Page 92 of The Wedding Toast
He didn’t know what it meant yet, but he was going to remember that moment for a long time.
Chapter Twenty-One
“How long do we have left?”Becca asked.
“Not long before we need to go downstairs,” said Callie.“Do you need anything?”
She laughed.“A fast forward button, if you have one.I just want to do this now.”
“We’re nearly there,” said Callie.“Your mom asked if you want to see everyone before they go out and take their seats.”
Becca shook her head slowly.“No, I don’t think I do.I’ve chatted with them all already.We’ve said what we need to say.There’s no point in them hanging around here.But wait, I’m talking about Danny and CJ and the rest of them.Is that who she means?”
Callie nodded.“Them.And I think there are a few other people down there.The only ones I thought you might like to see were Elena and Walt.”
“Oh.”Becca blew out a sigh.“I can hardly say that I want to see them and not my brothers and sister, can I?”
“I would if I were you,” said Callie.“But then I only have brothers, and they don’t care.”
Becca laughed.“I guess I’ll just leave it as a no for now and hope that since Walt and Elena are going to walk out there with my mom when it’s almost time, I’ll get to see them then.Are Russ and Ria here yet?”
“They are.They arrived a few minutes ago.I really like them.And I love that Ria is going so far out of her way to make sure that Elena and Walt feel included.”
That made Becca smile.“Well, if you can say that you really like Ria, then I don’t see how you can have a problem with any of the wine people.When I first met Jacob, Ria was pretty much the highest of the mighty around here.She made even the rest of the Napa bigwigs quake in their boots.”
“So I heard,” said Callie.“And I can kind of see it.It’s obvious the woman has a backbone of steel, but she’s a sweetheart, too.”
“She is.I’ve gotten to know her a little bit, and she’s lovely.All I’m saying is you should keep an open mind about the rest of them, too.”
“I am,” said Callie.“I’m doing much better than I expected to.I thought you were proud of me.”
“Oh, I am,” said Becca.“I’m not lecturing you.I just want you to feel comfortable.It’s all part of my evil scheme.You know, if you feel comfortable enough over here, you might move to be closer to me.”
Callie gave her a wry smile.“I know it’s your wedding day, and I’m supposed to make sure that you get whatever you want.But I’m not sure …”
“I’m only teasing.I’m just so glad you’re here.”Becca held her arms out, but Callie shook her head.
“I’d love to hug you, you know that.But I’m afraid that if I do, we’ll mess up both our dresses.”
Becca rolled her eyes.“You’re right.Although this is probably the first time in our lives that either of us have cared more about our clothes than a hug.”
“It is,” Callie agreed.“And no matter what else, before you get into …” She stopped so abruptly that Becca was a little concerned.
“Are you okay?”
Callie sputtered a little.“I am, sorry.I just choked on my breath or something.All I was going to say was that before you and Jacob drive away tonight, once we get you changed out of your dress, you have to promise that I get a hug before you leave, okay?”
“Promise,” said Becca.
They both turned when the door opened, and her mom came bustling in.
“Oh, well, now, just look at the two of you.”Her mom held her phone up and snapped a photo.
Becca laughed.“You must have thousands of photos already, Mom.And the wedding’s not even started yet.”
Her mom waved a hand at her.“And that’s as it should be.A daughter only gets married once.”She scowled at Becca.“At least, that had better be the case with my daughter.”
Becca rolled her eyes.“Honestly, Mom, you’re going to talk to me like that right now?When we’re only about fifteen minutes away from my wedding?”
