Page 131 of Finding Wonderland

“Know what?”

Mason looked at Vera, her eyes still narrowed. “Does she know?”

“Perhaps,” Vera responded sheepishly.

“It’s okay, Mama. I figured it wouldn’t be kept a secret for long anyway. This town is too small.”

“In my defense, I’ve only told your mom.”

“But,” Isla swallows the lump in her throat, “I’d love for you to tell me.”

Mason’s smile spread wide across her face. “Chase and I are going to make a baby.”

“Ah! Sweetie!” Isla wrapped Mason into a bear hug. “I’m so happy for you both.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“And this explains why you changed your mind.”

“What do you mean?”

“We wondered why you changed your mind about not having kids until after you're married.” Vera wiped tears from her cheeks. “But we get it now.”

“We just wanted to surprise you both. You’re not mad, are you?”

“Honey, no,” they answered in unison.

“We love you and want you and Chase happy.”

“We’re honored,” Isla tried to stay composed as she spoke, “that you chose today to be your wedding day, too.”

The back door opened as Blake peeked her head inside. “Are you all ready?”

“Ready,” they all answered in unison.

Isla and Vera flanked Mason as they held onto her arms. Somehow, Isla had missed the tables being arranged in such a way they made a V-shaped from the garage to the archway to the main house. It was the perfect double aisle for Chase and Mason to walk down. The local pastor, Tamara Ridley, stood by Chase at the end of the aisle. Beside Chase, as usual, was Scout, followed by her cousin Charlie and her daughter Sadie. Blake and Ellie were serving as Mason’s bridesmaids it seemed and Isla wondered how everyone had done such a good job keeping it a secret from them.

At the end of the aisle, Isla kissed Mason’s cheek and hugged her once more before Vera did the same. Emily motioned for them to take a seat at a nearby table so they could have front row seats to the ceremony. Vera reached out, taking Isla’s hand as the ceremony started. Isla didn't have to look at her to know she was thinking about their own wedding day, too.

“Mason, I never thought this day would come,” Chase’s comment was met with a round of laughter. “We fought being together for so long but I can’t imagine my life without you in it now. You’re my rock, my world. I love how you’ve taught me to love myself in spite of my flaws and how you remind me every day how much you love me. Even if you do sometimes take showers that last way too long and take up all the hot water.”

More laughter echoed out as Isla wiped a tear from her eyes.

“I love you more every day, Mason Mackenzie, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Isla couldn’t get over how in love both Mason and Chase looked. Their love was palpable, and Isla prayed they would have a long happy marriage just like her and Vera.

“Chase, I can’t believe I’m about to be your wife. I’ve always known what true love was because of my parents, but I never expected to find it. Not until you. You’ve turned my world upside down for the better, Chase. I’m a better person because you are in my life. I love you to the moon and to Saturn. Always and forever. I cannot wait to start this next chapter with you, Chase. I love you.”

Isla clasped her hands together in anticipated excitement as Tamara announced them married. Everyone at the party erupted into cheering as Mason tenderly dipped Chase and kissed her. Even Scout decided to celebrate by barking her excitement.

“I now present to you, Mrs. and Mrs. Mackenzie!”

“The second ones!” Mason added with a laugh. She held out her hand toward Isla and Vera as they joined them under the archway. “Thank you all so much for coming tonight and for keeping it a secret for us. Chase and I,” Mason’s voice cracked, and she looked to Chase for help.

“Mason and I are so honored to share this wedding day with such an amazing couple. Isla and Vera have been the best role models we could have. Thank you.”

“Thank you, Mom.” Wrapping her arms around Isla’s neck, Mason clung to her. Vera joined in on the hug, holding them both close. “Thank you, Mama. For everything.”

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