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Molly’s eyes twinkle and she smiles.
Chapter 23
Molly
Our wedding is perfect. Everyone we care about is at the church. My dad said he was honored to be asked to give me away. He didn’t expect it because times have changed and I’m a modern woman who is living her own independent life. But, of course, I wanted him there with me. It’s tradition. And, to be honest, I never thought that it would happen. That I would be the princess in a beautiful white dress about to be married to my prince. Romance, I thought, was only found in fiction. In books in the library. But now I am living out my love story. Our love story.
The skirt and petticoats of my silk dress rustle as I walk down the aisle toward Cam, but I think I’m the only one who can hear it. Our guests beam at me and blow kisses as I go. Cam is waiting for me at the altar with the Rev, looking strong and handsome in a well-cut dark suit, white shirt, and tie. He has a yellow rose in his lapel.
This is it. My happily-ever-after has begun.
Cam takes my hand and tells me I’m beautiful, which almost sets me off blubbing. But I hold it together. Just.
The reception is in a marquee set up next to the church by the community hall. We have a band on a raised stage and tables set up with platters of canapes and ice buckets of beer, bubbly wine, and lemonade. The fabulous three-tiered cake is set on its own special table. It was made by Kate at The Half Moon Café. She has kept the decoration simple: plain white frosting topped with an arrangement of yellow roses and daisies. Perfect.
Strings of twinkly fairy lights hang in decorative swags around the canvas ceiling and are arranged into two entwined hearts behind the band. Flower displays are everywhere. Gorgeous yellow roses and daisies are on the tables and stands around the marquee.
Lydia said, “Leave it to me. I have a vision.”
So, I did, and she had.
“Lydia. You are the best of best friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I say hugging my bridesmaid when the speeches are finished.
“You are most welcome. Now, release me. You’re wrecking my makeup.”
The evening is a delightful blur. I dance the first dance with Cam. Then we hold hands and walk around the tables, chatting with as many people as we can. It’s so great to be surrounded by our friends and families.
Everyone is having a good time. I dance with Ernie who has dusted off his dinner suit again. Sinatra is not present. It was decided that, given the hound’s history of stealing, it would be best if he stayed home so everyone could relax and not be anxious about having their supper snaffled.
After my dance with Ernie, I dance with Cam’s grandad, Vincent, who tells me I am a walking miracle.
“Cam always said he could never live in a small town,” Vincent says. He holds my hands gently in his. “But he met you, Molly. You were the one to show him how life in a small town can be.” Vincent laughs. “And now here he is in lil’ ol’ Oak River. And he is the fire chief. How about that?” He shakes his head. “I never thought I’d live to see the day.”
I’m feeling tipsy with Champagne. But it’s more than the effects of bubbly wine. It’s the day; the love; the everything. Cam cuts in for a slow dance.
“Grandad. If you don’t mind. I’d like to dance with my lovely bride. Molly. If I may?”
Cam stands in front of me, then encircles me in his arms. I reach my hands up and interlace my fingers behind his neck. He holds me close as we begin to move in time with the music.
“This is the best wedding ever!” I say swaying from side to side with my gorgeous groom. Campbell Wickham is still the handsomest man I have ever seen. I am totally in love with him, like the words of the song that is playing, “Always and Forever”.
He smiles and kisses me as we dance together, then whispers, “How about we get out of here? I think I want to start our honeymoon.”
Westie has organized a vintage blue Mustang convertible for us. He leads the way to where it is parked on the street outside. The car is decorated with bunches of flowers tied with yellow and white ribbons. Our guests gather around and cheer as Cam and I climb into the back seat. Westie starts up the engine. I stand up to toss my bouquet into the crowd. I don’t see who catches it, but there is an eruption of whoops and giggles.
“Ready to go, Mr and Mrs Wickham?” says Westie from the driver’s seat.
“We’re ready,” I tell him, settling in beside Cam.
The car chugs slowly out into the street. We wave goodbye to everyone as we drive away. Then I snuggle up to my handsome firefighter husband: the kindest, most thoughtful person in all the world. He takes off his jacket and puts it around my shoulders, hugging me close.
“This is just the start, Mrs Wickham.” Cam kisses me fully and passionately. His kiss causes me to shiver, although I’m not cold at all.
“You are a wonderful man.” I gently touch Cam’s face, running my fingertips across his lips. “Have I told you that before?”
“Yes. But it never gets boring.”
“I love you so much.” I reach for Cam’s hand and kiss the wedding band on my husband’s finger.
“I love you too, Molly.” Cam strokes my cheek and kisses me again. “You light me up and you always will.”
The End
