A Turn in the Road (Blossom Street #8)(102)

“Are you and Royce engaged?” Bethanne asked.

Royce raised Ruth’s hand to his lips while she blushed. “We are,” he said. “No ring yet, but I didn’t want even one more day to go by without making it official.”

“Congratulations, Mom,” Grant said, hugging her, then shaking hands with Royce. “So you’re moving to Florida.”

“I am,” she said as she looked up at Royce. “You won’t miss me.”

“Don’t be so sure about that, but I can see you’re in good hands.”

“You’re welcome to visit as often as you like,” Royce told him.

“Within reason,” Ruth added. “We’re going to be newlyweds and we might not be interested in company for some time.”

Grant laughed. “You’ll definitely see me in Vero,” he said. His eyes met Bethanne’s and he smiled.

Bethanne kissed the older woman’s cheek. “I couldn’t be happier for you, Ruth.”

“Thank you, sweetie.”

The church had started to empty; the wedding party, plus assorted family members, were on their way to the Blue Moon, where the rehearsal dinner was being held.

Grant led his mother and Royce outside. “Don’t worry,” he joked, “I won’t be late for dinner.” He pulled out his keys and pushed the remote to unlock the car door.

Bethanne waved and walked toward her own car.

The Blue Moon was a restaurant Bethanne had often worked with through the years. She had a good relationship with the manager, who’d been accommodating and helpful.

When she got there, Grant caught up with her just as she was about to enter the banquet room. “Before we go in, I have a question.”

“Yes?” Bethanne said, although she would’ve preferred to put off a conversation with him until after dinner. She had a number of last-minute things she needed to check.

“Did Andrew decide to serve the wine…Max sent?”

“Yes.” No point in prevaricating or dodging the truth.

Grant stiffened at her answer.

“It was up to Andrew and Courtney.”

“If someone asks about the wine, what will you tell them?”

“I’ll say it came from a family friend—but why would anyone ask?”

Grant held her look for a long moment before he lowered his eyes. “You’re right,” he mumbled. “No one will.”

Bethanne reached for his hand and gently squeezed it. “Tonight and tomorrow aren’t about us. This time is for our son and Courtney. Agreed?”

Grant nodded. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I can’t seem to keep my foot out of my mouth, can I?”

Bethanne patted him on the shoulder. “Grant, it’s fine.” His evening had begun badly with that traffic accident and then arriving late for the rehearsal. She could see how tense he was throughout dinner, not really connecting with anyone, which was uncharacteristic for him. He stayed close to his mother and Royce and made eye contact with Bethanne several times, but she was busy organizing the dinner and greeting family and friends.

By the time she was ready to leave, he’d disappeared.

The wedding was taking place on Saturday afternoon at three. Bethanne helped Courtney dress, as did Courtney’s sister, Juliana, her matron of honor. In her beautiful slim-fitting gown, with the wedding purse their friend Anne Marie Roche had knit and wearing Bethanne’s gloves, she looked elegant. Lovely. Her beauty came from more than simply her appearance; so much love and happiness shone from her face that Bethanne was nearly brought to tears.

The photographers showed up around one and everyone gathered for the big photo shoot. Bethanne noticed that Grant remained in the background as much as possible, although he did spend some time talking to her father and his lady friend, Suzette, who’d arrived in Seattle that very morning and had rushed to the church.

Fifteen minutes before the ceremony was to begin, Bethanne, Courtney and the matron of honor, along with the three bridesmaids, assembled in a small room off the church foyer. Bethanne could hear the guests arriving.

If she survived this day it would be a miracle. Of all the hundreds of events she’d worked on through the years, the one that frayed her nerves the most was her own son’s wedding.

“There’s something you should know,” Courtney said as Bethanne adjusted her veil.

Her future daughter-in-law looked so serious that Bethanne paused and lowered her hands. “Oh?”

“Andrew sent Max an invitation to the wedding. He felt it was the least we could do after he gave us the wine.”

“And he didn’t think to tell me?”

“He was going to, but, well, he wasn’t sure how you’d react. We knew Grant wouldn’t be pleased but Andrew said he really didn’t care.”

Bethanne inhaled a calming breath. If she was nervous before, this news set her completely on edge. Max could very well be in the church right now!

“Mom?” Annie stepped toward her. “You okay?”

She forced herself to nod. “Andrew invited Max to the wedding.”

“He did?”

Bethanne clasped her hands.

“Are you glad?”

Bethanne suddenly broke into a huge smile. “Yes…very glad. I know that disappoints you, Annie….”