Page 130 of Finding Wonderland

“Are you serious?” Vera laughed, seemingly in shock as she looked at Mason. “This is for us?”

“Of course, Mama.” Mason had tears brimming her eyes. “You and Mom have done so much for us that we wanted to do a little something for you.”

“I picked the destination,” Everleigh grinned up at them.

“You did so good, Evie.”

Their youngest was one of their most observant kids, along with Mason. She could read Isla and Vera like a book, so it was no surprise she’d remembered they had been talking about a romantic trip to Greece. Of course, it had never happened because their kids always came first.

“We don’t deserve this,” Vera shook her head, but Mason held up her hands.

“I never want to hear you say those words again. You and Mom deserve this. And you’re going. We have everything under control. I promise.”

“Mace,” Vera pulled Mason into a hug that quickly turned into a large family hug. Isla savored having all of her babies together as she made sure to kiss each one of them and tell them how much she loved them.

After their family moment, Isla cleared her throat and put her arm around Vera’s waist.

“Thank you all for coming. Each and every one of you all mean so much to me and Vera. Thank you for making our day so special.”

“Thank you for making our lives so special,” Vera added with a smile.

“We love you all so much. Thank you for coming to our surprise party.”

“Well,” Mason buttoned her blazer, “that’s not the only reason they’re here.”

Mason held her hand out to Chase, her girlfriend of over two years. Chase stood slowly, an injury from years ago making it hard for her. But the help of Mason and her service dog, Scout, was always nearby. It wasn’t until Chase and Mason were standing side by side that Isla noticed how they were dressed. Not only was Mason wearing a dapper blazer and black pants, but Chase was in a cream-colored pantsuit with her hair braided into an intricate bun. Even Scout had a cream-colored bow tie clipped to her harness.

“Oh, my God.”

“What?” Vera looked at Isla, confused, then back at Mason and Chase. “What am I missing?”

Across the yard, Mason motioned for Blake and Emily Crawford to change the sign. When they did, it said Congratulations Mason and Chase.

“Are you two getting engaged?” Vera asked, but Mason shook her head.

“No,” Mason’s eyes sparkled, “we’re getting married.”

“How? What?” Isla was grasping at words as she pulled her daughter into a hug. “When?”

“We’ve been planning it for months.”

“We wanted to get married on your anniversary,” Chase beamed with happiness as she spoke, “but we knew if we told you, you wouldn’t take a moment to yourselves to enjoy the day.”

“So we planned all this.” Mason waved her hand around the backyard. “How surprised are you now?”

“Is my jaw off the floor?” Vera sobbed as she pulled both Mason and Chase into a hug. “Oh, my babies. I’m so happy for you two.”

“Let’s get this show on the road,” Blake called out as everyone laughed. Mason ushered them into the house and Chase and her parents went to the garage apartment. It seemed everyone knew the script except Isla and Vera.

“Chase’s parents are walking her down the aisle first, then it will be us.”

“Us?” Vera asked, almost unsure.

“Us,” Mason confirmed with a nod. “You two are the reason I’m able to stand up there and profess my love for Chase. You’ve shown me what true love is, and I can’t wait to have a love like yours.”

“Oh, Mason. We love you and Chase so much.” Vera hugged and kissed her cheek. “I’m so happy for you.”

“And now you know why,” Mason paused for a moment, narrowing her eyes at Isla, “do you know?”

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