“Don’t say that!” He took a step back. “I wasn’t proposing. I want to do that right. I was just asking if you wanted to do that. I’ll propose later. Like at sunset, with roses and champagne.”
“I had no idea about this whole traditional thing. It’s kind of sexy.”
“You’re not taking me seriously,” he grumbled. “You wait. You’ll be blown away.”
“I will be, I promise.”
“I can’t believe you said yes. Just like that. It’s disheartening.”
She laughed. “That is so sad. How can I make it up to you?”
He took her by the hand and started for the stairs. “I think you know exactly how.”
“As a matter of fact, I do.”
epilogue
THREE DAYS BEFORE escrow closed on Lillian’s house, Robyn walked through the mostly empty downstairs. Over the past year, she’d moved out hundreds of pieces of furniture and artwork. A sizeable majority of it had been sold to larger museums around the world, while dozens of pieces had been donated to small, regional museums that could never afford to buy the various items. The rest of it was in a massive warehouse she’d leased in preparation for opening her business in two months.
The remodel of Lillian’s, as she’d decided to name her new antique store, was moving ahead. She had a great location on State Street, with nearby parking and lots of foot traffic. Although most of the pieces were exceptional and pricey, she would have plenty of inventory for the tourist crowd.
She’d made sure to leave nearly a hundred items for the historical society. Most of the bedroom sets were in place, along with plenty of artwork, dishes and a half dozen clocks. The telescope was still on the roof, and beautiful handmade rugs were scattered around.
But for today, all that had been taken to other rooms. The main sitting room was set up with rows of chairs facing the perfect ocean view. Huge floral arrangements defined the space for the ceremony, while the foyer, dining room and library had been filled with tables and chairs. The catering staff was already setting up for the meal service.
They were expecting about sixty people for the wedding and reception to follow. Several of Mason’s friends were flying in for the event, as was Harlow. Austin was up for the weekend as well. For reasons not clear to her, Cord and Zafina had wanted to attend, bringing baby Kelli with them.
Robyn walked back to Lillian’s office, now the unofficial bride’s room. From here, she could almost see the house she and Mason had built. Thanks to the money from the sales to museums, they’d been able to move forward with the construction, offering their contractor a bonus for finishing in record time. When they got back from their honeymoon, they would move into the house.
Except for Charles II, all the cats had been rehomed. Mason was discussing his desire to get a puppy with his favorite feline. So far Charles wasn’t saying much, but Robyn was sure he could be convinced.
The door opened, and Harlow stepped inside. Robyn’s heart nearly burst with pride. Her baby girl was strong and tall, looking beautiful in the dark blue gown she’d chosen to wear as Robyn’s maid of honor. Confidence and happiness radiated from her, which was all a mother could ask for, Robyn thought.
“Mom, you’ve got to get dressed. The valet service just texted to say guests are arriving.”
“Except for the dress, I’m ready.”
She’d already had her hair and makeup done, not trusting herself to do it on such a special day.
She shrugged out of her robe, then waited while Harlow picked up the dress she’d chosen. The elegant floor-length gown was an off-the-shoulder trumpet style with beading on the band sleeves that continued on the back of the bodice. The front had pleats to the waist. Then the champagne-colored fabric fell in soft gathers to the floor. She’d found a cute pair of sandals that wouldn’t kill her feet and finished the outfit with diamonds Lillian had left her.
“Nervous?” Harlow asked as she zipped the dress into place.
“No. I’m marrying Mason. Nothing has ever felt this right.”
Her daughter smiled at her. “I’m having trouble finding a guy I want to see more than three times. I’m a little envious of how much you’re in love.”
“You’ll find someone.”
“I know.” Harlow grinned. “I’m only twenty-three. There’s plenty of time.”
Austin joined them, looking handsome in his tux. He hugged her.
“Mason’s not nervous,” her son told her. “I thought he’d be sweating or something, but he’s completely calm. That guy can handle anything.”
“He’s marrying Mom,” Harlow pointed out. “He’s happy. What’s to be nervous about?”
“That I’m so good-looking today,” Austin joked.
“You do look good in a tux.”
They talked until it was time. Then Harlow handed Robyn the larger bouquet before taking her own.
“I’m really happy for you, Mom,” she said.
She walked out into the hallway and turned toward the main sitting room. Austin held out his arm.
“Ready to make him an honest man?”
“I am.”
She was more than ready to be his wife and for them to continue on their journey together.
Austin guided her down the hallway. She could hear the music and smell the beautiful flowers. Anticipation made her want to hurry, but she kept her steps slow and even. They turned, and she saw the guests and the view of the Pacific beyond the deck, then turned her attention to the man standing, waiting for her to join him.
His gaze locked with hers, and she would swear she heard his breath catch. Or maybe she just knew that was what would happen, because whenever she dressed up, he acted like she was a treasured and beautiful princess. Come to think of it, that was how he treated her all the time.
He cared for her, loved her, supported her and had the most unexpected traditional streak. He’d spent the previous night in a hotel. Something she would tease him about later, when they were alone.
The guests rose. Austin walked her down the aisle. When asked, “Who gives this woman to be married?” he replied, “My sister and I.”
As she stepped next to Mason, she felt an extra rush of love coming from somewhere beyond the confines of the room. She knew if she looked hard enough, she would see that they had been joined by two people who loved them. Which made sense. Leo and Lillian had always enjoyed a wedding.
She looked at the man she knew she would love for the rest of her life and breathed in gratitude for all that he was and all they would be together.
Mason smiled at her, then leaned close.
“We’re going to have the best time,” he whispered.
“I know. Honestly, I can’t wait for us to get started.”
* * *