I convinced Richard that having the family Thanksgiving dinner at our home was a good way to announce our engagement. Everyone oohed and aahed over the fabulous feast before them.

It seemed only fitting to invite Aaron, now that he officially acknowledged himself as one of the family. Richard’s handsome younger half-brother was shameless, flirting with poor Katie.

If I had to describe Aaron in one word, I would have to say Rick.

Aaron personified bad boy. His dirty blond hair, though neatly combed, reached the nape of his neck. His worn leather jacket and riding boots screamed biker bad boy. If bad boy Aaron thought he was going to seduce church going, choir girl Katie, he was in for a letdown.

Richard and I invited Leona and her family as well. We wanted everyone here when we made the announcement.

I saw how Richard's eyes lit up when he talked about the next stage of construction on the island. Everything was going smoothly and the resort should have its grand opening the Fourth of July.

My birthday.

“We’re fully booked opening weekend,” he boasted. “We have the entire island booked for a wedding.”

“Your father and I are very proud of all of you,” Esther looked towards Evonne and Dickie before focusing on Richard and I. “We were hoping to be there for the grand opening.”

“I think I can arrange that,” Richard responded as he placed a distinctive blue box on the table. “The wedding is ours, mine and Mackenzie’s. We booked the island.”

I hadn’t wanted to wear the ring until the official announcement. Richard took it out of the box and placed it on my finger. It was a beautiful diamond encrusted band with a sapphire the color of my eyes.

Everyone was speaking at the same time. When the excitement calmed down Haley rubbed her belly. “Fourth of July, that gives me plenty of time to fit into something sexy,” then she leaned over and passionately kissed her husband. “Something fitting a bridesmaid?” She directed her question to me.

“Of course. I would like you, Leona and Katie to be my bridesmaids. Evonne, would you be my maid of honor?”

Aleksander groaned, “My credit card is still recovering from your last shopping trip.”

Everyone laughed.

Evonne gladly accepted my request.

Richard added, “The reason we invited everyone is that we would like all of you to participate in the ceremony one way or another.” Then he turned to Aaron.

“Aaron, will you be my best man?”

“Are you sure?” He looked towards Aleksander, who was Richard's best friend and business partner.

“I am very sure.” Richard told him.

Aaron smiled. “It would be an honor to stand beside my brother.”

“No one can replace your father MacKenzie, but if you would like, I could walk you down the isle.” Richard’s father offered.

“That’s very sweet of you Richard, but I asked Sally if she would do the honours. She knew both my parents and was there last year when I needed someone after the accident. It felt right to ask her.” I had no doubt Sally would accept my request. She was the closest thing a relative I had since I’d lost both my parents.

“Katie made dessert,” I announced. “Come help me bring it out,” I asked her.

“Of course, I would love to.” Katie pushed her chair back and followed me into the kitchen.

I had grown fond of Katie. She was mature for only being twenty two.

“The first are always the hardest,” I comforted Katie. Having just lost her father and losing her mother during her teenage years gave me a soft spot for Katie.

I understood where her emotions were coming from.

“Do you want me to come with you tonight to a meeting?” I offered. It was on the way to one of our meetings that I found out Katie was one of our church choir members. She encourage to join until she heard me belt out a tune.

“No, I’m fine really, thank you for offering. You need to stay and celebrate your engagement.” She reminded me.

After dessert, our guests began to leave, Katie first, followed by Aaron. The rest were not far behind.

“I’m glad Aaron accepted your offer. Maybe that means he plans on staying and taking over when you leave.”

“I hope you’re right, it would make the transition smoother. However, even if he doesn't, we will find someone who will fit the bill. Don't worry, come grand opening, the island is going to be our new home.”

“I know we said we wanted to wait a year before starting a family, but is there any reason we can't practice until then?” Richard tugged on my hand until I followed him up the stairs and into the bedroom.

“Where would you like to start that practice, baby? The jacuzzi tub, the shower jets, or the king size bed?” Richard growled.

“Why not all three?”