But Michael, ever the peacemaker, brought up reaching out to her family again, catching Marina off guard.
- Are you kidding me? she said, exasperated, setting down a stack of baby clothes she’d been folding. After everything? You want them back in our lives, stirring up drama while I’m pregnant? We’ve been fine without them, Michael. Why mess that up?
Victoria, sipping tea at the kitchen island, backed Marina up.
- Leave it alone, son, she said, her tone firm. You don’t need that mess. Live your life and let them live theirs. Or what, you feeling guilty about Emily again?
Michael didn’t admit it, but Victoria wasn’t entirely wrong. Before he could push further, Elizabeth called Marina out of the blue, her voice tentative but warm.
- I know it’s been a while, she said. But I wanted to invite you to Emily’s wedding. She’s getting married, Marina.
Marina laughed, incredulous.
- Emily’s getting married? And she didn’t call me herself? What, too chicken?
- She was scared, Elizabeth admitted. You know how things are between you two. But it wouldn’t be right not to invite you. Emily and Connor are head over heels. Be happy for her, honey.
Marina couldn’t wrap her head around it. Emily, moving on? It seemed like a fantasy. But Emily had indeed fallen for Connor Davis, a kind-hearted mechanic with a quick smile and a love for classic cars. They’d met at a coffee shop in Nampa, a smaller town just outside Boise, where Emily had stopped for a latte after a long day. She’d been at her lowest, still nursing her heartbreak over Michael, her days spent holed up in her room, scrolling through old photos and replaying every moment of their relationship.
- Hey, mind if I join you? Connor had asked, gesturing to the empty seat across from her. You look like you could use some company.
- Whatever, Emily had muttered, barely glancing up. Do what you want.
But Connor’s easygoing charm wore her down. They talked for hours that day, about everything and nothing—his job at an auto shop, her love for true-crime podcasts, the best food trucks in Boise. He walked her home, asking for her number with a shy grin. At first, Emily saw him as a distraction, someone to fill the empty hours. But over weeks of late-night texts and impromptu dates—grabbing tacos or catching a movie at the local theater—she fell hard.
Elizabeth noticed the change in her daughter, the way her eyes lit up when she talked about Connor. She prayed this new love would heal Emily’s wounds, letting her move past Michael and her feud with Marina. When Marina told Michael about Emily’s engagement, he was stunned.
- No way, he said, chuckling as he flipped burgers on the grill. I thought she’d hold a grudge forever. Good for her, I guess.
- Don’t flatter yourself, Marina teased, bumping his shoulder. You’re not that irresistible. Unrequited love’s a phase, not a lifestyle. Emily’s finally growing up.
At Emily’s wedding, held at a rustic barn venue outside Nampa, the sisters finally sat down to talk. Emily, her voice shaky, apologized for the tea incident and everything else, admitting her jealousy had consumed her. Marina, though hesitant, forgave her, her heart softening at the sight of her sister’s genuine remorse. Michael, too, owned up to his role in the mess, apologizing for how he’d handled things. They agreed to move forward, not as the tight-knit family they’d once been, but as people willing to try.
Elizabeth was overjoyed, tears in her eyes as she watched her daughters embrace. But beneath her relief, a quiet sadness lingered. With Marina settled with Michael and Emily soon to move in with Connor, her little house in Boise would feel empty. She’d built her life around her girls, and the thought of living alone was daunting.
- Don’t worry, Mom, Marina said, pulling her into a hug. You’ll have grandkids to keep you busy. Michael and I are starting, and Emily’s not far behind, right, sis?
Emily grinned, nodding as she linked arms with Connor. Nine months later, Marina gave birth to a healthy boy, and Elizabeth threw herself into grandmotherhood, helping with late-night feedings and diaper runs. Emily and Connor welcomed a daughter not long after, and Elizabeth’s days were filled with the chaos and joy of her growing family. Loneliness, once her greatest fear, became a distant memory as she rocked her grandchildren to sleep, grateful for the love that had weathered the storm.