“IT TURNED OUT to be a beautiful day for a wedding, didn’t it?”
Martin smiled down at Aurora who looked almost as lovely as the bride in her long, pale blue skirt and white blouse gathered with ribbons at her chest. Like many of the guests today, Aurora also wore sandals, another sign that Mother Nature had done her good deed for the Foster family this day.
“You are right, Aurora,” Martin said. “April weather in Ohio is always iffy. From one day to the next Maggie and I never knew if we’d be dressing the girls in snowsuits or shorts.”
Their conversations about Maggie had become much more natural. Now they both talked about her as if she’d been more than the love of Martin’s life. She’d also been influential in Aurora’s life, and Aurora wished she had gotten to know Maggie before the illness. Already Aurora sensed Maggie would approve of her companionship with Martin.
They both glanced toward the center of the tent where the bride and groom were dancing. Jude wore a cream-colored midlength dress embroidered with tiny yellow flowers. Matching flowers adorned her hair, which was uncustomarily tamed into a charming wavy style. The groom wore a sports coat and jeans like many of the male guests, even Liam’s father, Lawrence. Martin absently brushed the lapels of his own casual jacket, grateful that he didn’t have to wear a custom-fitted tux. Soon he would leave the jacket on the back of a chair and dance with Aurora.
The scent of spicy barbecue sauce permeated the tent from the warming trays. “Seems fitting for Jude to have ribs and corn bread for her wedding dinner,” Martin said. “She was never one to fuss.”
“And look at the other newlyweds,” Aurora said, nodding toward Carrie and Keegan. She sighed. “They are so happy.”
“I know, and once again I had to keep my opinions to myself where Carrie was concerned. I’d always wanted to see each of my girls married in proper style, but Carrie had other ideas and eloped. I’m surprised she even let us in on it.”
“I think it’s romantic,” Aurora said. “And doesn’t it just seem like something Carrie would do?”
Martin harrumphed. “Absolutely, it does. But flying off to Seattle for a quick ceremony with only her sisters and the two of us to witness—that’s not the way it was done in my day.”
“Yes, but you met your newest grandson. Taylor seems like a remarkable boy, and he’ll make a fine addition to this family.”
A familiar warmth crept into Martin’s chest. Someday, he thought, so will you, Aurora.
“What did you think of the extra room Carrie and Keegan are putting on the cabin?” Aurora asked.
“Plenty big enough for the nursery they’ll need in eight months.” Martin chuckled. “Those two… It’s as if they’re in such a big hurry to do everything at once. I’m surprised Carrie got the dirt from under her fingernails in time to be a bridesmaid today. She’s determined to have the campground open by this summer. Now I just have to get her through this pregnancy safely…”
“Martin…” Aurora’s voice held a warning. “Keegan will help her with that. I’m sure he’ll call if he needs you.”
Martin nodded. “I’ll be good,” he promised. “I suppose I can stop worrying about all my girls now.”
“As if you can ever do that,” Aurora said. “But they are all happy and settled. Alex with her Daniel, Carrie with Keegan, and now Jude with Liam. And you have grandchildren who love you. What more could a man want?”
Martin smiled, slipped his arm around Aurora’s shoulders. Only one thing, he thought. In due time.
* * * * *