“Emily, you look incredible!” She grinned; her hands motioned to my outfit. “So do you, Dani!” I looked down at my black, stretch linen dress with a thin belt latched around the middle; the dress hugged every curve and stopped a couple inches from my knees. My favorite part of the dress though, was the top; it curved up to cover my chest but left a slit in the middle that showed a tasteful amount of cleavage. A black binder held back my hair into a low ponytail with a silver necklace, that added a touch of elegance.
“I could never compare to you!”
“Dani, this is amazing—really, this is everything I dreamed it could be. The arch, the flowers, the tulle, I mean— you made it all happen!”
“I just took what you gave me and created it for you—this was all from your mind.” The light radiating off her grew, as she took in the sight surrounding us.
“I could never thank you enough. By the way, tell your Grandparents we’re bummed they couldn’t make it, but I hope they’re feeling better.”
“Of course I will! I think my Grandpa just has a common cold, but my Gram springs into action when it comes to taking care of him.” Actually, I was quite relieved that the two of them weren’t here tonight. Not only so I could prove that I could handle this without her, but I knew she would be extra watchful of Corey and me.
Emily smiled. “I hope in 50 years I’m still the devoted wife that would rather take care of my husband with a cold, than do anything else.”
“I’m sure you will be. So, no more cold feet?” She smiled wide and shook her head.
“Not even a little; I am so happy I am finally married to my Benny.”
“And just think—you have a lifetime to be this happy!” Emily threw her tiny arms around my shoulders and gave a tight squeeze.
“Thank you so much. Not just for tonight but for the other day when I just really needed someone to talk to.” I smiled.
“I’m happy I could be of service and I’m always here for you!”
“I know you are—you’re a genuinely good person—I can see that. Please tell me things between you and your hunky bartender are better!” My eyes shot over to Corey—he was watching me—while his hands readied the next drink. He gave me a smirk and a wink, making my heart flutter.
By now it was just easier to let her believe Corey and I were a blissful couple, so I was no longer opposed to public affection. Besides, she was no fool. Emily saw the way we looked at each other, especially on nights such as this. If I was completely honest with myself—I liked it. Maybe we weren’t together because of issues that I really need to get over, but I enjoyed this.
“We’re much better.”
“Good, I can tell he makes you happy—the way Benny does for me.”
“He does.” My eyes lingered back over to Corey and decided I needed to get over the fact that they were busy and steal a minute of his time, anyways.
“Go see him, Dani. I’ve been watching you stare at him all night. You know I don’t care if you show affection at my wedding—the two of you have been with us from the start of this blessed event. I know you’re a professional but c’mon this is a wedding—what better time to show your love for someone than here? When we get back from our honeymoon, I would love to get together and maybe do a double date with you and Corey. I think that would be so much fun!” I looked to her gleaming eyes and smiled.
“I just might. I’ll come and get you before announcing the first dance to make sure the two of you are ready. A double date would be a lot of fun too.”
“Sounds like a plan.” We parted and she went off into another family member’s arms to accept their wishes and praise. I paid no attention to the others around me; there was only one place I wanted to be.
Corey looked up when I was only about 40 feet away; when he noticed I was in fact going over to him, he whispered something into Sanders’s ear before walking to meet me. Before I reached him, his face split into the same goofy grin that was plastered on mine. His hands reached out,