Ellinorâs revelation indeed took Marissa and Putnam by surprise. The elderly couple exchanged glances and then smiled at each other.
Marissa turned to Ellinor, her eyes filled with kindness, âEllinor, the fact that youâre a Howard was unexpected. However, weâve seen how youâve been faithfully waiting for Theo all these years. We know what kind of person you are, and we couldnât be prouder of you. Even if you were from the most notorious family, we, the Blanchets, would not care about the past. All we care about is you, our lovely granddaughter-in-law.â
Putnam, though silent, nodded his head in agreement, affirming his approval.
Moved by Marissaâs words, Ellinor felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She had feared that her true identity might add another obstacle to her relationship with Theo, but it seems she worried needlessly.
Marissa cheerfully declared, âThatâs settled then! Putnam and I will pick a good day and throw you a grand wedding. Weâll make sure everyone in Greenhaven knows what a wonderful and beautiful woman our granddaughter-in-law is.â
Ellinor smiled, no longer resisting the eldersâ kindness.
Theo held Ellinor tightly, whispering in her ear, âLooks like weâre not just partners now. Youâre really marrying me.â
Ellinorâs cheeks flushed, âLet go of me. Our grandparents are watching.â
Watching the affectionate couple, the two elders couldnât be happier.
Veronica led the four little ones in cheering, eagerly anticipating the grand wedding.
And so, Marissa and Putnam picked a lucky date, and Theo and Ellinor started planning their wedding.
The day Theo and Ellinor went to choose their wedding venue, they received a call from Byran insisting on joining them. Unable to resist his pestering, Ellinor gave him the address.
Byranâs arrival certainly livened up the atmosphere. He was a chatterbox!
Ellinor looked at Byran with a hint of annoyance, âWhy are you suddenly interested in wedding venues?
Out with it. Whatâs your scheme?â
Byran scratched his head sheepishly, âHeh! You got me. I was thinking of proposing to Ida at your wedding, so I thought Iâd come and scout the place.â
Ellinor knew this mischievous boy was up to something. She smirked, âYou sure know how to seize an opportunity. Proposing at our wedding means you wouldnât have to decorate the venue. But stealing our thunder, is that fair?â
With a serious face, Byran replied, âItâs not about saving money or effort. I feel that Ida would be in good spirits at your wedding and more likely to accept my proposal. I wonât steal your thunder. Iâll propose after your ceremony. Please, give me a chance.â
Ellinor rolled her eyes, and turned to Theo, âWhat do you think? Should we let him use our venue?â
Before Theo could reply, Byran, fearing Theo might refuse, quickly added, âTheo, Iâm your brother-in-
law. You should be supporting my happiness. Donât be stingy.â
Theo snorted, âAs long as your sister agrees, I have no objections.â
Byran was ecstatic. He looked eagerly at Ellinor, âYour turn. Theo doesnât mind. You wouldnât either, right?â
Ellinor crossed her arms, âWho said I agreed?â
Byran frowned, âAre you really going to refuse me?â
Seeing his pitiful face, Ellinor replied, âYou can have the venue, but donât skimp on the engagement ring. Ensure Ida gets a big diamond. Otherwise, youâre not getting past me.â
Byranâs eyes lit up, âNo problem! Iâve already ordered a diamond as big as a pigeonâs egg. Even without your reminder, I would give Ida nothing but the best in the world!â