A New Hope - Robyn Carr Page 0,47

party but useful just the same.

The flower van was parked in the drive of Winnie’s house; the catering van would be parked on the beach as the time drew near. In addition to food and flowers, Cooper arranged for a couple of kegs and several large bottles of wine. Twenty or so people had been formally invited, another twenty-five had been informally invited, still another twenty-five would probably show up.

Troy was told to get ready downstairs in their little apartment while Grace would be on the main level with her mother. Because it was her mother’s event, too, a beautician had been called to do hair and makeup. Winnie could not have done it herself and God knew Grace couldn’t do it for her. Iris and Ginger came over early to bring flowers and help; Ginger brought the dress.

Several times during the week Grace had looked at her wedding gown, a work in progress. She’d tried it on a couple of times and been happy with it. It was so different now, less than an hour before the vows, Grace’s hair pulled back and caught up in curls that cascaded down in back, makeup finished. She stepped into the dress, Iris closed up the many small buttons in the back, and she turned toward the mirror on the inside of the closet door.

“Oh, my God,” Winnie said in a breath. “Stunning. Beyond stunning.”

“It’s beautiful, Ginger,” Iris said. “You’re amazing.”

“Thank you,” she said a bit shyly. “It was a joy.”

“It almost looks like Pippa Middleton’s dress,” Grace said. “Oh, Ginger, I’m never going to be able to thank you properly for all you’ve done for me.”

“Well, that goes both ways,” she said. “I came to this little town to get a break, a changed perspective, and look what I found. A job I love, good friends, a new lease on life. A lot of that is made possible by you, Grace.”

“You do love that little flower shop,” she said. “You treat it like your own.”

“I love it,” she said. “If you think I could stay on awhile, I’m willing.”

“There’s a place for you as long as you want it.”

“Thank you, I’ve been very happy there. When the wedding is done and things calm down a little I might look for a small apartment or something. I should give Ray Anne her life back.” She laughed conspiratorially. “Ray Anne and Al must really have to plot to have any time alone together.”

Grace’s eyes lit up. “I know what I can do,” she said. “When the wedding is over and Troy’s family leaves, he’s giving up his apartment. There’s no point in paying rent there while we’re living here. The first thing we’re going to do is bring his big leather sectional and TV over here for our downstairs.”

“I’m going to need to find something furnished.”

Grace raised one brow. “Does it have to be large? Could a studio do the trick?”

“Sure. Of course. I hope I’ll continue to spend lots of time with Ray Anne and some of my new friends. It’s just where I hang my hat...”

“How about my loft above the store?” Grace asked. “Troy’s parents are using it while they’re in town, but soon it will be empty. I don’t have any plans for it.”

It was first shock and then her features were taken over by disbelief. “You’d let me rent it from you?”

“No, I’m afraid not, Ginger. I will only let you have it if you continue to work in the shop and it will be rent-free.”

“I couldn’t!” she protested. “That’s just too much.”

“Nonsense,” Winnie said. “What use does Grace have for it now? Well, we could store my furs there...”

“Mother!” Grace said with a laugh. She looked at Ginger. “There won’t be furs to store,” she said. “My mother was very fond of them, overly fond, but we agree there is no use for furs here. We’ll keep her warm.”

“But you’ll keep at least one to remember me by, won’t you?” Winnie asked.

“Absolutely,” Grace said. “If it will make a good rug.”

“You’re incorrigible. I spoiled you as a child and what has it gotten me?”

There was a light tapping at the door. Mikhail poked his head in. “There is time before the vows and a groom is pacing out here. Put his mind at ease, my dove. Tell him you still agree to this marriage.”

“Is he showered and dressed?” Grace asked. “Because no one touches me unless he is showered and dressed.”

“I’m showered and dressed!” Troy yelled from