I laugh, but Ian quickly turns serious.
“I almost lost my shit,” he whispers.
“Afraid she wouldn’t show up?”
He shakes his head.“Afraid it wasn’t true.I still can’t believe that woman actually married me.”
“I don’t believe it either,” Ryan says.
“I believed it from the start,” Casey chimes in.
“That’s because you’re not like them,” Nick replies.
“Hey, family,” Riley says as she joins them at the table.She throws herself onto Ian’s back and wraps her arms around his neck.Leaning over his shoulder, she waits for him to turn around.“It seems our moment has come.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Our first dance.”
Ian immediately stands and wraps his arms around his wife’s waist.“I’m damn ready.”
She smiles, then turns to us.“I expect to see you all on the dance floor for the next one.You too, Jamie — don’t be a smart arse.”
It sounds like a threat.
The bride and groom move to the centre of the reception room, where there is enough space for them to dance.As the music starts, Ian immediately pulls Riley close, marking his territory and making it clear to everyone exactly where things stand.
The music wafts through the room as the guests look ecstatically at the bride and groom, waiting to join them on the dance floor.
“Come on, let’s go,” Nick says.He’s the first to get up, taking Casey by the hand and inviting her to join him.
“Are you staying with Jamie?”Casey asks.
“Sure.”
“Come on,Mr Muscle.Let’s show them how it’s done,” Chris says, getting Ryan to his feet and leading him towards the centre of the room.
I remain at the table alone, watching people rise from their seats to dance to the song.Leaning back in my chair, I take a few more sips of my drink and let my gaze wander to the other tables.I can see the Doctor and his son seated two tables away to my left.They are talking.Evan’s behaviour is like his mother’s: he moves around agitatedly, gesticulates and gradually warms up.Meanwhile, the Doctor remains calm, only hinting at a smile and shaking his head.His son’s temperament and mannerisms clearly amuse him.Then Evan gets up, looks around — perhaps for someone to dance with — and strolls away, leaving his father alone.Like me, the Doctor is the only person left at his table, but he doesn’t seem uncomfortable.He’s a discreet man who doesn’t immediately stand out in a crowd.You wouldn’t turn your head if he walked past you on the street; he doesn’t attract attention at first glance.Instead, one must take the time to observe, study, and truly understand him.He has his charms, especially today, dressed in a dark, perfectly fitting suit, with slightly messy hair and a beard that covers his jaw.He slides his fingers along the rim of the glass, tracing its outline, and then loses himself in the liquid inside it.After a moment, he lets out a sigh.
What do I see?Melancholy?Sadness?A longing to be anywhere but here?Or just loneliness?
Hell, Jamie.Why should you care how the Doctor looks, how he’s feeling, or what he’s thinking?
“Hey,” a hand slides slowly down my shoulder, forcing me to turn away from my close analysis of the Doctor for a moment.
“Back already?”I ask my sister.
“It’s our turn.”Riley grabs my hand and pulls me to my feet.“Ian is dancing with his mother, and well, you are…”
“I’m at your complete service.”
“I’ll stay with Jamie,” Chris says, appearing at the table.“Go on, it’s your moment.”
I guide my sister onto the dance floor.When we reach the centre, a few steps from Ian and his mother, I hold her close, and we start to move slowly.
Riley rests her head on my chest, and I sigh with relief, knowing she is safe and happy.I feel lucky to have witnessed it all.I can finally see her living life to the fullest.
“Thanks for everything, Riley,” I tell her, kissing her on the forehead.
