Glenna Mikkelson-Steele, the oldest daughter, stepped forward. “Jack’s accident was a wake-up call for all of us about what’s important. Family. Love. Unity.”
The other daughters and the daughter-in-law, Shana, all nodded in agreement. Even Naomi nodded, resting on a floral sofa with her feet up, her eyes swollen and red. Isabeau had hoped the woman’s breakup would blow over, but it didn’t appear that was the case. Happiness could be so fleeting.
Jeannie tucked a stray hairpin back into her chignon. “This love caught me by surprise—”
Glenna laughed. “I bet you weren’t nearly as surprised as Broderick and I were to find you two in the shower together at work.”
As the others giggled, Isabeau clapped a hand over her mouth. That little nugget of gossip had never made it to the press. Even Paige tipped her head to the side with an inquisitive expression in her wide brown eyes.
Jeannie leveled a look at her daughter. “My point being, love can be in the last place you expect to find it. You could so easily miss it if you aren’t open to possibility and compromise.” She toyed with her diamond-and-pearl necklace, an engagement gift from Jack Steele. “Alright, enough with speeches and sage advice. I wish you all a lifetime of joy, my dears, and look forward to celebrating every precious moment with you.”
Isabeau held back while the daughters hugged Jeannie, all careful not to smudge her makeup or muss her hair. Then as they dispersed, Isabeau leaned down to pass Jeannie the something blue handkerchief. “Thank you for including me in your group here.”
Jeannie squeezed her hand. “Thank you and Paige for joining us. And thank you for all you’ve done to help our family, and Trystan in particular. Your work has made this day all the more worry-free.”
“I’ll miss you all when I go.” Her throat went tight, and Paige nudged her.
Jeannie’s grip tightened on her hand, her eyes probing. “I wish you didn’t have to go. You fit in quite nicely with all of us.”
Isabeau froze. Had Trystan told her something? This certainly wasn’t the time or place to ask. But if he had, then Isabeau could swear what she saw in Jeannie’s eyes was welcome, acceptance. And a familial warmth.
It had been a long time since Isabeau had felt that, and on a day when tears were already so close, the feeling speared deep into her heart. “Thank you. It’s been an honor to be a part of helping along a wonderful family.”
Except she wouldn’t be cut off from them completely. Soon they would all know about the baby. All the women in this room would be a part of her life—of her child’s life.
As the beauty of the love in this family wrapped around her, she realized how very much she wanted it—not just for her baby, but for herself.
How much she wanted Trystan’s love, because she had fallen deeply and fully in love with an incredible man. And if she wanted a chance at having him, she would need to learn the art of compromise. If only she could hang on as he learned to love her, the way he’d so haltingly suggested that night on the beach.
Paige’s leash loose in her hand, Isabeau walked into the nave, looking down into the church where she saw...Trystan. Unable to look away, she stared at him—so strong and formidable.
And surprisingly careful with his words.
The thought hitched—held—as she realized he wasn’t the kind of man to say anything he didn’t believe. Another man might have spoken of love even though he didn’t feel it. But Trystan’s deep wellspring of honesty prevented him from decorating his words. Cheapening them with anything but his true feelings. She admired that.
How funny that the man who’d been reputed as outspoken in this clan was simply the most honest?
Maybe a man like that was worth waiting for. Compromising for.
And loving until he loved her in all the ways she’d dreamed about.
* * *
“Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Jack Steele,” Broderick Steele announced at the top of the staircase at the reception, gesturing for Jack and Jeannie to make their grand entrance after the wedding.
Glenna stood at Broderick’s side, their daughter on her hip. “Welcome, Mom and Jack. We’re all so happy for you both.”
Trystan stood back, letting the moment roll through. He was more comfortable in the background anyway. And he was keeping his eyes on Isabeau, watching for an opening to make his case. He’d practiced what he wanted to say to her, and he hoped the wedding atmosphere would sweep her up once again, the way it had that unforgettable night in the boathouse.
He missed her today. Longed for her to be on his arm through every moment. But he’d caught glimpses of her arriving at the church, conferring with the photographers, then with the Steele and Mikkelson women, hanging back but so very much there with Paige at her side.
Light colors and equally light tunes made the hours melt away. The beloved couple were toasted again and again. Each memory caused laughter and “awwws” from the women.
He’d done his best, making the rounds, working the reception, and now that the cake had been served, he figured he was due a moment alone on the balcony.
Not that he was cutting out completely. Just taking a breather. Unlike Royce Miller, who was conspicuously absent. That irritated Trystan. He understood that having a broken heart stunk, but this family had welcomed Royce, he worked for the company. He should have made an appearance. The gossipy whispers had to be troubling for Naomi since gossip about their breakup had spread to the press—
Holy hell, Trystan was thinking like a media person...and yes, like a man in love.
And then the hair on the back of his neck prickled with awareness. Isabeau.
He turned to find her near him, looking back at him as he stared openly at her.
She smiled, the
