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Epilogue
A week later, Lillian and Carole, who were now as close as sisters, gathered at Royce’s condo to prepare it for the bride.
“There’s nothing to prepare,” Royce tried to protest, when they kicked him out of his place, in the early morning. “I swear, Kasem and I kept it sparkling clean.”
The two women wouldn’t have it and pushed him out, as they brought in a cleaning company and made sure the condo was spic and span, and smelling of roses. Carol bought a new satin bedspread, new sheets, and new towels embroidered with R and S. Lillian added feminine touches to every room, and gifted the couple with the China service that had belonged to Royce’s mother.
Like two partners in crime, giggling and busying themselves, they moved Royce’s clothes to the guestroom, and reorganized the bedroom closet, hanging and folding Susan’s secret new wardrobe.
Although Susan had refused to have a bridal shower, Carol and Lillian had spent several days shopping for lingerie and frilly nightgowns.
“My daughter has been too serious all her life. I want her to have fun with her husband,” Carole explained to her new friend.
“I couldn’t agree more. I never had a daughter, and I would like to spoil her. We need to buy her a few evening outfits, too, and fancy purses, and perfumes...”
“I saw an incredible winter jacket,” Carole added, as they toured the malls and boutiques,
***
On December first, Matt, Brenda, and Royce stopped at Susan’s house to pick her up. She’d donned an off-white, wool mini-dress for the occasion. Royce had trimmed his hair for the first time in years, and agreed to wear a suit.
“Who are you?” Susan burst out laughing almost not recognizing him. “Where’s the man I fell in love with, the black sheep with long hair, and a shaggy beard hiding his scar?”
“Gone forever, babe. Dad and Matt insisted I should look like a respectable, dependable husband.”
Matt and Brenda drove them to City Hall, stood as their witnesses as they signed their wedding certificate, and then brought them home to Dr. Winston’s house for a family dinner with Steve, Lillian, and Greg, and Carole Chen and Dean Tristan.
Steve poured the champagne and handed out the flutes.
“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Royce Winston.” He raised his flute in a toast.
“May you be as happy as my dear Steve and I,” Lillian added.
During dinner, Lillian exchanged a glance with Carol and started, “All right, kids, you had the wedding you wanted, a two minutes stop at City Hall, but Carole and I insist on throwing a big wedding reception in a month.”
Susan frowned. “I’m too busy—”
“You won’t have to do anything. Just show up with your husband.”
Susan sighed. “Okay. If that pleases you so much.”
“It pleases us a lot, sweetie. You’ll wear a beautiful wedding gown—”
“Mae, no way. I’m already married, and I don’t have time to shop—”
“We’ll shop for you my dear,” Lillian said. “You won’t do a thing. I hope your family from Thailand may be able to join us, Carole.”
“What? No—”
“Thank you, Lillian.” Carole ignored her daughter’s endless protests. “I’m sure my children won’t hesitate to attend their youngest sister’s wedding.”
“But—”
Royce bent and kissed her. “Let them have their motherly fun. We’ll have ours.”
“All right. Whatever you want.” Susan sighed, giving up curbing the two women’s excitement. They both loved her dearly and wanted to share her happiness.
At the door of his condo, Royce scooped up his new bride to cross the threshold. “Welcome home, Mrs. Winston.” Beaming, she laced her fingers around his neck as he crossed the living room.
