Now it was Penny’s turn for self-reflection. There was a long pause and some deep breaths. “Of course. I meant a romantic partner. I think everything will be easier if I’m only in charge of myself.”

“Penny, I can’t tell you what to do with your life. This is a huge decision and it’s yours to make. I made the decision a long time ago to remain independent in terms of my romantic relationships. It’s what worked for me and what I wanted. But there are times when I wish I had a partner. Like when I see a good relationship between two people who understand and respect each other. Like you and Chase. Let me say this: If you think a future with Chase means too much compromise, then you are doing the right thing for you. But if you see this as a job versus a partner question, remember there are a million jobs out there. But only one Chase.”

That may have been the most romantic statement Alexa had ever made. She didn’t want to let Penny in on the fact that this was the rationale she’d used when deciding to become a mother. A job was a job was a job. But a baby would be hers, only hers. That’s why it was easy to let Hollywood go and stay rooted in Montecito and be a mom. She guessed that Penny could feel the same way about a man like Chase, if she’d let herself off the hook in terms of work.

“You think I did the wrong thing?” Penny’s voice was sharp again.

“I think it’s worth taking a deep breath. And asking yourself some hard questions.”

“So, pausing and reassessing. Like Chase said.”

“I am speaking to you as your mother and as a woman who has made some tough decisions over the years, the decades. And I have a few regrets,” Alexa said quietly. “Not many. But a few. But never about my decision to become a mother.”

There was silence from Penny, then a question. “What was the exciting news? Before I told you about the breakup. What were you going to say?”

Alexa rolled the dice. “We have a wonderful option for the wedding. Toots has offered her house. La Mariposa. Mitsy will provide the flowers for your floral designer. Frannie can get a deal on the wine. Ming can address the envelopes and Roxanne can house overflow guests. Everybody wants to be a part of your wedding, Penny. What do you think of that?”

A fresh round of sobs broke out. “I think it’s too late.”

Chapter 21
The Blow-Off Call

The Mother of the Groom