Yeah. Sylvia nodded with a warm smile. Grandma believes in you.
She glanced at Sherilyn, who was a mess of tears.
Aw, honey, don’t cry.
Sylvia gently cupped her granddaughter’s cheek, wiping away the tears. You’ve got your grandma here. When the Harrison family comes knocking with a proposal, I’ll handle the wedding. There’s no way I’ll let them take advantage of us.
Sherilyn’s eyes were red as she nodded hard. Okay!
Sylvia shot a look at Gilbert, waving him off. Don’t just stand there staring. Sherilyn’s staying with me-there’s a mountain of wedding stuff to go over. We need some girl talk. Off you go.
Gilbert grinned so wide he could barely contain himself. Alright, I’ll get out of your hair.
He glanced at Sherilyn’s puffy face and added, Hey, don’t go home alone. I’ll pick you up later, okay?
I know, I know!
Sylvia rolled her eyes. Go on! You’re such a clingy one!
Gilbert just laughed, not even trying to hide how happy he was. Alright, I’m heading out. Grandma, get some rest… Francis, let’s go, man. Let the ladies have their time.
He dragged his brother out with him.
At the door, Gilbert nudged Francis and grinned. Guess I gotta start calling you ‘brother-in-law,’ huh?
Francis froze, eyes closed for a second. His brother could be so clueless sometimes. Seriously, he thought, I can’t watch this.
…
That evening, Gilbert came to pick Sherilyn up.
Grandma’s asleep?
Yeah, Sherilyn said as she stepped out of the room. She was exhausted- talked for hours.
What did you two talk about?
Gilbert took her hand, leading her toward the door.
Mostly wedding plans, Sherilyn admitted, feeling a bit sheepish. She’d been dragging her feet all this time, but once Grandma Sylvia got involved, things moved lightning fast.
She wants the wedding in Ireland.
Ireland-a place where divorce isn’t taken lightly. Grandma must have really thought this through.
Sounds great, Gilbert smiled, not a hint of protest. What else?
She’s got a wedding planner in mind. She said she’ll have them send over a plan soon.
Gilbert whistled. Classic Grandma. She handled Francis’s wedding too, remember? With her running the show, all we gotta do is show up.
Sherilyn nodded with a shy smile. She’s putting in so much work for us.
Gilbert squeezed her hand in agreement. He was grateful, too. Traditionally, the groom’s side would handle all this, but with Katy barely able to take care of herself and his sisters-in-law out of the picture, they were lucky to have Sylvia.
But Grandma said… Sherilyn’s lips curled into a smile, She’s not tired. She’s happy to do it.
Gilbert’s heart melted, and he squeezed her hand a little tighter. We’ll make it up to her. We’ll be good to her, always.
Yeah, Sherilyn agreed, feeling a weight lift from her chest.
Back at Blue Haven, Gilbert couldn’t keep his hands off Sherilyn-one thing led to another, and they ended up tangled together, basking in the afterglow.
Gilbert wrapped his arms around her, his hand warm and soothing on her waist as he gently massaged her back.
Then Sherilyn’s phone buzzed.
She didn’t even bother opening her eyes, just nudged Gilbert. Can you grab that for me?
Sure, he said, picking up the phone and glancing at the screen. It’s Francis.
He swiped to answer and pressed the phone to her ear.
Hey, Francis, Sherilyn mumbled.
Hey, Sherilyn, Francis sounded a little awkward on the other end. I, uh, have a favor to ask you…