Until Dark - Mariah Stewart [68]
“Gran?” Adam offered his arm. “I think they’re almost ready.”
“Well, then, Kendra, if you’d hold the door open for me, and Adam, if you’ll let me lean a bit, I think we can navigate the back steps . . . yes, that’s just fine. . . .”
When all had gathered in the garden and taken their seats on the folding chairs set up for the purpose, someone played a taped version of the traditional wedding march as Clare Tilton, in pale yellow chiffon, joined Frank Stark at the rose-covered arbor where they exchanged vows in a brief ceremony. The couple turned to greet their guests and were showered with yellow rose petals, which seemed to signal the end of the solemnity of the day.
Almost immediately, a band set up in one corner of the yard, a bar in another, and the party began.
By the end of the evening, Kendra’s head was spinning. She’d met most of the residents of Hopewell, held most of the babies under two, and fielded incessant questions about her and Adam’s nuptial plans. She wanted to strangle him.
Once she’d acknowledged that she had no family, Kendra found herself at the mercy of Adam’s aunt Jackie, Frank’s sister, who insisted on helping to plan the “wedding,” “Since your mother—God rest her soul, I’m sure—isn’t here to help.” Within minutes, Jackie was searching her handbag for a small notebook, writing up the guest list and offering suggestions for the reception to a startled Kendra.
Adam’s brother-in-law was passing out plastic flutes of champagne for a toast right about the same time that Jackie began hinting that Jessica, her three-year-old granddaughter, would make the most adorable flower girl.
“I think everyone is gathering to toast the newlyweds,” Kendra noted, infinitely grateful for the opportunity to escape Aunt Jackie and her lists.
“We’ll chat later.” Jackie patted Kendra’s back. “You’ll need to know which halls have the best caterers. . . . I’m assuming of course that the wedding will be here, since you said you have no family.”
“Everyone, quiet,” Kelly announced unceremoniously, “Adam is going to make a toast.”
“Friends, family,” Adam began, meeting his father’s eyes. His grandmother’s words played over inside his head, and he knew that she was right. Whatever brought his father happiness should be accepted for what it was, without judgment. He couldn’t change the events of the past few years, couldn’t bring his mother back, couldn’t stop his father from falling in love with another woman, regardless of when that happened. And he, Adam, didn’t have to love Clare. But he did have to respect the fact that his father did.
“We’re here to celebrate a happy occasion,” Adam said solemnly. “After all these years of chasing her, Dad finally caught up with Clare. We suspect she may have had to slow down a bit for him . . .”
Chuckles from the crowd.
“. . . but we’re glad that she did. Dad, we’re happy that you found someone to share your life with. Clare, welcome to the family.” Adam raised his glass, as did all gathered in the room. “Long life, love, and much joy.”
“Here, here . . .”
“Thank you, son,” Frank Stark said softly as the well-wishers sipped at their champagne. “I appreciate what you said . . . for Clare especially. It means a lot to me . . . and I know it means a lot to her.”
“She’s a fine lady and a welcome addition to the family.” Adam looked beyond his father to his grandmother. “Life is short. You’ve been alone long enough. Spend the rest of your life with someone who loves you. God knows you’re entitled. We all are.”
“Thank you, son,” Frank repeated as his brother, Ed, stepped forward to make another toast.
Ed’s toast was followed by one from a neighbor, then others from Frank’s cousin, Clare’s brother, and the parish priest. Before long, many of the adults were giddy with champagne and emotion and most of the small children were cranky. Kendra wandered into the house and busied herself looking at the photos that covered all but one wall in the living room. She stepped closer, her eyes going from frame to frame, following Adam’s football career