“Do you wish I was bigger?” she teased.
I hugged her so she could feel my arousal.
“Do you wish I was bigger?” I asked back.
“No, you’re just right,” she said as she went up on her tiptoes so she could kiss me.
I guess she wasn’t that worried about her makeup.
◊◊◊
Sandy and I were seated in the front row on Devin’s side. Lacy and Pam were across the aisle for Cora. They would be saying their vows in front of a 250-year-old weeping willow tree, under a fallen-oak-tree arch entwined with grapevines. The backdrop was the vineyard and the mountains. Everything was perfect.
Devin and his friends looked good in their suits. He looked over to his sister, who was all smiles. I personally didn’t know if I should be happy or sad for him. I knew in my gut that Cora would hurt him at some point, but he was blinded by love.
The music started to signal the procession to the altar. The bridesmaids were in ugly puffy teal dresses made of some cheap, shiny material. It was just like Cora to pick out something that would make her look better. Once they were in front, the music changed, and Cora and Cal came down the aisle. I shudder to imagine how much that dress had cost Cal. I expect she thought she was a princess. The gown was all lace and pearls and had a long train. It came complete with the dressmaker to trail behind to make sure the train was perfectly arranged for all the guests to see.
I held my breath when the preacher asked if anyone objected to them getting married. With that bit of potential drama behind us, the rest of the ceremony went off without a hitch.
Afterward, the dinner and party were exceptional. Cora and Lacy hadn’t spared any expense. Everyone was given a bottle of wine from the vineyard; they’d had labels custom made to commemorate the event. When it began to get dark, twinkling lights that hung in long strands from the trees were turned on. It gave the whole place a magical feel. When Cora and Devin stepped onto the dance floor for the first dance, it was a special moment.
Only one incident marred the evening: Caryn’s date was found with one of the bridesmaids. They had the grace to leave. I promised Caryn I would make sure she had a ride home. She didn’t seem too upset that he’d left and appeared to have a good time anyway.
I, of course, danced every chance I could get. I was surprised when Cora grabbed me for a slow song towards the end of the night.
“My sister cares for you,” she said.
“The feeling’s mutual; I care for her, too.”
“You’ll be a wonderful father. I can’t wait to be an aunt.”
That was something I hadn’t considered. I sure hoped that didn’t make Cora my sister-in-law. If it did, what did that make Devin? Was Sandy now an aunt also? Surely not. I’d better ask my mom later. No, make that my dad; I didn’t need Mom making fun of me.
“It was a perfect wedding,” I said to change the subject. “Congratulations to you both.”
“Remember when you told me not to go after him unless I was serious?”
Who could forget that?
“Yes.”
“He really is a great guy,” Cora said.
“Yes, he is.”
“Mind telling me what happened at the bachelor party?” she asked.
“Tell me what happened at your party first,” I said.
She thought about it for a moment and then smiled.
“I guess it’s best to just let that one go.”
You had to love her penchant for trouble.
“Are you still worried I might hurt him?” she asked.
“Of course I am. Devin’s leading with his heart while you have your eyes wide open. He’d do anything for you. Please don’t abuse his trust in you,” I said.
“I really do love him.”
Hard to say who she was trying to convince. I guess time would tell. Thankfully, the song stopped.
When it got close to midnight, Sandy wanted to go for a walk. We were both deep in thought. I think the New Year does that to you. You get a chance to reset the course of your life. I had a lot to look forward to. By this time next year, I would have a much better idea of what direction my life was going. Heck, I might even be in a serious relationship. Then again, I might embrace my new Hollywood lifestyle and never get serious about another woman. Pam was living proof that you didn’t have to marry them to have a baby. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I could do that again. The good news was that Pam and I were friends, even after her dad had pulled his stunts.
One thing was clear: I would learn more about my life very soon when my movie came out next week.
I saw fireworks go off and checked my watch. It was midnight. Sandy smiled at me, and we kissed.
◊◊◊
Chapter 27 – Three, Two, One … Launch Friday January 1
In the morning, Dad surprised me. He held up two tickets.
“Merry Christmas.”
