Madison nodded and she and her clipboard slipped away. Bernadette commented, “She’s good. She filled me in on the whole history of this place and the house tomorrow. Invaluable to my story. Also, the Odyssey Wedding concept for the young people who didn’t want to stand in one more buffet line. Send them all on vacation together to drink and dance! Brilliant. That’s all they want to do anyway. I told Madison we’d stay in touch. I’m always looking for spotters for interesting weddings. And believe me, I’d like to come back here in the summer!”

Abigail felt a swell of pride. Madison had been the glue holding the whole event together. “She is terrific. I’m sure she told you that she’s transitioning to wedding planning from corporate events. Any help you can give her to build her client list would be appreciated.” Two old friends networking at a rehearsal dinner. “And did I tell you Sarah is moving here in June? She’s taken a new job at a prep school nearby, teaching and coaching. I’ve lost her to Lloyd and California.”

“Will there be a Fair Harbor wedding at Water Street?”

“No engagement yet. But they are going to get a dog together, so we shall see. Though, you know Sarah. She’d be happy to get married on a field hockey pitch and have a kegger afterward,” Abigail said, but she was already scheming about what she could sell off to afford upgrading the electrical in the house to accommodate a caterer.

Madison signaled and Abigail responded.

“It’s showtime! Excuse me. George wants me to stand with him. How does my face look?” Abigail said, standing up straight, smoothing her clothes and sucking in her stomach—her three-pronged approach to looking younger and taller.

“Glowing. Go forth and MOG.”

*  *  *

Abigail wished she could focus on George’s speech, but she was mesmerized by the view. Standing at the front of the room, staring out at the guests, who looked happy to be included, she felt satisfied in a way she hadn’t in a long time. She watched Chase as he concentrated on his father while holding Penny’s hand. Abigail knew that some people operated better on their own, like Alexa, independent and admirable. But some people needed to be a unit, part of a team. She and George. Chase and Penny. Sarah and Lloyd. That was a legacy she was passing on, and it pleased her. Teamwork makes the dream work.