Page 95 of The Wedding Toast
“Love you too.And I can’t wait till we’re doing this again – when you’re the bride.”
“If that day ever comes.But never mind me – today’s your day.I’ll go and shout down to your mom.”
When Becca reached the top of the stairs, the sight of her mom, Walt and Elena, and Russ and Ria all standing there smiling up at her sent a rush of happiness through her.It was amazing to think that not much more than a year ago she hadn’t even met the others.Now, Elena and Walt felt like family.And although she didn’t know Russ and Ria as well, she knew how much Ria loved Jacob.It was like having his mom there in a way – a woman she didn’t really know, but wanted to, and cared about, because she was important to him.
Her mom beamed up at her and waved her hand in front of her face as if she could waft away the emotion.
Ria clasped her hands together and brought them to her chest, wearing a big smile.“We won’t keep you, darling, you’re absolutely beautiful.Thank you for letting us share this moment – and thank you most of all for making Jacob so happy.We’ll see you out there.”She gave a little wave, and Becca waved back.
Russ met her gaze and nodded.“Congratulations, sweetheart.You and Jacob are going to be very happy together.”He stepped back and turned to follow Ria to the door, where they waited.
Walt stepped forward and cleared his throat.Becca almost felt bad for him; he’d told her before that he didn’t enjoy being around lots of people.She got that.He reminded her of her dad in a lot of ways.
“Thanks for including us, Prairie Girl.It means more than you know.I’ve seen some big shindigs here in my time, but I’ve never seen a girl look so beautiful.”He winked at her and nodded.“You’ve brought new life to this place and I’m proud to be a part of it.”He dropped his head and then looked back up at her.“I never had a daughter, but if I had, I hope she’d have been something like you.”
“Aww, Walt.I love you!”
He shot her a huge smile.“Love you, too, Prairie Girl, but I’d better not hold you up any longer, huh?”With that, he stepped back.
Elena dabbed at her eyes.Her voice cracked as she said, “Hermosa.So beautiful, Becca.But you’re beautiful on the inside also.I was so happy to welcome you into the family when you and Jacob first met.Now, I’m grateful that you include me in your family.I love you, mija.”
Becca had to take a big, steadying breath before she could manage to say, “I love you, Elena.”
Elena nodded, dabbing at her eyes again.Walt reached for her arm, and they both waved at her before following Russ and Ria outside.
Becca turned to Callie.“Oh, my goodness – I’ve been worrying about crying when I see Jacob and not being able to say the vows.At this rate, I’m going to be an emotional wreck before I even get to him.”
Callie gave her arm a squeeze.“You’re going to be fine.You’ve got this.”She chuckled.“Although your dad’s probably going to break when he sees you – and then we’ll all be in floods of tears.But you have the walk down the aisle with him to recover a bit before you get to Jacob.”
Her mom smiled up at them.“I’m going to tell him you’re ready now, love.And then while Becs has a minute with him, can you come and hang out with little Ava, Callie?Hannah says she’s okay, but I can tell she’s getting a bit antsy.”
“Of course,” said Callie.
“Aww, I’ll have a word with her too before we go out there,” said Becca.
“Right.Are you ready, Becs?Have you got your phone out to get photos of his reaction, Callie?”
They smiled at each other and both called, “We’re ready.”
When her mom disappeared from the hallway, Becca spotted the official photographer lurking.He was good.He’d promised that he’d be as unobtrusive as possible.Jacob had been clear that they were more interested in getting candid photos than being bossed and herded into formal groups or poses.Of course, her mom had negotiated Jacob into at least a few group and family shots.
Becca had been thrilled when Hannah suggested that she should steal them away after dinner for a mini golden-hour photo shoot.Apparently golden hour was the name for the time when the light made everywhere look like a romantic old movie.Hannah was the best photographer they knew; she used to work with models and movie stars in LA.Of course, they hadn’t wanted her to work at their wedding, but Becca knew she’d treasure Hannah’s photos of today the most.
She came back to the moment when her mom called, “Ready, Becs?Here he comes.”
Her dad stepped into the hallway – his heels tapping on the black-and-white checkered tiles.She couldn’t even think of the last time she’d seen him wear anything but boots.It was strange looking down on him, his broad shoulders and thick hair so familiar, even while the suit he was wearing looked so alien – very smart.He looked dashing but not like himself.
When he finally lifted his gaze and met hers, his eyes filled with tears.
“Aww, Becca love!”
“Dad!”The word came out as almost a sob.
“You look like a fairy-tale princess.”
She picked up the skirt of her dress and hurried down the stairs, flinging her arms around him when she reached him.
“I love you, Dad.”
