Page 71 of Mending Fences

Epilogue

Candace adjusted Mandy’s veil. “There you go—something new. I still can’t believe that dress is nearly seventy years old. Not many brides wear the groom’s grandmother’s dress.”

“And the maid of honor too. I loved that pale-yellow dress from the time I was six. And I am glad they made duplicates for Araceli and Tessa.”

Candace gave a little twirl. “I still think you should have worn this as you’re going-away dress.”

“Nope, this bride is wearing her dress when she leaves the building.” Mandy slipped the garter with its traditional blue ribbon onto her leg.

Mandy’s mother bustled in. “Oh, the ballroom is gorgeous, and it is fitting the first event at the Crawford Center be your wedding. I still think it is a shame you are not living here. Think of all the history.”

Mandy kissed her mother’s cheek. “Daniel and I will mostly live in Chicago, and we’ll spend weekends at my cottage—I mean our cottage.”

“Did he ever tell you where you were spending your honeymoon?” Candace asked, checking her perfectly normal sandy-blonde wig. She had explained earlier that she didn’t want to stand out in the photos.

“Nope, but Terrance did let something slip about meeting me soon.”

Candace squealed.

Tessa and Araceli came into the room carrying flowers. After being roommates for nearly four years, it was good to have them both here.

Tessa handed her a worn copy ofWuthering Heights. “Your something borrowed, although as much as this book has sat on the library table these past few months, I am not sure it shouldn’t be yours. I’ll never be able to read it again without thinking of you hogging Lover’s Loft.”

Mandy’s mom wrapped the book in a swath of satin and lace. “There, dear. Everyone will assume you hold a little Bible with your flowers. Did I ever tell you the tradition is believed to be Irish?”

Mandy patted her mother’s hand, hoping to stave off full-professor mode.

Araceli blinked and held up a hand to shade her eyes. “That is one wicked reflection off your cottage windows.”

Mandy moved to the window.

“That isn’t a reflection. It is Morse code.”

“What does it say?”

Mandy studied the flashing light for a moment until the message started to repeat. “Same thing he wrote in the laundry room. Good fences make good neighbors but lousy lovers.”