“Ethereal. Aithérios,” Alexa said, taking Penny’s hand and squeezing it. “You looked like the beautiful sea. Ómorfí thálasa. Magical, my dear.”

Abigail and the others watched as Penny’s eyes welled up. Suddenly, Abigail felt ashamed by her disappointment at being excluded from the dress shopping. And by her silent internal rant. She had her own daughter, who loved her mother’s expertise in this area. That was enough. She shouldn’t be greedy and want more than what Sarah would give her. Penny and Alexa obviously had a deep bond, a connection that she could never breach, nor would she want to. Abigail took a deep breath to take in the moment. She had a chance to make this right, to undo the wrong of her reaction to the engagement. “I’m sure you will be the most beautiful bride. I look forward to being as surprised as my son when you walk down the aisle. How wonderful. You’ve checked that off your list. Both of you!”

Sarah looked at her in wonderment, shocked at her mother’s genuine response.

Bernadette looked at her in astonishment, as if she’d never heard her friend of forty-plus years say anything that sweet.

Alexa looked at her in gratitude, as if she appreciated Abigail rising above her bruised ego at being left out of the dress shopping.

And Penny looked at her with more tears in her eyes and rushed at her with open arms for a hug. “Thank you, Abigail.”

Once the embrace had ended, Abigail stood back, feeling victorious. She had said the right thing to her future daughter-in-law, and it felt like a triumph. Hopefully, that made up for the law school remark. She would take the win and walk away, not wanting anything unexpected to shift the perfect vibe at the party right now. “I need to herd George to say a few words. Penny, can you round up Chase? May I invite you all to step closer to the front of the patio? I need to tell Chip the bartender to pass out the champagne. Excuse me.”

*  *  *