Page 64 of Persuading Penny
The pastor blessed our union, and we turned to walk back up the aisle.I saw my mother, her cheeks streaked with tears, a smile like I’d never seen before lighting her face.
And my father, his face red, his eyes shining with tears held back, pressed an emotional grin.
He’d given Cliff a stern warning as he’d given his daughter away. “You take good care of my little girl, or I’ll come take care of you.”
Cliff had smiled and nodded. “Yes, sir.”
*****
Richard had gone allout preparing a magnificent buffet for all the guests. There were plenty of cold salads, three choices of hot entrées – beef, chicken or pork – and once everyone had gorged themselves on the great meal, he’d brought out his true talent; the wedding cake.
The simple and elegant cake, chocolate and raspberry, with a gloriously shiny chocolate glaze, was a hit and not a single portion remained, much to the chagrin of the children who’d hoped for a second piece.
“When are you going to make a cake like that for me, Daddy?”Georgina implored her father.
He looked at me and winked. “When you get married, my princess.”
She shot him a playful pout and crossed her arms over her tiny form. “That’s not fair.”
“What about me, Daddy?”Tommy said. “Do I have to get married to have a cake?”
“Yep.”
The little boy took up the same pose as his big sister.
Cliff looked at his brother. “You really outdid yourself,” he said gesturing to the nearly empty buffet table. There’s not a single thing that people didn’t like, even your black bean salad.”
“Consider it a well-deserved wedding gift. I put a a lot of love into every dish.”
“I don’t doubt it.”
Reagan came to join us and after a quick, telling glance at her husband she looked at Cliff and me. “I’m so sorry, but we really need to get going. We have to be in London several hours before our flight leaves.”
I nodded my understanding. “I’m so glad all four of you were able to stay for the ceremony. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
“Yeah,” Cliff said. “Everyone would have gone home hungry.”
The men laughed.
“We’re going home?”Georgina said.
“That’s right.”
“By plane?”
“Yep.”
“Can I keep my dress on?”she said, grasping the hem of her frilly pale pink dress.
Reagan shrugged. “Sure. Why not?”
“Can I get out of this suit?”Tommy whined. “I’ve been cute enough for one day.”
We all laughed.
“You can get in your jammies if you like.”
“Yes!”the boy shouted.
