Sandy - Melanie Moreland Page 0,63

stopped when she saw me. “Oh, Sandy, you are stunning!”

I twirled and she laughed. “My dad is gonna go crazy!”

I smiled at the woman I considered both an adopted daughter and my friend. Jordan had been correct. We became friends the day we met, and our bond had only grown stronger. She was accepting and gracious about my relationship with Jordan, pleased to see her father happy. Warren had taken a while to warm up to me. He had been polite but cool when we met, but seeing me with his father, he had accepted me, and we’d grown closer They both called me Sandy, but I was Nan to Gina’s children.

“You look beautiful yourself.”

She wore a green dress as well, although hers was loose and flowy. No one had been more surprised than she was to discover she was pregnant a few months ago. Now at six months, she was well rounded. She was also exhausted and had begged off the earlier luncheon with the girls.

She chuckled as she set down the flowers. “I feel fat.”

She greeted the girls, exchanging hugs. I had already given her the necklace last night, and it sparkled at her throat.

“You are pregnant, not fat. And you’re glowing.”

She smiled, rubbing her hand along the swell of her stomach. “I’m in good company today.”

I had to laugh. There were a few pregnant guests today. My boys and their families were all growing. I knew about Emmy, but I had noticed another guest only sipping at her champagne, not really drinking it. I didn’t say anything, knowing it was her news to share when she was ready.

I sat down, reaching for my shoes. I held one up, admiring the touch of sparkle on the strap and toes. They were a deep green, matching the sash at my waist and the ribbons woven into my hair.

I looked in the mirror, pleased with what I saw. I turned my head side to side, admiring the intricate braiding. I reached for my earrings, but Gina’s voice stopped me. “Dad asked me to give you this.”

I turned, looking at the small box she offered me. I accepted it, unfolding the small note that was attached.

The sky is blue, the venue borrowed,

The day is perfect, and I am old.

Now, in this box, if I may be so bold,

Is your something new.

I may suck at poetry,

But I ask that you do

Marry me today, my darling.

Jordan.

I opened the lid, smiling and crying at the same time. Jordan always made me laugh with his humor.

Nestled in ivory satin was a set of lovely emerald earrings. Elegant and beautiful, they matched the design of my engagement ring. I hadn’t wanted a ring, thinking I was too old to be “engaged,” but Jordan had surprised me with this ring one day. A classic emerald cut stone, with smaller emeralds and diamonds on the band, it was exquisite. Our wedding bands echoed the design, and now I had earrings to match.

I met the girls’ curious stares and showed the earrings to them.

“They are lovely,” Gina enthused. “I always wondered, why emeralds?”

“They remind me of your father’s eyes,” I admitted. “I never had a favorite stone before.”

She threw her arms around me. “I am so glad he has you.”

I hugged her back. “Thank you.”

She pulled away, grinning. “I think your grandbaby is happy too.”

I laughed, laying my hand on her stomach, feeling the pushing of a foot or a hand. I was excited about this baby—about all the babies. Jordan and I would be surrounded by little ones for years to come.

There was another knock, and Colin came in, stopping when he saw me.

“Nan,” he breathed out. “You are gorgeous.”

“You clean up pretty well yourself.”

“Everyone is here, the boys are in their places, the chaplain is ready, and Jordan is anxious.” He lifted one eyebrow. “What about you?”

With a final glance in the mirror, I picked up my bouquet and the extra roses I had requested.

“Ready.”

The girls stood. “That’s our cue,” Emmy said. There was a flurry of hugs, kisses, and a few tears, then they left.

Gina smiled. “I’ll see you at the altar.”

She would stand beside me, and Warren would be beside Jordan. We were keeping that part simple.

I turned to Colin. He grinned and tugged his sleeves, showing me his cuff links. “We all loved them.”

“Good.”

He stepped forward. “I want today to be perfect for you, Nan. I want you to be happy.”

“I am,” I assured him. “And today has already been amazing. Now, I get