Crone looked down at Sienna, his heart swelling with love and pride. The simple white sheath dress followed her curves like water, trailing behind her in an elegant sweep. She’d woven wildflowers into her loose curls instead of wearing a veil, and the afternoon sun caught the tiny crystals scattered through her hair, making her sparkle like morning dew. But it was her eyes that took his breath away. They shone with such pure happiness that his chest ached.
“You are breathtaking, wife,” he whispered, still amazed that this remarkable woman was now his.
She gave him that smile that could outshine the sun. “And you, husband, look as debonair and fuckilicious as always.”
He couldn’t help but laugh at her saucy reply. “Hmm, if not for our friends having gone to so much trouble to arrange this very special day, I’d show you just how much, Mrs. Lange.”
Then he kissed her, pouring all his love and promises into that single moment.
“Eww!” George’s voice pierced the romantic moment. “Dat mushy stuff ’gain.”
“Course dey hafta!” Gloria scattered flower petals in wild arcs, mostly hitting the guests instead of the aisle. “’Cause dey love each other sooooo much.” She spun in a circle, her flower girl dress twirling. “And gonna be happy ever after.”
“But smoochin’ always?” George made a face, dropping his little ring pillow.
“You’re such a boy,” Gloria declared with all the wisdom of her three years. “Kisses are magic. Truuue luuuve. Like when Mommy kisses your owies better.”
Their walk down the aisle turned into joyful chaos as George and Gloria danced around them with streamers, singing at the top of their lungs: “Round ‘n round we go, tie dem up with love ‘n bows!” while Jagger tried to prevent what he called “a bridal tornado”.
In that moment of pure laughter and joy, Crone felt Sarah’s presence as a warm blessing.You can rest easy now, my first love. I've found happiness again. Different, but just as pure. Watch over us but be at peace.
The reception transformed the ranch’s back garden into a fairy tale wonderland, with twinkling lights that made Gloria gasp “Look! Real fairies!” and gossamer draping that George tried to catch. Crone’s heart swelled with love as Sienna’s eyes lit up with the same childlike wonder as the twins.
Derek and Jagger competed to tell the most entertaining stories about him, while Moira and Sadie tried, and failed, to keep them in check. But Crone didn’t mind. Every burst of laughter, every silly moment was perfect because it made Sienna happy.
“Congratulations. It’s not often one becomes new parents and newlyweds almost at the same time,” Nigel said.
“What he means is have a fabulous honeymoon while we get to love on Hope,” Hazel said as she rocked the baby in her arms, pausing only long enough for both Crone and Sienna to drop a kiss on their daughter’s forehead. They had wanted to take little Hope with them on their honeymoon but in the end caved under the combined pressure of their friends stating the importance of starting their marriage the right way. Besides, they couldn’t leave her in better hands than Nigel and Hazel’s.
“Whatshemeans is to take every advantage to practice your dancing under the stars while you can!” Jagger called out with a wink as they prepared to leave the reception sometime later.
George’s brow furrowed. “But dey done dancing.”
“Maybe dey wanna p’tice more,” Gloria said, spinning in her flower girl dress until she got dizzy. “Like Mommy ’n Daddy!”
“You’ve seen Mommy and Daddy dancing?” Moira asked, trying not to laugh.
“Uh-huh!” George nodded vigorously. “In de kitchen when we sneak down for snacks.” He leaned toward Derek. “Dey doan do it good.”
“Yes, dey bump de table,” Gloria added helpfully. “And pinch… why do you pinch Mommy, Daddy?”
“And she says ouch lots,” George added.
Jagger cleared his throat, fighting back laughter. “Well, maybe Crone and Sienna will be better dancers.”
“Yes,” Gloria said solemnly. “Dey gonna p‘tice.”
Crone took Sienna’s hand, both of them struggling not to laugh. “Time to go, kitten, before these two dance experts give away all our secrets.”
“Doan bump de table, Uncle C,” George added helpfully.
They walked hand in hand down the lantern-lit path, the sounds of the reception fading behind them. Laughter still bubbled up between them at the twins’ innocent commentary.
“Well, Mrs. Lange,” Crone pulled her close, “shall we go practice our dancing?”
“I don’t know,” Sienna’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “According to our experts, we might hurt ourselves. All that bumping and pinching…”
A chorus of small voices carried from behind them. “Wait! Wait!”
