you really think so?” Mia couldn’t picture it.
“Maybe. I’d like to think so. Meanwhile, life is pretty good.”
Mia smiled. Life was very good indeed for Ben Billings.
They finished eating and Mia surprised herself by eating every last crumb of her sandwich. She gathered up her trash and stood to go. “Thank you for the golf lesson and for lunch. I’m off to tackle that laundry. What are you up to for the rest of the day?”
Ben yawned. “I think a nap might be in order. Then I’m playing golf later this afternoon.”
They walked inside and went upstairs to their rooms. Ben paused as Mia unlocked her door. “Next step is to get you out on the golf course.”
Mia froze. She didn’t feel anywhere ready for that yet. “Shouldn’t I hit balls again first?”
“Sure, but next time we’ll hit balls then go play nine holes. Maybe one day next week your boss will let you duck out early and we can go?”
Mia grinned. “I’ll see if I can talk my boss into it.”
“Good. That was fun, Mia. You did great.” He turned to unlock his door, and she did the same. It had been a fun day. Maybe Mandy was right about Ben.
Chapter 13
“Do you really think he’ll like it? It’s hard to know what to get someone who has everything.” Kate held up the navy button-down dress shirt that she’d bought for Rhett for his birthday.
“I like it. So, he’ll probably like it. And if he doesn’t, he’ll say he does and love that you got him something.” Jack wrapped his arms around her and kissed her before saying, “So stop worrying.”
“Okay. Hand me the scissors, would you? They’re next to you, on the table.” Jack did as requested, and Kate quickly wrapped the gift. They were due at her mother’s by noon and, as usual, Kate was running late and rushing.
As soon as possible, they were on their way and were just two minutes late, which to Kate was as good as early. They were the last to arrive, though. The whole family was there, as well as her mother’s best friends, Sue and her husband Curt, and Paige and her boyfriend Peter. Angela and Philippe, Rhett’s daughter, Michelle, and Mia rounded out the guest list.
Kate noticed that there were rows of seats in the backyard which she thought was a little strange for a birthday party. Her mother’s eyes lit up when she saw Kate and Jack.
“Rhett, Kate’s here. We can start now.”
Kate thought her mother was acting strangely. She didn’t usually fuss so much over birthdays. Rhett was by her side, beaming. Kate was surprised when he stepped forward and spoke.
“I’d like to thank you all for coming. Could you please go outside to where the chairs are set up? Your mother gave me the best birthday present ever by agreeing to marry me—today.” He paused to let that sink in.
“Mom, are you…” Kristen began.
“Yes, we are! So, head outside everyone. Chase, I could use your help, please.”
Kate and Jack followed the others outside and took a seat. Kate noticed a woman minister she’d never seen before standing next to Rhett and it suddenly seemed very real. Her mother was about to get married.
Rhett bent over and clicked something on a CD player, and suddenly the traditional wedding music began to play. All heads turned to watch Lisa, escorted by Chase, walk down the makeshift aisle to where Rhett and the minster were waiting. Chase took his seat and the minister began to speak.
“Lisa and Rhett would like to thank you all for joining them on this special day.” She began the simple wedding service and when she got to the vows, said, “Lisa and Rhett have written their own vows. Rhett, what would you like to say to Lisa?”
Rhett took Lisa’s hand and looked deep into her eyes as he spoke from his heart.
“Lisa, I came to the inn for a few weeks, but once I met you, got to know you and to love you, I knew I was home. I don’t ever want to leave you. I will love you always.”
“And Lisa, what would you like to say to Rhett?”
“Rhett, you were my first guest. Opening the inn allowed me to stay on Nantucket. I never expected to find love again. And then you walked in. I’m so grateful to have you in my life. I love you so much.”
They exchanged rings and then the minister announced, “Lisa, Rhett, I now pronounce you husband