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“Don’t worry about us,” Aunt Roberta had said when Paul apologized to her about the cabin being too small for everyone. “We’ll all be together on Sunday, so unless you’re leaving on your honeymoon, we’ll see you then.”
“I really wanted the wedding reception to be at the fire station. We love living up there, and it just felt right.”
“We’ll all get up there eventually,” she said, trying to encourage Paul. “Promise me you won’t worry, because if you do, you’ll make Emily worry. And then she’ll be nervous on her wedding day.”
“Okay, no worries, then.”
The wedding day arrived, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Kathy was going to meet Emily at her mother’s house to get dressed, and then the four of them would drive to the beach together.
“I wish we could drive together,” Paul said, downtrodden. “I thought we were going to make our own rules, if I may quote you.”
“Ah, you’ll be fine. Go with Danny. I’ll see you on the beach! I can’t wait. We’re gonna get married!”
“Okay. I love you. I can’t wait either.”
Two hours later at the edge of the surf, the celebrant waited with Paul and only two attendants: Danny and brother Oliver. Big Mike and Roberta and their boys and daughters-in-law and Charlie and Lila and Clare and Harry and Oliver’s wife stood in the sand, waiting. Then, a friend of a friend stepped forward with an accordion and started to play the wedding march, and of course Big Mike started crying. From the parking lot, Kathy led the way, with Emily following between Colonel Porter and Alice. She’d taken off her shoes even though the sand was cold; it was silly to think she could walk in the sand in heels.
“Your bride is gorgeous,” Oliver said, patting his brother on the shoulder when he saw that Paul was overcome with emotion.
Emily was gorgeous, too. The dress emphasized her curves, and she looked like she’d stepped out of a Rubens painting, like a virginal mermaid. Danny watched her walk toward Paul with unabashed love and desire radiating from her, and he finally admitted that he was jealous, just like Pete Acker had said.
After that, Paul and Emily didn’t have eyes for anyone else. They said their vows, the crash of the surf and cry of gulls muting the words, so they were said in private. It wasn’t until they kissed that the family knew the couple was truly married. Afterward, they mingled with their guests on the beach.
They trudged through the sand to their cars, and a surprise awaited Emily; Paul had rented a limousine. Charlie and Lila would also be going in the limo.
“We’ll have to come back down to get our cars, but we’re having dinner at Aunt Roberta’s on Sunday, so we can pick up the cars then. Kathy, you’re going home with my mother. Is that okay?” Paul asked.
“Of course. I’m surprised she’ll speak to me after my grocery store disclosure.”
Emily heard the banter around her, but it sounded like words spoken underwater. This was her wedding day. She was married to Paul. A hint of disappointment tried to take hold, just a small whisper of discontent. She should have made more effort to mark the day as something extra special by having a reception. Why didn’t she think she was worth it? Paul had tried to talk her into it; even her mother, who was against the rush, told her she might regret it someday. And now that the day was upon her, she regretted it. Even if it wasn’t for her, Paul deserved it at the very least.
As Paul led her to the car, she determined that she’d make it up to him somehow. They got into the car, and she didn’t have time to think because he wrapped his arms around her body and kissed her, their second kiss as husband and wife.
“Are you disappointed we didn’t do a reception? I’m feeling regretful now that I didn’t force myself out of my comfort zone for your sake.”
“Em, I just wanted to be married to you. I don’t care about anything else right now.”
“Are you two going on a honeymoon?” Charlie asked.
“Paul has time off during winter break, so we’ll head up to Big Bear then for some skiing.”
“You ski, too?” Charlie asked.
“I feel like a dud,” Lila replied, and they laughed together.
“Emily does all the sports. You should see her surf.”
They chatted comfortably on the way up the mountain, but noticed as soon as the limousine turned down the road that there might be a problem.
“I wonder what’s going on,” Paul said, frowning. “Why so many cars? There should only be a few in my yard.”
“Robin and Sam might be having a party,” Emily said. “Oh! Look at the tent in their yard! What’s going on?”
And then it hit Paul when he saw the smile on Charlie’s face.
“Oh, I’m not sure I can stand it,” Emily cried. “Look at the banner! This is for us!”
“It’s for you,” Charlie said, teary eyed.
