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Laughter rang out through the room to combine with my own as I continued to cry.
“Oh, and Randy said he'd run me down with his truck if I made you cry.”
“Only unhappy tears,” Randy called out from across the room. “Happy tears are fine.”
More laughter rippled through the crowd.
“So, Joy. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you let me love you for the rest of our lives?”
The words came out through my sobs. “Yes! Oh my God, yes!”
The room erupted in cheers and applause as Graham slipped the ring onto my finger with shaking hands. He stood and kissed me while our families and friends whooped and hollered around us.
When we finally broke apart, I was laughing and crying at the same time.
“I can’t believe you went to this much trouble.”
“You deserved this. You deserved to have everyone who loves you here to celebrate.”
I looked around the room at all the faces beaming back at us. My found family and my blood family, all gathered in one place to witness this moment.
“I love you, Graham Wallace.”
“I love you too, future Mrs. Wallace.”
Graham
Two hours later, I stood near the lunch counter nursing an iced tea and watching Joy make the rounds, showing off her ring to anyone who hadn't gotten a close look yet. The woman was glowing, her happiness so bright it lit up the whole room.
Emmie bounced over to where Joy was standing with Trenda, Roxie, and Lisa all four women talking over each other in the way that women do when they're planning something.
“So when's the wedding?” Emmie demanded. “Please tell me it's soon. I've been dying to plan a wedding.”
“We haven't even talked about it yet,” Joy laughed. “I've been engaged for exactly two hours.”
“That's plenty of time to pick a date,” Ava chimed in as she joined the group. “Spring weddings are beautiful. Or maybe summer. Everyone knows a June wedding is perfect.”
I shook my head and smiled, then spotted Little Grandma sitting alone in the corner. The centenarian looked tiny, but her sharp blue eyes missed nothing.
I made my way over and sat down beside her.
“Can I get you anything to drink, ma'am? Something to eat?”
“I'm fine, dear. But I'm glad of the company.”
Little Grandma's voice carried the soft drawl of someone who'd lived her whole life in the South.
“I see that you’ve had a chance to speak to everyone here tonight.”
She chuckled, the sound reverberating through me like sunshine. Almost as kind and warm as Joy’s laughter. “I do what I can.” Her eyes cut over to where Emmie was standing, and I saw a sly smile flash across her face.
“What are you thinking?”
“Nothing important.”
“How come I’m thinking that Emmie better duck and take cover?”
“Are you saying you regret your situation?” the woman laughed.
