* * *

“I’d prefer to make a toast,” Dad says as soon as we’re sitting on the restaurant out on the nation membership.

The place itself offers off that outdated world southern attraction, with lovely gardens, and antebellum model buildings. There’s even an space that was constructed a number of years in the past for giant occasions, together with quinceañeras, bat and bar mitzvahs, and weddings. The rationale Dad needs to make a toast is we have been in a position to get the venue for the marriage when one other couple canceled. Not solely that, however when Mrs. Smith heard, she whipped out her checkbook and paid for it in full.

As soon as everybody’s glass is raised, he says, “Congratulations to Jared and Cassidy. This has been a very long time coming and we’re proud to welcome you each to our household, Maureen and Cassidy. I see good issues with this upcoming marriage, in addition to Jared’s new department of the agency, and am excited for you each. Might y’all be as richly blessed as your mom and I’ve been, and Maureen and Wayne have been, God relaxation his soul. I do know the marriage will probably be bittersweet since he isn’t right here, however I’d be honored to stroll you down the aisle, Cassidy.”

By now, all three girls are brazenly crying, their small sobs breaking my coronary heart. I flip Cassidy towards me and take my fabric serviette and gently wipe her face earlier than I kiss her. Attributable to our present location, it’s little greater than a lip contact, however I can inform she’s equal components completely satisfied and unhappy.

“Thanks, Dad,” I reply after we’ve all drank among the champagne he insisted on.

“Mr. Knox, I’d be… I’d be honored for those who would stroll me down,” Cassidy manages to say. “Thanks.”

Dad, who’s by no means been snug with tears, claps his palms and clears his throat earlier than he asks, “So, who needs to attempt the seafood particular?”

As we get pleasure from our bread and salads whereas we look ahead to our entrees, Mother and Mrs. Smith begin engaged on the invitation listing. Due to my place in the neighborhood, there’ll be lots of people who’re there that Cassidy might not know. Then once more, she works on the grocery retailer, so she probably comes into contact with just about everybody on the town.

“Who’s going to face up for you, Jared?” Mother asks.

I clear my throat then reply, “Dad.”

I watch as Dad will get choked up however actually, since I grew to become an grownup, he’s one among my finest associates. I certain as hell can’t ask Cade, and I don’t wish to begin a household feud by asking my youthful brother, Lachlan. I do know my finest male buddy, Augustus, received’t have the ability to get go away. He’s serving within the Marines and is on a deployment.

“What about Augustus?” he questions.

“He’s on a six-month deployment proper now,” I reply.

“Then I’m completely satisfied to do it.”

“I presume Mags will likely be your maid of honor?” Mrs. Smith asks Cassidy, who merely grins whereas nodding her head.

“She’s going to do the catering and in addition the cake for us,” Cassidy replies as soon as she’s swallowed what she was chewing when her mom requested her about her attendee.

“When are you going to search for a costume?” I question.

“Mags will likely be dwelling tomorrow, so we thought we’d go subsequent week once I’m off,” she says.

“Then I’ll make sure that I block off the time as a result of that’s when the furnishings is meant to reach.”

“Crap, I forgot about that,” she mutters.

“No worries, sweetheart, your costume is extra essential.”

Really, I can’t wait to see her out of the costume, however I’m not going to say that round our mother and father.

“Properly, I can come out to the home once we’re carried out and assist prepare issues,” Cass states. Her chin is jutting out, so I do know she’s making an attempt to be cussed, however what she doesn’t know is I like her hearth.

“That sounds good to me.”

“You two additionally must arrange a registry,” Mother provides.

“For what?” I ask. “Mrs. Smith ordered all of the stuff we want.”

“Oh, I don’t know, glassware, dishes, kitchen devices, linens, simply to call just a few issues,” Mother teases. “As a result of I do know Maureen obtained the furnishings and I additionally know what you used within the condo isn’t adequate for our lady.”

Mrs. Smith laughs whereas I scowl. “Mother, you make it sound like what I had earlier than I moved again dwelling was nothing greater than thrift retailer finds.”

She raises her forehead at me and retorts, “It was if reminiscence serves. As a result of I went with you, keep in mind?”

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