Chapter 30
Raucous country music pumped through the speakers of Jack’s diner, spilling onto the patio where the rehearsal dinner was already in full swing.
Eliza stared at the condensation trickling down the side of her water goblet like sympathetic tears.
Grant had promised her that they’d be there. And yet the rehearsal came and went without so much as a text or phone call.
Throughout the evening, Eliza’s parents kept checking in on her. As did Cassie and Luke, in between introducing Donna to everyone she didn’t already know, as well as filling her in on everything she’d missed.
Donna still seemed skittish. And Eliza recognized the strained look of a mother trying to put aside her own discomfort for the sake of her child. But she was there, nonetheless. Which was more than Eliza could say for Grant.
To add to her befuddlement, Jack frequently shot glances in her direction, as though he knew something she didn’t. And Penny stuck to her like fondant to a petit four.
“Here. Eat something.” Penny slid a plate of tri-tip and coleslaw in front of her, but Eliza pushed it aside.
“No, thank you.”
“Two bites. You’ll feel better,” Penny insisted.
A small, wistful smile tugged at the corner of Eliza’s mouth. Everyone mothering her couldn’t have been sweeter, yet it merely served as a reminder of her own child’s absence, making the emptiness more pronounced.
“Vinny! Stop!”
Eliza’s pulse fluttered at the familiar voice shouting above the music.
“Yeah, wait for me!” Ben’s higher-pitched cry sent her heart soaring.
“They’re here!” Leaping from the table, Eliza nearly knocked over her glass of water. Rushing to the edge of the patio, she froze as a scruffy gray blur shot across the lawn, a bright blue leash trailing behind him.
“Slow down!” Ben giggled, racing past her. “Hi, Mom!” He waved but didn’t slow down.
Eliza gaped as Grant followed close behind, coming to a halt a few feet away. Panting, he doubled over, both hands on his knees. “That little stinker took off as soon as I opened the car door.”
Eliza blinked, glancing from Grant to the lawn, where Ben and a little ball of wiry fur pranced about in a lively game of tag. Ben’s laughter mingled with the scraggly dog’s excited bark.
“Sorry we’re late. We had to stop in Primrose Valley to adopt Vinny.”
“Vinny?”
“Short for Vincent van Gogh,” Grant laughed. “Ben named him. But I have to say, it fits. They both have a beard and mustache.”
Eliza shook her head, all the scrambled pieces slowly coming together. “Wait, did you say adopt?”
“Yeah.” Grant wore a sheepish grin. “He’s ours. But before you say no, Jack already said I could keep him with me in the chicken coop.”
“Wait, hold on.” Eliza pressed her fingertips to her temple. She hadn’t heard anything past ours. “You’re not making any sense. What’s all this about Jack? And a chicken coop?”
“It’s simple. I’m moving back to Poppy Creek.” Grant beamed, holding her gaze. “Jack said I can stay in his guest house, which he calls the chicken coop because it used to be one way back in the day, before he fixed it up. But that’s another story.” He chuckled. “It’s only until I find my own place, of course. And he doesn’t mind the dog.”
Swaying slightly, Eliza thought she might faint. “You said he was ours?”
“Right. Yours, mine, and Ben’s. I figured it was time we had a family dog. That’s why we’re late. We picked him out at the shelter on our way here.”
Tears of joy stung the backs of her eyes as she stared at him, mouth agape. “You got us a family dog?”
“You’ll love him. He’s feisty. Just like you.”
Eliza blushed at the tender glint in Grant’s eyes. “What about…” She paused, hating to mention anything that could ruin the breathtakingly perfect moment.
“We all have our share of regrets,” he said softly. “My biggest one is letting you walk away.”
“Forgive and forget?” she asked hopefully, her voice trembling.
“No. Never.”
Eliza flinched, taken aback by his response.
Grant took a step toward her. “Forgive? With all my heart. But never forget. Because every time I remember losing you, I’ll cherish each second we’re together like it’s our last. That is… if you’ll have me.”
Her heart bursting with love for this sweet, forgiving man, Eliza ran to him, flinging her arms around his neck.
Engulfing her in his embrace, Grant lowered his mouth to hers. And all the secret tears, silent prayers, and sacrificed moments were eclipsed by their kiss, leaving them breathless. Eliza wanted to weep with joy, but couldn’t stand the thought of their lips ever parting.
Regretfully, she pulled away when a rough, slimy tongue slobbered on her leg.
Two adorable gray-blue eyes stared up at her beneath thick, bushy eyebrows.
“Hey, there.” She reached down for the pup to sniff then lick her hand.
His shaggy tail wagged in approval, and Eliza laughed.
“Do you like him, Mom? Do you like him?” Ben gripped Vinny’s leash, his dark eyes hopeful.
“I…” Eliza turned to Grant, and her heart swelled at the magnitude of love communicated in a single glance. For a moment, she took in every extraordinary detail he’d passed on to their son… the thick, unruly hair. The dark, expressive eyebrows. The smattering of freckles across the bridge of his nose. And now, his adorable glasses. Ben was no longer her Mini-Me. But a beautiful blend, the best of both of them put together. And she couldn’t wait to discover more ways he’d be exactly like his father.
Gazing back at her son, she smiled. “I think he’s a perfect addition to the family.”
And at that, Vinny barked in complete agreement.
The mattress creaked as Grant shifted his weight. Slowly sitting upright, he did his best not to disturb Vinny curled into a ball by his feet. Stifling a yawn, he stretched his arms overhead, squinting against streaks of bright sunlight that infiltrated the heavy, plaid drapes.
Nearly every inch of the chicken coop was covered in plaid, from the curtains to the bedspread to the upholstery of the portly armchair. Although not enormous by any means, it resembled a small studio apartment and was larger than Grant expected. The original structure must have housed hundreds of chickens, and Jack had clearly added a decent chunk of square footage when he’d installed the plumbing for the bathroom. All in all, it wasn’t a bad place to call home.
Or a temporary home, at least.
Grant slung his feet over the side of the bed, rubbing a kink in the back of his neck. He’d have to do something about the pillow, though. Too lumpy. He made a mental note to replace it without bothering Jack, along with the scratchy towels.
Grant was beyond grateful to his friend for giving him a place to stay. After learning what his mother had done to Eliza, he could hardly stomach staying in the same town with her, let alone the same house.
Gathering a deep breath, he padded barefoot across the pine slat floor. Opening the rustic armoire, Grant unzipped the garment bag housing his suit. The rich, dark chocolate wool gleamed in the sunlight, stirring a hankering for a strong cup of freshly brewed coffee.
As he dressed, Grant’s mind wandered to last night, when he’d told Eliza about Colt’s visit and asked her to fill in the missing pieces of the story. At his request, she’d tearfully told him everything, and he’d never felt so sick to his stomach. How could his mother do something like that? How could anyone, for that matter?
A knock on the door drew Grant from his thoughts, momentarily disturbing Vinny.
The pup raised his small, scruffy head, shooting a lazy glance toward the offending sound before burrowing back into the bedspread.
Chuckling, Grant eased open the door to find Jack standing on the stoop, deep creases of frustration etched into his forehead.
“The da
rn tie won’t tie,” he grumbled, stomping inside.
“Don’t you hate it when they won’t tie themselves?” Grant’s lips twitched as he made room for Jack’s hulking frame. At six four, Jack could barely stand up straight without his head grazing the ceiling.
“It’s too early for jokes, Parker.” Irritable, Jack scratched his jawline while Grant tried to undo the havoc wreaked on the silk tie.
Suppressing another chuckle, Grant noticed his friend’s burly beard had been trimmed down to one step above clean shaven, accentuating his strong features. “You should trim your beard more often. You look like a normal member of society rather than a madman who lives in the woods eating moss and bark beetles.”
Jack narrowed his eyes. “What did I say about making wisecracks at the crack of dawn?”
“It’s hardly the crack of dawn, sunshine. Now hold still.” Grinning, Grant draped the tie around Jack’s neck.
“Remind me again why we have to be ready at nine in the morning for a five-o’clock wedding?” Jack tugged on the cuffs of his crisp button-down shirt, clearly uncomfortable in the formal wear.
“It was written in the wedding rule book many moons ago by nefarious wedding planners. Along with their conspiracy with photographers for family photos to take six hours longer than necessary.”
A hearty chuckle rose from Jack’s chest. “Ain’t that the truth.” As his laughter subsided, Jack’s features softened. “I’m glad you and Eliza worked things out. You guys always made a great team. And it’s a shame for issues to go unresolved on a day like today.”
“What do you mean?” Grant kept his gaze glued on the Windsor knot, his fingers stalling only a moment.
Jack shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess weddings are about bringing two people together, for better or worse. Seems sad to think about division or animosity on an occasion celebrating unity, don’t you think?”
Grant lifted his gaze to meet Jack’s, his stomach twisting like the knot he’d just tied. “Yeah, I suppose.”
Jack turned toward the tiny token mirror hanging on the wall, studying his reflection in the aged patina. “Nice work. As long as it doesn’t strangle me to death before the actual ceremony.”
Pivoting on the heel of his fancy oxfords, Jack slapped Grant on the shoulder. “Well, I’ll leave you to it. I’m sure you still have things to do.”
With a knowing smile, Jack headed for the door.
Leaving Grant to dwell on his parting words.
Chapter 31
Cassie’s cottage hummed with excitement as the bride and her entourage wrapped up the few last-minute details.
Maggie, Beverly, and Dolores remained on hand for wardrobe emergencies, like the unexpected loose strap on Penny’s dress. And surprisingly, Donna lent her talent for wielding a mascara wand and contour brush.
As the time for the ceremony drew closer, the women bid Cassie emotional goodbyes before heading to the town square.
Donna and Eliza were the last to leave, Donna lingering in the doorway of Cassie’s bedroom as her daughter counted off the final checklist.
“Something old… check.” Cassie wiggled her fingers, the sunlight catching on the antique diamond of her engagement ring. “Something new.” She caressed the stunning silver barrette Luke had custom made by an artisan designer he’d met a few weeks ago. He’d traveled all the way to San Francisco to pick it up from the specialty shop, and the delicate red enamel poppies looked stunning against Cassie’s dark, glossy hair.
Tears glistened in her eyes as Eliza thought about how fervently Luke loved this woman standing before her, radiant both inside and out. Though only a few years older, the couple had become her role models, displaying a kind of love that defied the odds.
“Something borrowed,” Cassie continued, running her hand along the delicate lace of Maggie’s wedding dress. “And…” Her eyes widened. “I don’t have anything blue!”
Eliza frowned, her pulse stuttering. Why hadn’t they gone over this list before? Personally, she’d never even thought about the antiquated tradition. And it seemed a little late to worry about it now.
Glancing around the room, Eliza racked her brain for an idea. Maybe they could tuck a blue flower in her hair? There was probably some lupine growing in the backyard. Or was that considered purple?
“Yes, you do.” Smiling softly, Donna stepped forward, fidgeting with something clasped in her palm.
“I do?” Cassie peered curiously at her mother.
Donna bit her lower lip, disturbing her perfectly applied lipstick. “When your grandmother passed away and left you this house, you asked if she’d left me anything in her will. I told you she gave me a letter.”
Cassie nodded slowly. “Yes, I remember.”
“Well…” Donna’s gaze darted to the floor, then back to her daughter. “She also left me this.” Pinched between her fingers, Donna displayed an exquisite sapphire ring. The oval gem glittered in a regal, art deco–style setting of soft yellow gold.
“What is it?” Cassie asked in a reverent whisper.
“Your grandmother’s engagement ring. The one my dad… your grandfather gave her.” Donna’s voice quivered. “I wish you could have met him. He would have loved you so very much.”
Dabbing her eyes, Eliza watched Donna slip the ring on Cassie’s right hand, her heart bursting with gratefulness. Ben had gone seven years without knowing his father, and she couldn’t imagine him experiencing another day without Grant in his life. Poor Donna had lost her father as a teenager, before Cassie was born. What an ache that must have left in her heart.
“Are you sure?” Cassie asked, gazing at the intricate facets of the intense blue stone. “Don’t you want to keep it?”
“I want you to have it. In a way, this is your blue chip.”
“What do you mean?”
A tender smile illuminated Donna’s face, brightening her glistening green eyes. “You’ve overcome a lot to be standing here today. I know that more than anyone. And I’m…” Donna’s lips trembled as she fought back tears. “I’m proud of you, Cassandra.”
Eliza drew in a breath, startled to hear Cassie’s full name for the first time. It sounded strange to her ears, yet oddly fitting coming from Donna’s lips, as though it held special meaning between mother and daughter. And Eliza marveled at how the inverse of a nickname could feel so intimate.
As the women embraced, Eliza thought she heard Donna whisper I love you, but couldn’t be certain.
Tracing her fingertips along the rims of her eyes, removing any remnants of smeared eyeliner, Donna bid them goodbye before slipping out of the room, leaving Cassie and her maid of honor alone.
Cassie sniffled, turning toward the mirror above the dresser to inspect her makeup.
“Are you okay?” Eliza handed Cassie a tissue, thankful they’d chosen waterproof mascara.
“I still can’t believe she’s here.” Cassie dabbed an imaginary smudge. “My heart feels so… full.”
Eliza smiled, her own heart overflowing. “Since you decided to move in with Luke, do you think you’ll offer the cottage to your mom?”
“No.” Cassie shook her head, setting the tissue on the dresser. “I don’t think Mom will ever move back. I mean, you’ve seen her over the last few days. She’s trying to hide it, but she still hates it here for some reason I can’t fathom.”
Eliza’s features softened in understanding, amazed at Cassie for being so perceptive despite all the distractions.
“But since we’re on the subject…” Cassie pulled open the top drawer of the dresser and removed a small wooden box engraved with tiny daffodils.
Immediately, Eliza recognized Luke’s craftsmanship as she accepted what she assumed to be her bridesmaid’s gift. “It’s beautiful.”
“Open it.” Cassie’s eyes glittered expectantly as Eliza popped open the lid.
Her brow furrowed, Eliza lifted a simple silver key, unclear what it represented.
“It’s a key to the cottage.” Cassie
beamed, bouncing on her tiptoes in her excitement. “I’d like you and Ben to live here, rent free, for as long as you’d like.”
Shaking her head, Eliza stuffed the key back inside the box and closed the lid. “Cass, I can’t accept this. It’s too generous.” She held the box out to Cassie, but her friend crossed her arms, a smirk playing about her lips.
“I’m sorry, but it’s against the rules to defy the bride on her special day. Besides,” she added, “Grandma Edie would want you to live here. If you won’t accept it for yourself, then take it for Ben. And that adorable new dog of yours.”
A flood of emotion overwhelmed Eliza, and she choked back a sob. “I… don’t know what to say.”
“Say you won’t be upset when I tell you that Luke and Colt spent the morning hanging a swing on the maple tree while we were getting ready.” Cassie’s eyes danced with glee, as though she could hardly contain her happiness.
“What? But how did they…” As awareness dawned, Eliza’s eyes widened. “That’s why you turned up the music when we were doing our makeup….”
“I thought for sure you’d catch on,” Cassie laughed. “Instead, you must have thought I really, really like ‘Pretty Woman’ by Roy Orbison.”
“It’s a good song,” Eliza giggled, reaching for a tissue to blot her damp cheeks. “What made you think of the swing?”
“It was Colt’s idea, actually. He said every little boy needs a tree swing. And I happen to agree.”
Flinging her arms around Cassie’s neck, Eliza hugged her friend, not caring if they crumpled both of their dresses.
The deep rumble of an engine pulled them apart.
Taking a step back, Eliza regarded Cassie one last time before she became Mrs. Luke Davis.
Moved beyond words by her beauty, which emanated from within, Eliza whispered, “I think your ride is here.”
Grant fiddled with his gold cuff links as he stood facing the back door, the solid oak separating him from the unpleasant conversation awaiting him on the other side.
He shouldn’t be here.
The Truth in Tiramisu (A Poppy Creek Novel Book 2) Page 19