He wanted her to be happy today. They’d both waited a long time to find each other, but after everything she’d been through, he wanted it to be particularly perfect for her. The only thing that wasn’t perfect for him was that his beloved parents wouldn’t be there. He liked to think his father was always watching over him and had no doubt that George would wholeheartedly approve of Jenny for him, and in her rare moments of lucidity over the last year, Alex hoped his mom had come to know how much he loved Jenny.

Alex waited with Paul and Evan McCarthy in the room provided for the groom’s party at the Chesterfield. Paul was messing with his bow tie, so Alex went to offer his assistance. “Let me.” He adjusted and straightened the tie and picked a spot of lint off the black tux. “There.”

“Thanks.”

“Why are you more nervous than I am?”

“You know why.”

“So it’s on for after?”

As his cheek pulsed with tension, Paul nodded.

“You know what you’re gonna say?”

“Yeah.”

“I hope it goes exactly the way you want it to.”

“Me, too.”

“Don’t leave anything left unsaid, Paul. Put it all on the table.”

“That’s the plan.”

Lizzie arrived with a white rose for Alex’s lapel and burgundy roses for Paul and Evan. Thankfully, she took mercy on them and pinned them on, too.

“How’s Jenny?” Alex asked.

“She’s radiant.”

That was exactly what he wanted to hear.

“Jared heard from his brother,” Lizzie said. “He’s agreed to come take a look at our fair island. No promises. Yet.”

“That’s great, Lizzie.”

“I’m sorry we couldn’t get it done in time to make a difference for your family. But maybe down the road…”

“Maybe so. No matter how the timing works out, it’s a great thing you’re doing. It’s something we need here.”

“Fingers crossed. Patience is not my forte, but Jared says if we ease Quinn into the idea, he’s apt to bite.”

“And if he doesn’t, then I’m sure you’ll find someone else.”

Lizzie touched her earpiece and then smiled at Alex. “Show time.”

Chapter 27

Chapter 27