“He’s certainly done that,” Marianne sighed.
She cast a joyful glance at her mother and daughter, both of whom looked stunning with their hair curled and styled. After a little bit of makeup, Marianne and her crew were ready to dress for the big moment.
The three of them dressed in their gowns. Zoe wore a princess-style white dress, complete with a little basket filled with rose petals for her to release during her walk. Elaine wore a simple pale blue gown that dangled just above her matching heels.
Marianne slid into a sleek white gown with spaghetti strap shoulders and an empire waist. It was simple and elegant, and when she stepped back into the room everyone stared at her with awe. Her mother’s eyes glistened, and Marianne reached for a tissue.
“Now, now. None of that,” Marianne said with a wobbly smile. “You’re going to get me going.”
“Okay,” Elaine sniffled, accepting the tissue and dabbing her eyes.
“Let’s go! I’m ready to party!” Zoe said.
They thanked their beauty squad, shaking their hands as each member told them how beautiful they looked, and then they headed down the hallway until they reached the back doors that would lead to the altar.
Logan the house manager stood at attention, ready to escort them.
“Ladies,” he said, nodding at them all.
“Thank you, Logan,” Marianne said as he opened the door for them to walk out.
Marianne could hear the sound of conversation as they approached the edge of the tent. Seeing the cue, the DJ started her wedding march, and the crowd grew silent as Marianne walked behind Zoe and next to her mother, the Lawson trio on their way to become four.
Marianne smiled at all their family and friends as they stood and beamed at the three of them; then, she looked up and her gaze landed on Jay’s.
His eyes were blue fire as he drank in the sight of her. He was handsome as ever in a tailored black suit, and as they approached the altar, Marianne gave him a wobbly smile, hoping she would be able to hold it together through the vows.
She was so happy, she could hardly breathe!
He took her hands in his, silently reassuring her. His strength flowed through her, and she gave his hand a squeeze as they turned and faced the justice of the peace. The music stopped, and everyone took their seats.
The ceremony itself was very short. Marianne and Jay looked deeply into each other’s eyes as they promised to love and cherish one another until the end of time, and Marianne still cried as she worked her way through her vows. Jay reached over and wiped a stray tear from her cheek, allowing his hand to cradle her face for just a moment longer before dropping his hand to his side.
The moment finally came where they slid a ring on each finger, sealing their vows. Finally, the justice of the peace turned to the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please help me in celebrating the newly wed Mr. and Mrs. Jay Parish!”
Everyone stood and erupted in cheers as Jay took Marianne into his arms and kissed her with all the tenderness and love she’d ever hoped for. When he ended the kiss, they locked hands and smiled at their loved ones as they led the way down the aisle and right over to the tent, where food and drink were already waiting.
“Now, here comes the best part,” Zoe said, pressing in between Marianne and Jay as she took both of their hands in hers.
“What’s that?” Jay asked, casting a grin at Marianne.
“The party!” Zoe said. “Also, now that you’re married, can I have a little sister? A brother would be okay, too.”
Marianne flushed and Jay laughed out loud as he patted her head. They made their way to the dance floor to kick off the dancing, and Jay spun Zoe in a circle.
“We’ll let you know,” he said, winking at Marianne, who could still feel the heat in her face.
“Great,” Zoe said.
She darted off to play with Panda, who had bounded into the reception area, leaving Jay and Marianne alone as the guests filtered in and lined the dance floor.
“Jay…” Marianne began, but she was cut off by the DJ.
“Our newlywed couple will now have their first dance. Let’s hear it for the Parish family!”
Cheers erupted as Jay took Marianne’s hand and led her to the dance floor, where he took her in his arms as a slow song began to play.
He leaned in close and whispered against her cheek. She loved it when he did that.
“What were you saying?” he asked.
“Just that I thought you might want to know that Zoe will be getting her wish,” she whispered back.
He tensed, still swaying to their dance as he pulled back to look into her eyes.
The hope there filled her heart with warmth.
“You mean…you’re…” he said, stammering with awe.
“Pregnant, yes,” she said, beaming up at him.
He leaned down and kissed her, then, passionately and fully. When he pulled back, his eyes were glistening.
“Marianne, I promise I will be the best father. I promise you that.”
Marianne held him close, relishing in the sensation of having him so near to her heart.
“You already are,” she said.
And together they danced the afternoon away, until the crickets sang and the sun set beneath the horizon, blessed with the promise of another few thousand days in their future, together as a blissful family.
The End
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