This Summer Will Be Different
by Carley Fortune
Contents
Chapter 33
Overview
On Bridget’s wedding day in Toronto, Lucy executes her most ambitious floral design and attends the ceremony with Felix openly as her partner. Bridget and Miles marry, and Lucy’s emotional toast underscores Bridget’s imminent move. The reception cements Lucy and Felix’s connection, even as his upcoming departure casts a quiet shadow.
Summary
At dawn on Bridget’s wedding day, Lucy wakes with Felix in her apartment, savoring the new intimacy of sharing space and routines. Felix accompanies Lucy to the Gardiner Museum but she sends him away to focus, channeling her emotions about work and Bridget’s impending move into building an extraordinary ten-foot floral arch.
During the ceremony, Lucy takes her place as maid of honor while Felix stands near the groom. Bridget arrives radiant, and Lucy and Felix exchange mouthed compliments across the aisle. Lucy recalls that the previous evening Felix told his parents they are dating, which Christine greeted with surprise and joy. After the vows, Felix briefly switches positions to escort Lucy, tenderly wiping away her tears.
At dinner and photos, Felix remains close, finding excuses to touch Lucy as they sit with the Clark siblings. Lucy delivers a heartfelt, tear-filled speech honoring Bridget and acknowledging the pain of her upcoming relocation, asking Miles to take care of her and declaring Bridget the love of her life.
The reception blends Toronto elegance with island warmth: elaborate courses, string quartet, Bridget’s grandfather’s fiddle, and late-night lobster rolls. Miles belts “Un-Break My Heart,” delighting Bridget. Throughout, Lucy and Felix dance, kiss, and enjoy their new openness.
In quiet interludes, Lucy and Felix exchange playful promises and savor each other, and Lucy watches Felix admiring her arch. On the dance floor with friends and family nearby, Lucy feels certain of their bond and imagines always, even as she notes the looming fact that Felix leaves on Tuesday.
Who Appears
- Lucy Beth AshbyMaid of honor; designs the stunning floral arch, gives an emotional toast, and openly revels in her relationship with Felix.
- Felix Edgar ClarkAttends in a tux, publicly dates Lucy, supports her, meets colleagues, and shares intimate moments despite leaving Tuesday.
- Bridget ClarkBride and Lucy’s best friend; radiant at the ceremony, moving to Australia soon, moved by Lucy’s heartfelt speech.
- Miles LamGroom; marries Bridget, leads a joyous reception, humorously sings “Un-Break My Heart” to his wife.
- FarahLucy’s colleague and date; teases Lucy about Felix and swaps seats so Lucy can sit beside him.
- RoryTeam member on the wedding install; part of Lucy’s expanding business operations.
- GiaTeam member assisting with the floral build; now full-time under Lucy.
- Christine ClarkFelix and Bridget’s mother; reacts with shocked delight when told Felix and Lucy are dating.
- Ken ClarkFather of the bride; walks Bridget down the aisle and stands with Christine.
- ZachFriend who celebrates on the dance floor; gives Lucy a supportive thumbs-up.
- LanaZach’s girlfriend; dances nearby during the reception.