“He couldn’t make it this time. Quick trip, but I’m going to get his fine ass over here to meet you before the wedding.”
“Don’t get Sally started on the wedding.” He paused outside thedressing room. “He won’t stop.” He gave the door a tap. “Hey, babe, you decent?”
“I should hope not!”
Derrick poked his head in. “Got something for you.”
Sally sat at the lighted dressing room mirror, his hair covered with a skullcap as he applied, with precision, false lashes.
His hand stilled as his eyes met Breen’s in the mirror.
“Well, damn it all, there goes my makeup.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Hugs, tears, and more hugs.
And home, Breen thought, wasn’t always a place. Sometimes it was a person.
“I’m getting champagne. Don’t you open those presents until I get back,” Derrick warned.
“That man knows me.” Sally sat again, dabbing at his eyes. “Seeing you, both of you, right here, it’s the best birthday present in the history of them. God, look at my beautiful kids.”
When he teared up again, Breen sat at his feet, laid her head on his knee as Bollocks often did with her. “Missed you.”
“Missed you more. And you, engaged. Is he out there?”
“Not this time. We’re in and out, but I promise you’ll meet him for real soon. He’s wonderful, Sally. I love him so much.”
“Don’t get me started again. We’re going to throw you the mother of all weddings. I’ve got ideas. Tails, white tie and tails. And Breen in a gold dress because I see black and gold, splashes of white. White flowers, everywhere, and—”
“You got him started, didn’t you?” Derrick carried in a tray holding the champagne, already open in a bucket of ice, and the flutes.
“First, I was thinking rainbows, then it came to me. The elegance of black and gold.” Sally circled his hands in the air. “And the white flowers. He better be worthy of you.”
“I can attest.” Breen took a flute from Derrick. “Happy birthday, Sally.”
“I can attest. Now, I’ve got to see what’s in here. What you brought me all the way from Ireland.”
“Open this first.” Breen held out the smaller, narrow box. “It’s from Nan.”
“You— Your grandmother sent me a birthday present?”
Almost reverently, Sally opened the card.
Dearest Sally,
You’ve given so much to Breen when I couldn’t, and no gift can shine so bright as the gift of family. You’re hers—and Marco’s as well—and so you’re mine. This small gift comes with wishes for the happiest of birthdays to the mother of Breen’s heart.
Lá breithe shona duit, Marg
“I’m going to need a crate of tissues before I’m done.”
Blinking at tears, Sally opened the box. “Oh, this is gorgeous!”
He drew out the trio of stars dangling from a silver chain. They caught the dressing table lights and exploded with color.
“She made it for you.”