Part 54: Happily Ever After-2

She smiled at the memory as she made her way to her bedroom. She had tiptoed out of the barn at dawn before everyone got up. Quinn had a full house of family and friends staying there — his parents, Aiden, Marco and little Nathan, his cousin Anthony, and his best friend, Jasmine. His re-hired manager Gavin was there from Toronto, and his previous super-agent M had flown in with her husband from London; they were all staying at Charles and Evelyn's B&B, as was Lucas. The Hollywood actor had caused quite a stir in the little town; even the typically non-plussed Port Rossians couldn't help but be a little star-struck at the sight of a famous movie star pumping his own gas, or picking up snacks at the Stop 'n Shop. Lucy sat down in front of the mirror and was struck by the fact that soon it would no longer be their cottage. The deal closed and they sold it to Lucas. Most of her and Faye's things were packed up and gone and after avoiding it for so long, she had finally gone through the box from her father. She read his letters and to her surprise, the experience wasn't as painful as she imagined. And as it turned out, his poetry wasn't shitty after all. In fact, it was pretty good. She and Faye gave some of his things away and kept the items that meant something to them. Lucy kept his fishing hat, and the old cable knit sweater he used to wear around the cottage when the nights got chilly. It still smelled of Old Spice, and she knew she would put it on from time to time when she was missing him. It would be like a hug from him when she needed it. Many chapters in her life were closing, and many about to begin. She sighed, unwrapping her hair from the towel. A soft knock at the door pulled her from her reverie. "I'm decent," she called, expecting Faye. She was surprised to see Quinn's mom standing in the doorway. "Fiona, come in," Lucy said, delighted. Her soon-to-be mother in law looked stunning in a flowing, lilac dress. "Lucy love, I just wanted to check in and see if there was anything that needed doing," she said in her soft, Irish lilt. Lucy smiled. "Not really. We've kept everything really simple today," Lucy said. "Come in, though, it's great to see you." Fiona nodded. "Can I see the dress?" she asked hesitantly. "Of course," Lucy said, going to the bed and holding it up, still encased in clear plastic. It was simple and elegant; a backless sheath in soft, flowing tulle. The dress was ivory; it set off her tan and looked striking with her dark hair. She knew it was the one the moment she laid eyes on it. "Oh, it's just beautiful. And your hair?" Fiona's eyes were sparkling. "I'm wearing it down, with a few flowers," Lucy said, putting the dress back on the bed. To her surprise, Fiona hugged her and burst into tears. "Hey, don't do that," Lucy said, "You'll get me going again!" "It's just that I've always wanted a daughter," Fiona said, snuffling. Lucy smiled and closed her eyes, hugging her back. Her mother might not have been there, but Lucy had the next best thing. "And you have one. And I have a second Mom and Dad. And I'm very grateful for you both." Lucy drew back and looked her in the eyes. "I love your son very much. He means everything to me and I'm going to do my best to make him happy," she vowed. Fiona nodded. "I've known it from the first day I met you — before that, in fact, when he came to visit us and was moping about the house trying to figure out how to get out of that TV show so you could be together. There's no one else on this earth for Quinn," she said. Lucy smiled. It was exactly what she needed to hear. Fiona reached into her pocket. "I have something for you; it was my grandmother's. It's been in the family for generations. It's yours now," she said, putting a velvet jewel box in her hand. Lucy opened it, and gasped. "Fiona, this is priceless! I can't accept it." The vintage pendant was stunning; a large opal surrounded by diamonds and four brilliant emeralds. "It survived the trip from Ireland over a hundred years ago, and it's very special to me. I want you to have it. Quinn is precious to us, and so are you. Please wear it today and keep it for your daughter. Or for your son to give the woman of his dreams. Or, the man," she said, smiling. "Could always make it into a ring." Lucy was moved by the gesture. "I'm so honoured. Thank you." The tears were coming again, and Lucy let them. Hell, she might cry all day at this rate. Fiona helped her to clasp it and turned her around gently by the shoulders so she could see herself in the full-length mirror. "There, now. Don't you look stunning?" Lucy wiped her eyes and gazed at the pendant and suddenly felt serene. She missed her parents. But she felt the love and support of her new family, and it strengthened her. "Lucy," Fiona said gently. "I know you're missing your Dad today. If you're looking for someone to walk you up the aisle, Simon is here for you. But only if that's what you want." Lucy grasped Fiona's hand. "I would be honoured. But I have another plan in mind for today. Please thank him very much, though. And tell him there will be lots of times I will need Dad advice and help in the coming years — if he's available." "He is," she nodded, squeezing her hand back. Just then, there was another knock at the door and Shana burst in with her equipment in tow. "I'm not that late, am I? We're good, right?" Lucy looked at Fiona through happy tears. "We're very good." _________ Faye was like a sergeant major, barking orders in the living room of the busy cottage. "Catering is that way," she commanded, pointing to the patio door. "Just up the beach a bit. Presents to the left," she said, answering someone else's question.