and a stark dip in the back. It had a lace band going around the waist and down the back. But the rest was a simple satin, it made her look elegant. I could just barely see her baby bump but only because I was looking for it. Her family wouldn’t notice, and that was probably for the best.
We took a limo to the church, very Charity style and the church was beautifully decorated in huge bouquets of baby pink roses. There was white fabric draped from each pew, and a long white carpet that ran down the aisle.
Mackenzie and I walked down the aisle together. Hand-in-hand. We supported each other, and as we arrived at the front of the church I even saw Leslie tear up. As I stood at the altar and saw the smile on my dad’s face when he saw Charity for the first time in her dress I knew that he had made the right decision. I realized that it probably been over a decade since I'd seen him that happy looking at my mother, and while that broke my heart I was glad to know that he had finally found someone that he was truly happy with. He loved Charity even though she was crazy and high strung. But we all have our faults, it's what makes us human.
The reception was amazing. There was a giant white tent out behind the church in the Rose Garden. Charity hardly had to decorate because all the beautiful natural flowers but of course she went over the top. All the tables were draped in white linen with beautiful light pink roses in the middle of each table. She only used roses, and many of them she had inserted dazzling gems into the centers of. It was like a magical forest. Each chair was draped in white linens as well with a light pink bow tied to each one. And they had a sweet heart table which was nice for Kenz and I so we wouldn't have to sit with them. There were about a hundred guests and everyone was milling around and drinking and listening to the live band as they played some slower tunes before dinner started. My dad had asked me to give a toast, he said it only had to be short and sweet but I wanted to make sure it was genuine. I held a small folded piece of paper in my hands and turned it over and over as I waited for the toasts began.
“What did you write about?”
“Whatever I could think of about Dad. I mean I don't really know much about Charity so I figured I’d just write about him.”
Mackenzie smiled, “That make sense. You probably know him better than most people.”
“You could say that. But I mean I haven't really been around him the past few years, I think he's changed.”
Mackenzie raised her eyebrows, “We all have. We've grown up these past three years. A lot is changed.”
I thought about it all, a lot had changed and not so much. The way I felt about Blake hadn't changed even though all day I had been thinking about letting go I still hold onto some hope. I heard the clicking of glasses behind me and saw Charity and my dad kissing at their table. There were servers starting to fill up the buffet trays and I knew that my moment would be soon.
“The toast to the bride and groom!” Charity’s father said as he raised his glass.
Leslie spoke next. It was a nice speech and short, highlighting some of their best memories together as sisters. I looked at Mackenzie, thinking that one day I would be giving the same speech for her. But as she twirled her hair and her finger I was glad I had at least another ten years before that happened.
It was my turn next. After the clapping subsided from Leslie's toast I stood up with my glass and my crumpled piece of paper that had all my feelings about my dad on it. I took a deep breath, “My dad is a wonderful man. He always taught us girls how a woman should be treated. With respect and kindness but the best thing about my dad is that he also thinks women should be treated with gifts.” There were a couple giggles from the crowd. “And Charity is lucky to have him and all the gifts that he will bring to her. But I know that right now my dad thinks that his
Frances and Richard Lockridge
David Sherman & Dan Cragg