Carol looked up, blushing deeply. She had forgotten they were there. Rebecca stood, saving her mother from further embarrassment by attracting the room’s attention. “The reception will be held at the town hall. We look forward to seeing you all there!” Rebecca turned to them and winked. “We expect to see our guests of honor there.”
“Of course,” Daniel said, his arm around Carol’s waist. He looked down at her. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
She shook her head. “No. We should have done it years ago.”
He rolled his eyes. “That’s what I’ve been saying for years, Carol Scambray.”
“I’m keeping my last name,” she informed him.
“Is that so?”
She bristled. “I like it. Besides that’s how everybody knows me. I shouldn’t have to change my name just because—”
He held up his hand, stopping her tirade. “Carol, I don’t care what you call yourself, as long as you’re my wife.”
Carol smiled, instantly soothed. “Forever, Daniel Scambray. That’s how long you’re stuck with me.”
“I’m counting on it,” Daniel said before claiming her mouth again.
Epilogue
Los Angeles, California
1990
“I actually encouraged him to propose,” Daniel grumbled as he straightened his tie. “Can you believe that? She’s too young to get married.”
“She’s thirty-three,” Carol reminded him, carefully applying her lipstick. “And Paul is good for her.”
“I can’t believe she talked him into moving to Africa for a year. A year.” Daniel shook his head. “Is this straight?”
“You look perfect.” She smoothed the wrinkles out of his shirt. “Come on, Daniel, how could she pass up the opportunity to work in the hospital you built?”
“I suppose I should just be happy you’re not joining her,” he said, reaching for his shoes.
“Actually…”
He froze. “You’re kidding, right?”
She laughed. “Yes, I am. But you should have seen your face.”
“I’m too old for that, Carol. You’re going to give me a heart attack,” he grumbled, stepping into his shoes. He smoothed his hands over his iron gray hair and admired himself in the full-length mirror. “The old tux still fits pretty good, doesn’t it?”
Carol eyed him critically. “No. Daniel, it wouldn’t have killed you to rent a new one.”
“Nothing wrong with this.”
An usher tapped on their door. “They’re ready. The limos are waiting outside.”
Carol twirled in front of him. “Not too bad for the mother of the bride, right?”
“Not bad at all,” he agreed, reaching for her. “I have an idea. Why don’t we go on a second honeymoon?”
She laughed. “We’ve been on our second honeymoon, and we’ve been married for only two years.”
“I think we deserve a honeymoon every six months,” he said, leaning in to kiss her. “So? What do you say?”
“What do you have in mind?” Carol sighed, tilting her chin to meet his mouth.
“Let’s go down to San Diego and watch the whales.”
The usher knocked again. “They’re waiting.”
Carol winked. “We’ll talk about it after the ceremony. Now, you better get down there. Rebecca has been on the brink of a nervous breakdown all day. She didn’t even want me to leave to get dressed.” She smiled dryly. “I think seeing her dad will be the only thing that calms her down.”
He shook his head. “I can’t believe my baby is getting married.”
“It happens to the best of us. At least we get to be there for it,” she said, guiding him out the door.
Daniel found Rebecca in the back of the last limo in a long line of them. She was pale, shaking, and twitchy. Daniel bit his lip to keep from smiling.
“Do you mind if I ride with you?” he asked.
Rebecca looked up, a smile lighting up her face. “Where’s Mom?”
“She’s making sure the rest of the wedding party gets there in one piece,” he said, sitting beside her.
“I’m so scared,” she whispered once he closed the door.
“I know,” he said, taking her hand.
“I don’t know what to expect. I don’t know if I’m ready for this, Dad.”
“Remember when you started your first day of first grade? Remember when you learned how to ride your bike? Remember when I taught you how to drive? You never thought you were ready, right?”
Rebecca nodded.
“And what did I always tell you? Do you remember?”
“To expect an adventure and I’d never be disappointed.”
He winked. “Good girl. Besides, married life can be fun.”
“Really?” Her voice sounded lighter, like he had lifted a burden from her shoulders.
“Oh yes. Ask your mother.”
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“For what, Becky girl?”
“For always giving me money to buy food coloring.”
“It was my pleasure.”
The limousine rolled to a stop, and the door flew open before Daniel could touch it. Carol stood there, dark glasses over her eyes, a bright smile on her face. “Are we ready?”
“I’m ready,” Rebecca said softly.
Daniel helped his daughter out of the car. The three of them formed a tight circle on the church steps, silent emotions flowing between them.
“Hey,” the photographer shouted. “Smile.”
Daniel smiled as the flash popped and the three of them were locked together, and locked in time.
THE END
ABOUT PEPPER ESPINOZA
Pepper Espinoza lives in southern California with her husband and her cats. She has spent the last year working as a full time author, and intends to start graduate school in the fall.
For more information, visit pepperverse.net.
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