Emma sat at the back of the tent, mesmerized by the unexpected wedding. Being here to celebrate Noah and Cassie’s wedding, to be part of the next chapter of their lives, was so special it brought tears to her eyes.
After Noah told everyone what would be happening, the marquee tent was transformed into a lovely wedding venue. Emma was sure she recognized some of the flower arrangements from Kylie’s flower shop. But her friend hadn’t said anything, so she assumed she was as unaware of the wedding as everyone else.
As she looked at the guests, Emma’s gaze lingered on the man she’d met under the oak tree. Megan had told her he was Jack Devlin, Noah’s younger brother. He lived in Manhattan, visited Sapphire Bay every few months, and usually brought a different girlfriend to Montana on each visit.
When Emma had spoken to him, he didn’t look as though he had anyone with him. And now, seeing him beside his grandfather, she was positive he’d come to Sapphire Bay alone. But, even if she was attracted to him, it didn’t mean she would talk to him again. She wasn’t the naïve person she’d been when she met her ex-husband. She had two children, a business she enjoyed, and friends who loved her like family. A man who changed girlfriends faster than his bed linen wasn’t for her.
As Noah looked into Cassie’s eyes and repeated his wedding vows, Emma sighed. Even though her own marriage had ended in heartache, she still believed in happily ever after. As unlikely as it was, she hoped that one day she would meet a man who treated her with respect and kindness, and who wanted to be loved as tenderly and sweetly as she knew how.
Beside her, Willow dabbed her eyes. “Their vows are so lovely,” she whispered.
Emma nodded. Even though the wedding was a surprise, it was one of the most romantic ceremonies she’d ever seen.
As Noah and Cassie exchanged rings, the late afternoon sunshine fell across the tent. Cassie’s beautiful floor-length lace gown shimmered and sparkled, and her veil cascaded behind her in soft folds.
Molly squeezed Emma’s hand. “Mommy. I can’t see Cassie.”
Emma lifted her daughter onto her lap. “Is that better?”
Molly nodded and smiled. “She looks like a princess.”
“She does.” Unlike her brother, Molly loved fairy tales. If a story included a handsome prince, a forgotten shoe, or a battered and bruised beast, she was happy. At six years old, Molly was willing to forgive any failing or bad decision, as long as the princess wore a sparkly dress and the story ended happily ever after.
Dylan wasn’t quite so forgiving. If his stories didn’t involve some kind of mystery or adventure, he would change the words, giving the characters exactly what he thought they needed. Even now, sitting amongst the twinkling lights draped inside the tent, he was more interested in looking at the pictures inside the space book he’d brought with him.
Pastor John placed his hands above Cassie and Noah’s heads, blessing their marriage and wishing them a long and happy life together.
Emma closed her eyes. She remembered her own wedding vows, her blind faith that Mark would be her rock, her soft place to fall. She took a deep breath. Three years after they’d said I do, Mark had packed his bags and left. And, apart from when he’d given her their divorce papers, she hadn’t seen or heard from him again.
The sound of clapping pulled Emma back to the here and now.
At the front of the tent, Noah tenderly kissed his bride, then hugged her tight.
Emma hoped their marriage was strong and true, that Cassie and Noah would work through their differences and continue to see the good in each other.
“You’re crying, Mommy,” Molly whispered. “Are you sad?”
Emma reached into her pocket and found a tissue. “They’re happy tears.”
“Are you sure?”
She kissed the top of Molly’s head and forced a smile. “I’m sure.”
With a worried frown, her daughter turned to the front of the tent.
By the time Cassie and Noah walked down the aisle, Emma was feeling better. Tonight was about celebrating the future, not dwelling on the past.
“Can I talk to Cassie now?” Molly asked.
“We’ll see her in a few minutes. Before we say hello, do you need to go to the bathroom?”
Molly shook her head. “Nope. I’m okay. What about you, Dylan?”
Her twin brother frowned. “I’m okay, too.”
“In that case,” Emma said with a grin. “How about we find a nice cold glass of lemonade for everyone, then see Cassie?”
Molly wiggled off Emma’s lap. “Yeah! Come on, Dylan. The lemonade is over here.”
With a reluctant sigh, Dylan shoved his book into his backpack and followed his sister.
Emma smiled as she walked behind them. They might be twins, but Molly and Dylan were as different as chalk and cheese. And someday, those differences could make both of their lives so much better.
On his way back from getting two cups of coffee, Jack must have spoken to most of the people at the wedding. Each time he visited Sapphire Bay, he was greeted like a long-lost friend. Even people he’d only seen on the street recognized his face and said hello.
After living in New York City, it was a little disconcerting to realize that total strangers were more interested in his life than half the people he usually associated with. But that was part of living in a small town.
He nodded to another person before turning toward his table.
Mabel Terry, the owner of the general store, stood between him and his grandfather. Mabel was the sort of person who knew everything that was happening in Sapphire Bay. As well as keeping her customers informed of the latest events, she regularly updated the community Facebook page. If he looked online now, he was sure he would see photos of Noah and Cassie’s wedding.
“It’s good to see you, Jack. What did you think of your brother’s wedding?”
“It was a wonderful service.”
“Did you know Cassie and Noah were getting married today?”
Jack shook his head. “It was as much of a surprise to me as everyone else. How is your husband?”
“Allan’s fine. We’re as busy as ever in the store. Have you talked to Pastor John since you arrived?”
“Not yet, but Noah told me you’ve opened another two tiny homes since I was last here.”
“We’re getting faster. The volunteers are only taking five weeks to build each house now.”
“That’s great.” Jack lifted the coffee cups higher. “I should get back to Granddad before our coffee gets cold.”
“Of course,” Mabel said reluctantly. “How long are you staying in Sapphire Bay?”
“Ten days. I thought I’d have a vacation while I’m here.”
“Well, if you need anything, you know where to come.”
“Thanks, Mabel. I’ll remember.” And before she could ask any more questions, Jack high-tailed it over to his grandfather.
Patrick took one of the coffee cups. “I saw you talking to Mabel. How is she?”
“She seems okay. Why do I always feel as though she’ll tell everyone what I say?”
“Probably because she will.” Patrick smiled. “She doesn’t mean any harm. It’s her way of making sure everyone knows what’s happening in Sapphire Bay.”
Jack’s eyebrows rose. “Am I talking to the same man who refused to open a Facebook account because he thought it was a conspiracy against everyone’s privacy?”
“I’ve mellowed since I left Manhattan. Besides, I enjoy reading about what everyone’s doing.”
“You might not be so forgiving if your name appears on Mabel’s social media feed.”
Patrick laughed. “My life isn’t that exciting. What about you?”
Jack looked warily at his grandfather. “Noah’s wedding is as exciting as my life gets at the moment.”
“You aren’t still thinking about Angela, are you?”
“Her name is Angelique. And no, I’m not.” It wasn’t until Jack had been dating Angelique for three months that he realized they wanted completely different things. Working fifteen-hour days, socializing with the glitterati of New York, and eating at the finest restaurants wasn’t something he wanted anymore.
Sitting on his sofa watching reruns of his favorite TV programs suited him so much better.
When Angelique realized she was dating the wrong man, she walked out of his life and never returned.
“I blame myself for your stubborn independence,” Patrick muttered. “I should have listened to your grandma and let you enjoy life instead of pushing you to be better than the next person.”
“Being single isn’t a disease. Look at Noah. If he hadn’t searched for the winner of his company’s jewelry award, he wouldn’t have met Cassie.”
“And I wouldn’t be living in Sapphire Bay.”
Jack studied his grandfather’s face. “Moving here was a huge decision. Are you happy?”
Patrick smiled. “I’m happier than I was in Manhattan. I still miss Starbucks and walking to Sal’s Pizza on a Sunday afternoon, but it’s good living close to Noah and Cassie. And helping to build the tiny homes has given me a new lease on life.”
Jack’s granddad used to own one of the largest construction companies in New York City. Seven years ago, he’d sold the company and started an online retail store with Noah. Last year he’d retired completely, leaving the concrete jungle of Manhattan for the wide-open spaces of Montana.
Patrick would have thought his days of building houses was over, but he hadn’t counted on meeting Pastor John and the good folk of Sapphire Bay.
Jack worried that his grandfather was doing too much, but no one could slow him down. “Just remember to take some time off once in a while.”
He didn’t need to hear his grandfather’s chuckle to know his comment had fallen on deaf ears.
A flash of purple drew Jack’s gaze to the dance floor. The woman he’d spoken to before the wedding was dancing with two small children. She seemed happy and carefree—the complete opposite of the way he felt.
His granddad must have been watching his face.
“That’s Emma Lewis and her twins, Molly and Dylan.”
Emma’s two children laughed as she twirled them in circles.
Patrick smiled. “As well as running her own business, Emma helps at The Welcome Center. While Molly helps her, Dylan is usually in the community garden giving Gordon a hand.”
Jack looked around the dance floor. “Is her husband here?”
“Emma’s a single mom.” Patrick studied Jack’s face. “Before you say hello, you need to know one thing. Emma is a good woman. She cares about people and does what she can to help those less fortunate. You’ll have to answer to me if you break her heart.”
“I don’t go out of my way to hurt anyone.”
Patrick leaned forward. “I know you don’t, but you need to look before you leap. You’re thirty-eight years old. What do you want out of life?”
Jack watched Emma lift her son into her arms and spin him in circles. He knew exactly what he wanted, but he was too scared to lay his heart on the line. “I don’t know.”
“One day you will. I just hope I’m still here to enjoy being part of it.”
Jack didn’t need to ask his granddad what he meant. Family meant everything to them, especially after Jack’s parents died. But given his track record, his grandfather would be better talking to Noah about happy endings.
At the rate Jack was going, he’d still be single when he turned fifty.
Half an hour later, Emma made sure Molly and Dylan had something to eat before taking them back to their table. Compared with the barbecue she was expecting, the buffet was amazing. Even Molly, the pickiest eater Emma had ever known, managed to find a lot of food she would enjoy.
“I brought everyone a drink,” Kylie said. “I hope you like orange juice.”
“That’s fine.” Emma pulled out two chairs for the twins, then sat beside Kylie. “Noah and Cassie’s wedding was so beautiful. Did you know your flower arrangements were for the wedding?”
Kylie picked up her cutlery. “Not at first. But when Cassie ordered a bouquet, it was pretty obvious. She made me promise on my grandmother’s grave not to say anything.”
“I wonder why.”
“You know Cassie and Noah. They didn’t want everyone to make a fuss. Did you see Noah’s brother?”
“I did.” Emma didn’t trust the gleam in her friend’s eyes.
“Megan said he’s visited Sapphire Bay four or five times. I wonder why I haven’t seen him before.”
Emma shrugged. “It’s the first time I’ve seen him, too. He might have spent most of his time with Noah and Cassie.”
Kylie sighed. “A mystery man.”
Emma didn’t think he would remain a mystery for long. Especially if Mabel got hold of him. She had a way of delving into someone’s life quicker than they could blink. “Megan said he usually brings his girlfriends with him, but I don’t think he’s come with anyone.”
A mischievous smile lit Kylie’s face. “Maybe he doesn’t have a girlfriend at the moment. He might be waiting to meet Ms. Right in the middle of rural Montana.”
“Or maybe he left his girlfriend in New York City.”
“Let me dream for a few more seconds.” Kylie gave a dramatic sigh. “Okay. I’m done dreaming. If he has a girlfriend, I’m happy for him. If not, he should spend more time in Sapphire Bay. He’s obviously not dating the right kind of women.”
“What’s dating?” Molly asked.
Emma glanced at Kylie, then back to her daughter. “It’s when two people spend time together.”
“Like a play date?”
“That’s right. A play date for adults.” Emma hoped that made sense.
Molly placed her knife and fork beside her plate. “Jessica’s mom has lots of dates. Why don’t you have lots of dates?”
Emma forced a smile. “Because I’m too busy. Did you like the chicken leg?”
With a blissfully happy grin, Molly nodded her head. “It was de-licious.”
“What about you, Dylan? Did you like the chicken legs?”
“I like the potatoes better.” And with a big, open mouth, he swallowed a forkful of his favorite vegetable.
“Oh, my goodness,” Mabel exclaimed from the other side of the table. “I can’t believe it.”
Emma had no idea what Mabel was talking about.
With a doubtful frown, Mabel showed her husband her cell phone. “Does that say what I think it does?”
Allan’s mouth dropped open. “Are you sure it’s accurate?”
“I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t be.” Mabel looked at Emma and pushed back her chair. “You have to see this.” She rushed around the table and handed Emma the phone. “We only posted the Christmas video on Facebook yesterday. Look at the number of likes.”
Emma’s eyes widened. “Ten thousand? That’s incredible.”
“Read what people have written,” Mabel said excitedly. “Everyone is telling us what they want for Christmas.”
Scrolling through the post was like looking into the heart of each person who’d seen the ad. They’d not only told everyone what they wanted, but why it was important.
Sprinkled amongst the comments asking for the latest gadgets, the overseas vacations people could only dream about, and the platform shoes that were an absolute must, were touching, heartfelt wishes from folk who had nowhere else to turn.
Kylie looked over Emma’s shoulder and frowned. “We only asked people to tell us what sort of Christmas events they wanted.”
“We got a whole lot more than that,” Emma murmured. She handed Kylie the phone. “What will we do with the comments?”
Mabel returned to her seat while Kylie read more messages. “There isn’t a lot you can do.”
Emma sighed. “Mabel might be right. We don’t have any money to help the people and, even if we did, a lot of the wishes are beyond anything we could provide.”
“You can say that again.” Kylie flicked through the comments. “Katherine D wants to visit her sister who’s in the intensive care unit at Vancouver General Hospital. Her sister was hit by a car and is in an induced coma. Ron P wants to spend Christmas with his son in Australia and Jeff S wants a new set of…”—she grinned—“dentures.”
Allan, Mabel’s husband, leaned forward. “If you want to help some of the people, you need a plan. Great things don’t just happen. They need structure, time frames, people who are responsible for the outcomes.”
Mabel patted Allan’s arm. “This isn’t a corporate takeover. We’re talking about people’s lives.”
“That makes it even more important to do the best you can.”
Kylie handed Mabel her phone. “I agree with Allan. We should go through the comments, sort them into ideas for community Christmas events and individual wishes. Once we have the lists, we’ll be able to figure out some sort of plan.”
“Or even if we want to respond to the one-off wishes.” Emma looked around the table at her friends. She hated seeing the disappointment on their faces, but someone had to be realistic. “I know it’s upsetting, but we can’t help everyone.”
Kylie leaned her elbows on the table. “We don’t need to help everyone, but we might be able to help a few people.”
“And we don’t need to do it alone,” Mabel added. She glanced across the room and smiled. “I know at least two people who might be able to help.”
Emma turned in her seat and frowned at the two brothers standing beside the bride. Noah was the chief executive of an online shopping network. He’d already helped with the tiny home village and lots of other community projects. She didn’t know much about Jack, apart from what Megan had said.
“Jack’s only here for a vacation,” Emma said quickly. “He won’t want to get involved in our Christmas program.”
Mabel stood and straightened the wrinkles on her skirt. “Jack is a Devlin. If he’s anything like his brother and grandfather, he’ll be only too happy to help.” And without missing a beat, she headed toward Noah and his brother.
“That’s my girl,” Allan said proudly. “If you want something done, ask Mabel.”
Emma glanced at Kylie. She just hoped Mabel didn’t put Jack and Noah off from helping them. Because, regardless of how it happened, they had to make a whole lot of Christmas wishes come true.