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“No, babe, no stress at all. I make enough money to support our family. I’m so happy that you’ll be able to relax.” He gathered her into his arms for a long kiss. “We’d better leave before we decide to stay.” He winked at her.
Her heart filled with love for the man who valued family life more than money.
***
On the first Sunday of December, the Perkins-Kent gang arrived at the church in Russell’s neighborhood. The pews decorated with a multitude of small wreaths topped with red and green satin Christmas bows lent a festive air to the big church.
In a black tuxedo and bow tie, the nervous groom paced the portal, while his sons observed him with sarcastic grins.
“Hi Gramp,” the kids called together.
“You look very, very neat,” Becky added, lifting her arms to him. Russell bent and hugged his favoritelittle dollwho reminded him so much of her grandmother.
“You all look so pretty, young ladies.” He turned to Erin. “Where’s my bride?”
“She’s on her way. Tim is driving her.”
“Why is he taking so long?”
“Dad, chill out,” his son Kevin urged. “You’re making us all nervous.”
“Here they are.” Erin breathed with relief. “You go to the altar with your best man.”
Erin aligned the children. The toddlers were adorable in long pants and white shirt, each holding an embroidered cushion with a golden band taped on it. Behind them, Becky, the flower girl, stood with a basket of rose petals hanging around her neck, then came Brianna and Debbie, the two brunettes looking like twins in their red dresses and dark ponytails, and finally Rachelle, the bridesmaid.
The wedding march filled the church. “Ethan, Nat, walk slowly, straight to Gramp. Becky, start throwing your petals. Debbie and Brianna hold your candles and follow. Your turn Rachelle, hold your bouquet.”
Holding David’s arm, Teresa proceeded on the red carpet, down the aisle, so lovely in her off-white wedding outfit, a satin coat adorned with a fur collar opened on a lace dress, a bouquet of three white roses in her hand.
A mix of pride and anxiety bubbling in her chest, Erin focused on the children gliding toward the altar adorned with colorful arrangements of magnolia leaves, holly berries and Christmas pines. Never had an aisle looked as long as this one. Finally, the twins reached the pedestal decked in all its splendor with a garden of red and white poinsettias.
Tim joined Erin, and led her to the first pew where they sat for the ceremony, ready to jump in and save the day at the first sign of disruption by their little monsters.
Intrigued by the many pots of poinsettias, Ethan and Nat reached forward, but Debbie and Brianna grabbed the little hands. Thank heaven, the whole thing lasted only ten minutes. In the end, their kids behaved like real angels. Erin breathed with relief when the bride and groom exchanged a brief kiss after their vows, and walked out.
Erin and Tim collected their children and drove to Russell’s mansion for the reception. For a change, Erin had hired a babysitter to supervise the children in the vast playroom in the basement.
After dinner, Tim and Erin followed the guests’ example and danced in the luxurious foyer. “It’s the first time we’ve danced together,” Tim whispered in a kiss near her ear.
“I know. I love the Christmas decorations and the festive atmosphere at this wedding.”
“We can do the same for our wedding.”
Her eyes widened in panic. “You want to wait another year until next Christmas?”
“No, babe. I’ll wait three more weeks to have our Christmas wedding. What do you say?”
“I say yes. I love your ideas. Add this one to your list of requests, and I’ll initial it.”
He laughed and captured her lips in a scorching kiss.
***
On the Thursday before Christmas, a déjà-vu scene repeated itself as Tim drove his gang to the All Saints Parish church where his children attended school and waited for his bride. This wedding would be on a much smaller scale, limited to the close family and a few friends from work. Even his brother, Tyler wouldn’t be able to travel from New York.
The children had gotten dressed by themselves, and Granny had combed their hair back with ribbons and a bow matching the color of their dresses.
Standing at the door of the church, Tim chatted with his children and reminded them of their roles.
