She studied Christine Fletcher—no, Elliot—an attractive older woman with something of Shallie about her. Or the other way around, she supposed. Without prompting, she released Shallie’s hand and walked over to the desk to embrace Christine and then Doug. “I’m excited to m-meet you,” she stammered.

Shallie left, with the obvious intent of giving them privacy—but not before handing Christine a wedding invitation. Carly had seen her fill it in downstairs.

Conversation was easier than she’d expected—or feared. Reba’s name came up almost immediately, and they exchanged memories. Of Reba and Christine (“Sharon Sutherland” as she had been back then). The nights Sharon and Reba had spent exchanging anecdotes and confidences at the motel bar. Christine’s gratitude that Reba had been willing to come here, to reassure her about Shallie.

Carly talked about the music Reba had taught her and made her love, showing Christine her tattoo. She mentioned some of the books they’d read together. The fun they’d had. She spared Christine the uncomfortable details about Reba’s marriage. But she did disclose that when Reba was dying, she’d told her about this place and her three potential dads…

Christine and Doug seemed to find that fascinating.

Soon after, Doug announced that, considering the time—after 2 a.m. in Florida—they should head over to the motel now, and could she ask Cord to help him down the stairs?

When she returned with Cord, she kissed Christine. “Bye…Grandma.” Smiling, she added, “Bye, Grandpa.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

SHALLIE FELT THAT the weeks before the wedding seemed to hurtle by, moving faster with each passing day.

The church was booked; Cord and Shallie had spoken with the minister, ordered flowers for the church and discussed the reception schedule, menu and bar with Brynne. The GateCrashers would start their set at eight and play for an hour.

Christine—she had to get used to calling her Mom—and Doug had left but not before promising to come back for the wedding. Christine also asked if they had honeymoon plans; when they said no, she invited them to visit Key West and stay with them, sometime in January or February. That timing worked well, and they accepted gratefully. First thing I want to do is go to Hemingway House, Shallie had told them.

Her dress and Carly’s had arrived, and she made no demands or even suggestions about what her attendants should wear.

She and Cord had bought the wedding ring she’d give him during the ceremony.

Shallie had decided to take Cord’s name, to become Shallie Hollister. There was no longer any reason to keep “Fletcher,” not with a dead and dangerous father, a stranger yet, being the source of that name.

And…she’d gone off the pill.

They were as ready as they could be for the ceremony—and for the next stage of their lives. Their life together.