Loving You (Remembrance Series, Book 2) by Cynthia P. O'Neill Page A

ecstatic about the idea of me returning early, was putting it mildly. Apparently, there was more going on in the office than she was letting on; but she refused to enlighten me until my return, citing I didn’t need the added stress and I should focus on healing.
    Gregory’s family held true to their promise and all drove up to Deland to have a wonderful meal out, courtesy of Grandpa Frederick. He ended up taking us to the Italian Bistro, since Gregory had raved about their fabulous Chicken Parmesan.
    The food was delicious and the conversations enlightening. It turned out that Gwen was, indeed, pregnant and expecting to deliver in February, near the date we were originally scheduled to get married. Phillip had given a copy of the ultrasound to Gregory’s mom, showing that Gwen was a couple months along when they shared the news.
    Lorraine reassured me that Gwen was all talk and no action, regarding her words in the card. “She used to be a really sweet girl when we first met her, then suddenly she got bitter. Phillip still loved her, so we couldn’t deny their marriage. We were saddened to learn of her miscarriage. I don’t know if that’s why her attitude worsened or if that’s been her true personality all along. But, we hope this little miracle will bring back the Gwen we all first fell in love with.”
    Naturally, the conversation turned to the upcoming Wedding. I thanked Lorraine for the books and samples that she had sent to me through Gregory and told her that I had chosen my colors and a few other things and would give them to her when we left the restaurant.
    “Have you both decided on where you would like to have the engagement photos made?” Normally, I would have wanted a bigger hand in planning things, but I was happy to defer some of the duties to Lorraine and my mother. I had too much going on between healing, work, trying to figure out our latest mystery and looking for a wedding dress I liked.
    “We’ve narrowed it down to two possible locations. We like the photographer’s photos of Harrison Gardens in Winter Park and also the Clarkson Bed and Breakfast in Geneva. We would’ve picked your garden and pool for the photos, but wanted to do something different from the actual wedding photos.” I tried to explain.
    Lorraine looked over toward my mother, “Why don’t all of you come down this Friday and we’ll make it a three day weekend? I can have some place settings made up, from the rental/catering company we use for big parties, so you can select which type of table setting you would like.” Her face lit up with excitement, as she continued. “Based on your color and flower choices, I can have the florist meet with us to discuss possible table arrangements and bouquet designs.”
    I reached over and held Lorraine’s hand, with my good one. “I want you to know that I appreciate all that you’re doing for us. But, all we want is something small, simple and romantic.”
    She smiled warmly at me. “I know, Jordan. I’m sorry if it seems we’re rushing a bit, and I realize you’re still healing and don’t need to think about all this, right now; but, a few of the vendors we will want to use get booked up very quickly. We were lucky to get some of them for the date you both selected, and they’re the ones pushing to get things finalized, so they can plan accordingly. Now, if we could just find a dress you like.”
    To appease Lorraine, I added, “While we are down at your place, maybe we can go to one of the bridal shops. I still can’t be zipped into anything tight, but maybe they can at least get my measurements and I can take a look.” That must have done the trick, because the mention of dresses didn’t come up again for the remainder of the evening.
     

     
    The following Friday morning, Gregory drove us all down to Geneva, to meet up with Lorraine and Douglas. We had opted on the lesser known of the two photo location venues, because it offered a stunning gazebo and a