Page 67 of Finding Mercy

Everybody yells, “To Liam and Mercy!”

Mercy blushes and takes a drink of my champagne.

Elle asks, “So where is the wedding?”

Liam shrugs, “We haven’t decided.”

“Actually, I was hoping you’d be okay with the Butterfly Conservatory in the Rose Garden.”

Ivy jumps up and down in her seat, “It’s stunning there.”

Isabella laughs, “Stunning?”

Ivy glances over at her, “Have you been there?”

She shakes her head, “No, I have not.”

Ivy gives her a serious look, “Then you don’t know. It’s stunning.”

Isabella looks at Mercy, biting her lip, trying not to laugh. Mercy raises an eyebrow, “It is. Plus, it holds special memories for us.”

I take her hand, “That’s where you want to get married?”

She nods, “Only if you’ll be happy getting married there.”

I chuckle, “I’d marry you anywhere. If that’s where you want to get married, then that’s where we’ll get married.”

Her lips hover over my ear, and she whispers, “You better be careful not to spoil me too much. I might become a brat.”

I give her a pointed look, “Oh try it, baby girl. See how that works out for you.”

She swallows hard and bites her lip.

Finally, our food comes, and it looks delicious. There’s a little bit of everything, steak, chicken, shrimp, scallops, pork loin, the options are endless. An endless spread of vegetables, potatoes, and rice. And fresh bread. What is it about warm fresh bread that soothes the soul?

Mercy glances at me with a questioning expression.

“After you sent me the text telling me six weeks, I called and made reservations and ordered.”

She smiles, “Thank you.”

Mercy glances at Max saying, “Max, would you please eat with us? I’m quite sure you can watch Elle while eating. You make me nervous sitting there all-”

I laugh, “Stony?”

She rolls her eyes, “Yeah. Stony.”

Max looks at Elle, “Yes, Max, please eat with us.”

Mercy glares at Elle, “Why didn’t you say something?”

She shrugs, “I guess I’m used to it.”

Elle says, “Tomorrow, I will pick you up after Isabella. Is that okay?”

“Yes,” Mercy nods, “I have to take Ivy to school first.”

I look at Mercy with a questioning look.

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