Chapter 200
Although Edith could be a little slow when it came to matters of the heart, she was far from naïve.
From the lounge to this very moment, everything Lucille had said and done had already told her what kind of intentions the woman was harboring.
Lucille, meanwhile, was clearly surprised–Mrs. Hawksley, who now gripped her wrist, wasn’t nearly as easy to handle as she’d first appeared.
“Well, since Miss Lowell seems to think things between you and Justin aren’t quite over, why don’t we take advantage of the fact that everyone’s here and have an honest conversation about it?” Edith suggested, her voice calm but firm.
A flicker of surprise flashed across Lucille’s face–gone in an instant. Just then, Justin strode toward them, and Lucille’s sharp gaze softened immediately into something far more innocent.
“Edith, really, there’s nothing between Justin and me. Let me go, please–I need to catch the bouquet,” Lucille pleaded, though her words seemed intended more for
Justin than Edith.
Justin stopped in front of them, glancing first at Edith, then at her hand still holding Lucille’s wrist.
Lucille offered a harmless, sheepish smile. “Justin, look–Miss Sumner won’t let me
go.”
Justin’s eyes were shadowed by the light behind him, making his expression unreadable. He lifted his lips in a cold half–smirk. “Call her Mrs. Hawksley, or sister–in–law. ‘Miss Sumner‘ sounds far too distant.”
Lucille froze for a split second, her face betraying a range of emotion before she smoothed it away, returning to her gentle, demure self.
“Sister–in–law, please, let me go. Let me catch the bouquet, and then we can really talk, okay?”
Edith released her grip; truthfully, she hadn’t been holding Lucille all that tightly.
As Lucille drew her hand back, she glanced at her wrist with a little pout. “Sister–in–law, you hurt me.”
A cloud seemed to pass through Edith’s mind, and she murmured, “I’m sorry.”
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Chapter 200
Lucille just smiled, her eyes narrowing playfully. “You’re Pennie’s and my sister–in–law–that’s nothing to apologize for.”
When it came time for the bouquet toss, Pennie was practically giddy. “Sorry, everyone, but today’s bouquet is reserved for my best friend, Lucille! I truly hope this time she finds a man who loves her as much as she loves him!”
This time? Such a subtle choice of words–clearly, there had been a last time.
With all the ceremony of a relay race, Lucille caught the bouquet as Pennie handed it
to her herself.
Tears welled up in Lucille’s eyes as she clutched the microphone and spoke, her voice trembling with emotion. “I regret that I’ve been through a marriage that was far from perfect, but I’m so grateful for Pennie’s love and for this precious blessing. When I was at my lowest, Pennie was always there, telling me to have faith and to keep going. That’s how I made it through. I’ll treasure this blessing, and just like today’s bride, I’ll marry for love–marry for happiness!”
The crowd erupted in applause, the cheers lingering long after she finished speaking.
The wedding reception came to a close.
The Hawksley family hosted a dinner to welcome Justin and Edith, who had come all the way from Northcrest.
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