deep blue of the sky met her gaze. She sighed with relief. The cold front had moved into the area with temperatures in the high seventies. Hibiscus blossoms in nearby bushes were colorful clumps drenched with rain but would open in time for the four o’clock wedding. She felt a little disoriented as she looked around, thinking of the upcoming ceremony. For so many years, she’d imagined her wedding in New York on a brisk, wintery, Valentine’s Day. This was so not what she’d planned. Yet, she couldn’t wish for a more perfect setting.

  She headed toward the beach, wanting time alone. For her, the beauty of the sand, beach, and birds was as calming as a mantra, and today she wanted a few moments to think of all she had to be grateful for. She walked down to the edge of the water and stood a moment staring at the sunshine mirrored on top of the water in sheets of bright light. Enjoying the beauty of it, she drew a deep breath.

  “Beautiful, huh?” came a voice behind her.

  Em whirled around to face her grandmother. “Gran! What are you doing here?”

  “I just heard from the doctor’s office.”

  Em’s heart bumped to a stop and then raced ahead. “And?”

  “And everything’s all right. I have to admit I was scared, too scared to tell anyone. But the mass is benign.”

  Em threw her arms around Gran. “Wonderful news! It’s the best wedding present ever!”

  “You’d think at my age I’d be past worrying like this.”

  She took hold of Gran’s hand. “Stand here with me a moment. It’s so peaceful.”

  As they stood together, Em lifted her face to the sun and whispered a silent, “Thank you”. She knew Gran wouldn’t always be around, but she was grateful for each moment they had together.

  As she turned to go back to the cottage, Gran said, “What’s this? A shell?” She bent over and picked up something from the sand.

  Em stared at the gold necklace in Gran’s hand. “Oh my God!”

  “What is it?” Gran said.

  “It’s the necklace Devin gave me! It belonged to his mother. Ava lost it, and now you’ve found it.” Em couldn’t stop the tears of joy that filled her eyes. She knew how much it would mean to Devin to have her wear it. She held up a finger to her lips. “We won’t tell anyone about it. I want it to be a surprise for him.”

  “It’s a sweet, little, golden sun,” said Gran. “So appropriate.”

  “In so many ways,” said Em, swiping her tears away. When she got back to the house, she’d tuck it safely away.

  The day that began so quietly turned into one filled with activity. The women set off for a morning of pampering before the preplanned bridal luncheon Elena was hosting. The men had made reservations to play golf and headed out after a quick breakfast.

  At the beauty parlor, Em sat with the women in her family, grateful for their presence. Watching Ava get her toes painted, a warm feeling filled her. She’d dreamed of having a little girl of her own, and though Ava didn’t look like the mental picture she’d had of her child, she felt doubly blessed because Ava was such an unexpected gift.

  Just then, Ava looked up at her and smiled. “Pretty!” She wiggled her toes, showing off the pale purple polish on her toenails.

  Em returned the smile. Ava was so adorable.

  Elena nursed the baby while sitting in the spa chair getting her nails done. Sighing with satisfaction, she gave Em a thumbs-up. “Best decision ever to pamper ourselves.”

  Gran held up her hands and wiggled her fingers. “I haven’t had such a nice manicure in forever. Working with flowers is hard on your hands.”

  Rather than have a fancy hair-do, Em decided to leave her hair long and straight. The humid air and the salty breeze would ruin any attempt to do differently, and she liked how Devin often stroked her hair.

  After they left the salon, they headed to the Pink Pelican Restaurant on St. Pete Beach for a light lunch. Em paused as she stepped inside. Turquoise linen cloths covered the tables. Light coral napkins sat folded at each place near crystal water goblets and shiny silverware. She loved the tropical feel of the setting.

  A hostess me
t them at the door and led them to a table in a corner where they could have privacy. “I hear we have a bride in the group,” the hostess said, smiling at them.

  “It’s Mami,” said Ava. “I’m a bride too.”

  Em joined in the laughter, though Ava spoke the truth. The wedding was more than Em and Devin marrying. It was all three of them forming a family.

  The seafood on the menu was appealing, but Em suddenly felt too excited to eat. To be polite, she ordered only a small salad with shrimp on top.

  Her mother gave her a knowing look. “Excited?”

  Em bobbed her head. “It may seem silly, but I’m nervous. I’ve waited so long for this moment and now that it’s here, I wonder how everything is going to work out. It all happened very fast.”

  Her mother gave her an encouraging smile. “I’ve seen how you and Devin are together, learned what kind of man he is, and I have no worries about the two of you or the three of you.”

  “You’re right,” Em said. “I hope it’s everything Devin wants.”

  “Sweetie, I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Relax. This is a time to enjoy yourself. Remember when you asked me how I knew it was Dad for me? I told you we were friends first. That’s what you and Devin have ... a friendship built on open communication and so much more.”

  “I’ve never had a friend like him,” admitted Em. “And the so much more is ... so much more!”

  Em and her mother laughed.

  With the jitters dismissed, Em was suddenly famished and settled down to enjoy the last meal she would have as Emerson Jordan.

  ###

  After lunch, Em felt as if she’d stepped into a perfect dream as she took a shower and began to get ready for the wedding. She’d declined to have her makeup done professionally, but spent time doing it herself. Wrapped in a terry-cloth robe she padded into the kitchen to check on the flowers Gran had ordered. They’d been delivered earlier.

  When she saw the bouquet of delicate orchids and fragrant freesia, tears filled Em’s eyes. The bouquet was elegant in its simplicity. Smaller bouquets had been made for Elena, Ava, and her mother, along with a matching boutonnieres for Devin, Andrew, and her father.

  Gran came into the kitchen. “How’d I do with the flowers?”

  Em wrapped her arms around her. “They’re perfect.”

  “I just got a call from Bart. Devin and the guys are resting at our suite until the wedding. Your father will be here to change soon. He’s as excited as I’ve ever seen him, but then he’s always wanted to see his girls happily settled.”

  “What about you? How’s he handling his mother being in the dating scene?”

  Gran chuckled. “He’s a little more than surprised by how things are turning out between Bart and me, but he’s relieved too that he won’t have to worry about me so much anymore.”

  “What are you two talking about,” said Em’s mother, coming into the kitchen with Ava.

  “Your husband,” said Em. “Seems like he’s not used to his mother dating.”

  Em’s mother shook her head. “Don’t worry about him. He gets a little over protective sometimes.” She put her arms around her mother-in-law. “I’m happy for you, Julia. You’ve lived alone for too many years.”

  “Thanks,” her grandmother said. “I never thought I’d say this, but I really love that guy. We missed our chance once; we don’t want to miss it again.”

  “This is such a special occasion for so many reasons,” said Em’s mother, wrapping her arms around Ava.

  “An understatement,” said Gran, smiling. “Now let’s get ready for my granddaughter’s big moment. Devin’s friend has already arrived to perform the ceremony and is with the guys at the Salty Key Inn.

  ###

  “Mami, you’re a princess!” cried Ava, clapping her hands together with glee, staring at Em.

  Em studied herself in the mirror scarcely believing how the dress transformed her from Em Jordan, owner of Living Designs, into Emerson Jordan, bride of the day. Or maybe it was the radiant smile on her face that made such a difference. But at the moment, what she saw was something she liked. Her blond hair swung easily at her shoulders; her blue eyes shown with eagerness. Her sleeveless dress clung to her breasts and waist, then fell to her ankles in silken folds. Her feet would remain bare.

  Her mother stood back and gazed at her tearfully. “You’re lovely. A beautiful, beaming bride.”

  The bedroom door opened and Elena and Gran entered dressed for the occasion.

  “Oh, Em. I love it!” gushed Elena. “The dress is even prettier than I remembered. You look stunning.”

  Em’s mother handed her a box. “Here are the diamond and pearl earrings I wore to my wedding. I want you to use them today. Elena wore them for her wedding too.”

  Thanks,” Em said. With trembling fingers, she slid them through the lobes of her ears. “Now I have one more thing to add, and then I’ll be ready.” She went to her bureau and brought out the gold necklace. She leaned over and showed it to Ava.

  “Gran found the necklace we lost, Ava. You can help her put it around my neck. I have a feeling that will make you feel better about losing it. This will be our wedding surprise for Papi.”

  “Okay.” Ava handed the necklace to Gran.

  Gran hooked it around Em’s neck. Nestled against her skin, the tiny glitter of gold seemed to wink at her. “Okay, I’m ready. Where’s Dad?”

  “Your father is in the hallway, waiting for you.”

  “Be prepared. He’s going to cry,” said Elena. She opened the bedroom door and Em stepped into the hallway to see tears filling her father’s eyes.

  “Gorgeous, honey,” he managed, giving her a careful hug. “Don’t want to mess you up,” he explained. “And this is Josh Franco, Devin’s friend who is going to perform the ceremony.”

  Em’s gaze settled on a young, balding man with a friendly smile. He held out his hand. “I’m very happy to meet you. Sorry we didn’t have time to meet before now, but I feel I already know you. Devin’s been talking about you ever since he got back from his vacation here at Seashell Cottage.”

  “I’ve heard good things about you,” said Em. “Thank you for being part of our celebration. It means a lot to both of us.”

  Josh checked his watch. “Guess I’d better get out to the beach. Devin’s waiting there for you, along with the guitarist, Andrew, and the baby.”

  He held out his arm to Em’s mother. “I’m to walk you out to the beach. Bart is waiting outside to walk with Gran. Give us all a few minutes to get out there, and then, Elena, you and Ava follow. Then Em and her father. Everyone got it?”

  Em took a last look at Ava. Wearing the purple party dress that she’d chosen, Ava looked like a tropical flower. The flouncy skirt of the dress fluttered with her restless movement. Em leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You’re the one who looks like a little princess.”

  Ava pointed one foot in front of her and did a little curtsy, like the princess she wanted to be.

  Elena and Em exchanged amused glances. Ava played the part well.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Moving toward the protected spot on the beach where Devin waited for her, Em felt as if she were floating. The scene seemed so right. The smile that crossed his face at the sight of her wavered as emotion took over. He swiped at his eyes and then straightened, his gaze remaining on her.

  Em had never felt more connected to another person. Knowing this was just the beginning of a life with him filled her with joy. She quickened her steps, making her father move faster. Laughing softly, he whispered, “Hold on! He’s not going anywhere!”

  The guitarist continued to play Pachelbel’s Canon in D as Em came to Devin’s side.

  “So beautiful,” murmured Devin, kissing her on the cheek and taking hold of her hand. His eyes widened when he saw the necklace.

  “You found it?”

  “Yes,” Em said. “Your mother is here with us now.”

  His eyes welled with tears. He respon
ded with a nod of acknowledgement.

  They stood side by side before Josh as her family formed a loving circle around them.

  Josh welcomed the family and then led them through the traditional words of a wedding ceremony. When it came time to exchange rings, Em’s father handed Devin the wedding band he and Em had chosen together. Devin signaled to Ava to join him.

  She came to his side and together they helped slide the ring onto the proper finger on Em’s left hand.

  “We promise to love you, protect you, and do everything in our power to make you happy.”

  “Me, too, Mami,” said Ava.

  Devin gazed into her eyes with such tenderness Em’s breath caught. “I’ve loved you more in the last few months than some people can love in a lifetime,” continued Devin. “I want to share all that life has to offer with you, including many more children. You make me a better person and a happy man. I promise to give you all that I have of myself to make you as happy as you make me. I promise you this with all my heart.”

  When it came time for her to say her vows it was easy for her to speak from the heart. “I, Emerson Jordan, promise you, Devin Gerard, that I will love you always, take care of you when you need it, and support you and your work giving time to others to help them have a better life. I promise that life with you will include time for a dance or two, lots of love, and like the sun shining down on us, will be as warm and wonderful as this moment between us. I swear this in your mother’s memory and thank her for giving me such a wonderful man to love.”

  She slid the ring onto his finger and smiled as he leaned forward to kiss her.

  A moment later, Em felt a tap on her hip and stepped back. Ava stared up at her. “Mami, are you and Papi going to keep kissing?”

  “Always,” Em said, bringing soft laughter from the others.

  Josh said a few more words and then, “I now pronounce you man and wife.”

  Devin didn’t wait. He swept her up in his arms. “Care to dance, Mrs. Gerard?”

  “Of course,” Em said, taking hold of his hand and moving with him to the sound of “My Funny Valentine” coming from the guitar.