Chapter 6 - The Greenhouse Restored
The next afternoon, at 4:15 PM, my phone rang while I was sitting on the back patio with a cup of black coffee.
It was an incoming call from Chloe, the wedding planner.
My heart beat a little faster as I swiped to answer. I kept my coffee cup steady on the patio table.
“Mrs. Owens?” Chloe’s voice came through the speaker, crisp and professional, but carrying a distinct note of residual shock.
“Yes, Chloe. I’m here.”
“I’ve just received a revised guest list and a formal contract addendum authorized by Mr. Liam Owens,” Chloe said. “The full fifty-fifty guest allocation for both families has been restored. Furthermore, Mr. Owens instructed us to reinstate your original seating arrangement and floral layout in the main greenhouse.”
A profound, warm wave of relief washed over my chest. I closed my eyes for a second, letting out a long, slow breath.
“Thank you, Chloe,” I said.
“You’re very welcome, Mrs. Owens,” Chloe replied, her tone softening. “And... for what it’s worth, I think you made the right call. A wedding is supposed to bring families together, not edit them out.”
“I appreciate that,” I said.
After we hung up, I sat back in my patio chair and looked out over the quiet backyard. The sun was warm, the trees were green, and for the first time since Liam’s phone call two days ago, the house didn't feel too quiet.
My phone buzzed one last time. A text from Liam:
LIAM: It’s done. The guest list is fixed. Mom... I’m sorry. I was an idiot.
I smiled, picked up my coffee cup, and texted back:
May you like
ME: I know you were, Liam. Now go tell Vanessa. I’ll see you at the greenhouse.
Arthur wouldn't be standing beside me in the front row, but as I looked out across the lawn, I knew he would have been proud of the woman who held her ground. The family was coming, the greenhouse was booked, and our story was going to be told with every single voice in the room.
