Abigail made eye contact with Alexa, who gave her a sympathetic smile. “Well, as the mother of the groom, I’m finding it’s hard to keep up and stay out of the way at the same time.”

“He and Chase talk all the time. Lloyd’s in New York a bunch for work. He’s raising money for some kind of startup for his research. We mainly talk about, you know, music and Game of Thrones. We’re both into that.” Abigail realized she had no follow-up question to the revelation that her daughter could keep up a conversation about Game of Thrones for weeks with anyone. Sarah had never mentioned that TV show to her.

Ming made a quick call to the gatehouse and then turned back to Sarah. “That color looks lovely on you, my dear. Wait here. I have something for you.”

As she left, Alexa explained, “She’s a giver. And an over-shopper. So take whatever she gives you or else the offers won’t stop! Shh, don’t tell her I said that.”

Ming returned with a raspberry and gold wrap that looked beautiful with Sarah’s dress. “I bought this in Hong Kong. It can get chilly here at night. No humidity. The gold sets off your lovely skin. It’s not my color at all. Please, keep it.” Abigail watched as Ming wrapped her daughter in the fabric and watched her bloom under its cover.

“This is gorgeous,” Sarah said, studying her reflection in the window as she ran her hands over the smooth silk and gold embroidery. Her usual fabric choice was fleece. “Thank you so much.”

“Truly my pleasure to give it to someone who appreciates it,” Ming said, studying her guest. She smoothed her hand over Sarah’s shoulder and down her arm in a warm gesture. “Young skin. Treasure it.”

Just then Win escorted a handsome young man onto the patio. Abigail was stunned. “Lloyd?” she sputtered.

“Lloyd!” Sarah shouted.

The Lloyd who had spent his first college Thanksgiving in Fair Harbor was a tall, skinny kid with terrible skin and long hair. This Lloyd Chandra looked like he’d been treated to the male makeover that maturity and money bring—thicker, fitter, and a decent haircut. He seemed energetic, comfortable in his surroundings. He rushed to give Sarah a thorough hug, as if it had been a long time coming. Sarah blushed deeply. Abigail couldn’t take her eyes off the young couple who had materialized out of nothing right in front of her.

As if sensing her shock, Lloyd pulled himself away from his friend’s sister and strode over to Abigail with an outstretched hand. “Hello, Mrs. Blakeman. It’s great to see you again.”