"Thank you Mrs. Jenkins, I think that's perfect," Carolyn said, reaching out her hand to the dark haired woman as the crew finished their work on the front lawn. "Well Mrs. Gregg," she smiled, "to be honest, I've never had to put something like this together so quickly, but if you're happy, then I'm glad!"
As she waved her set up team back into their truck, she leaned over to her daughter, "Georgie, do you really think having a wedding in a front yard makes sense?" "Well, it does have a great ocean view," she said quietly, "But a dance floor across the front yard? A string quartet? Plus Chinese lanterns and a horse drawn carriage to take the newlyweds away. I think she's read too many romance novels, if you ask me!"
Joining her on the porch, Cor gave the scene a careful review before giving her approval. "Looks just like your dream . . . or should we just call it a Willow Bark Elixir fueled romantic fantasy . . . or?" Finding herself blushing, Carolyn looked down for a moment before turning to scold. "Cordelia Tibaldi McLaren! What are you doing trotting out my favorite private memories! I thought we agreed you were to keep such insights to yourself?" Grinning unapologetically, Cordelia reached up to set a lantern swinging over their head. "Come now, other than your real life of course, that dream is one of the most romantic things I've ever seen. Could you honestly expect me to stand here and NOT appreciate how skillfully you made it real here?"
Swiftly giving Carolyn a rare kiss on the cheek, she turned to go inside. "And, if they but knew, our new happy couple would be deeply pleased, and even flattered that you thought their start of married life should begin in this most special setting."
Shaking her head, Carolyn slowly toured the yard, enchanted with how her long ago vision had finally become real. "Wow Mom," Jonathan said coming around from the back of the house, "I thought you were cracked a bit when you wanted this for the wedding party, but it's really amazing. It's like Gull Cottage itself is celebrating us today."
As the couple had asked, the wedding itself was a small and quiet affair. Chief Petty Officer Leslie, stood outside the Master Cabin waiting for his only child as he listened to the piano music starting below. "We are delighted Dick that you and Jo are joining our families together," Daniel smiled as the two men stood impatiently in the hallway. "It's odd," the younger man nodded toward the closed door, "we have been surrounded by plebes and midshipmen for all of Jo's life. Year after year she seemed immune to each and every approach or ploy, and they tried, heavens know they tried. And that one day there in the motor pool, she stood there watching Jonathan walk away with this smile I'd never seen before on her face. 'Well, I don't have to wait any longer' is all she said." "Sounds as if Jo and our housekeeper Cor will have some interesting discussions ahead," Daniel said thoughtfully as the door swept open.
"She's ready!" Candi announced. "Dad, let them know we're ready to roll." Looking confused, Dick Leslie turned to Daniel seeking some insight. "It's a film phrase," Gene offered, popping up the stairs, "it means they're ready to start." "Ah," he said with a nod, and walked in to take his daughter's arm.
Together Gene and Daniel entered the parlor. "Action!" Gene gestured toward the piano player. "It's a bit frustrating," he admitted to Daniel, "I was convinced I'd get Candi to be married first, but who can argue with young love and oversea orders?" "Or with me," Cor offered as she slid into her chair. "As you recall, I told you some time ago when your own day would happen, have you forgotten?"
Gene started to respond, when Daniel placed a restraining hand on his arm. "Yes, yes, I know," he grinned, "NEVER argue with Cordelia, at least where love and the future is involved." Stepping forward, he joined Jonathan at the front of room in his spot as best man.
Hearing the music, Carolyn left her final inspection of the party set up and joined her husband. "Here you go," he whispered, holding out an elegant handkerchief, "I couldn't let the mother of the groom cry into a piece of paper tissue." "Kleenex," she smiled, "it has a name you know." Looking up at her youngest in full uniform, standing at attention, she was undisturbed as happy tears filled her eyes as Jo stood in the archway. "And another love story truly begins," Daniel offered, drying her eyes tenderly.