Page 71 of Passing Ships
I glance at my watch. Momma C should be arriving with Avie and Leia at any minute now.
“Sorry we’re late. Is everything set?”
We turn to see Lisa and Savannah approaching behind us, concern in their expressions.
I nod. “It looks perfect. They really brought our vision to life.”
“Wow,” Savannah bellows when she makes it to us. “They sure did.”
The Boathouse’s event coordinator approaches. “Is everything to your liking, Miss Chelton?”
“Yes, Claudette, it’s lovely.”
“Excellent,” she says as she checks the time. “Our servers will start bringing the food down in thirty minutes. You ladies are welcome to sit and enjoy a champagne cocktail and some cornbread muffins with whipped honey butter while you wait. I’m going to head back up to the restaurant to make sure everything is ready. If you need anything, you can have one of the servers contact me.”
“I will,” I say. “Thank you for everything.”
As she walks away, I glance back at the table, my eyes skimming over the details one last time. The floral arrangements are centered. There are a correct number of place settings. I’m sure everything is fine, but I can’t help feeling like I’ve missed something.
It’s probably just nerves. This luncheon is important. Avie’s been my best friend since high school, and now, she’s getting married. It’s hard to believe how fast time has gone by. I want to give her something beautiful, something that reflects how special she is. Something that shows her how much she’s loved.
I smooth my light-blue sundress, which matches the color of the sky today. The sound of waves crashing against the pier is soothing, as are the sound of seagulls crying in the distance, the conversations from the people strolling about on the wharf, and the hum of the fishing boat engines coming to life.
This is the heart of Sandcastle Cove, and that’s why I wanted to have it here.
“Auntie Miya.”
I turn at the sound of Leia’s voice to see her running across the gravel parking lot to the pier.
I bend and open my arms for her, and she crashes into my chest.
“Nana bought me a pretty dress,” she says excitedly.
I place my hands on her shoulders and look her up and down. She’s wearing a rose-colored satin dress with a tulle skirt.
“Wow, you look like a princess,” I praise.
Avie steps up behind her, looking like a princess herself. Her long blonde hair is loosely curled, and she’s wearing a simple white maxi that flows around her legs as she walks. She’s glowing.
“You look amazing!” I say as we wrap our arms around each other.
“Thank you. Oh my goodness, Mom is going to lose her mind when she sees this,” she says as she takes in the scene behind me—the table, the flowers, the ocean. “It’s beautiful, Amiya. I don’t even know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything,” I tell her, linking my arm with hers and leading her toward the deck. “This is your day. Just relax and enjoy it.”
The other ladies join us, Momma C and Sabel carrying gift bags.
“What are those for?” I ask as I try to peek inside.
Sabel shoos me away. “You’ll see later.”
We walk together, side by side. Lisa, Eden, and Savannah are already seated, sipping champagne. They and the staff cheer when they see Avie, and she grins, blushing slightly as she waves at them as we make our way to the table.
“Sit,” I say, gesturing for her to take the seat at the head of the table. “You’re the guest of honor today.”
Avie laughs and sits down, shaking her head. “You guys are spoiling me.”
“That’s the point,” I tease, taking the seat beside her. “Besides, you deserve it.”