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Rose Foley lay in bed and contemplated the ceiling. She'd been doing that most of the night. Her glance wandered over to the clock on her night stand - 5:00 a.m. She was positive it wasn't unusual for a prospective bride to have trouble sleeping on the night before her wedding. But unlike most brides to be, Rose's lack of sleep had nothing to do with her upcoming marriage to Jake Michaels. That wasn't the problem. She loved Jake and looked forward to a long, happy life with him. It was a certain member of his family she wasn't too sure about. As things stood now, if it were her choice alone, she and Jake would just head for Vegas and elope. Now there was an idea! No, wedding, no reception, no problems...
But then Rose thought about her father and knew she couldn't do something like that to him. Not after all the planning and work he'd put into this event. She loved Nick Foley too much to deny him the pleasure of giving her away. No, it wasn't her father who was the obstacle to a happy wedding, it was Jake's father.
That man had made everyone miserable right from the start. If he wasn't complaining about one thing, it was another: He didn't like the accommodations, the hotel was all wrong, nor was the rehearsal dinner restaurant what he considered to be up to his standards. For Pete's sake, Rose thought. They'd gone to Lawry's, one of the most popular and well-known places to eat in the city. He'd also made it known, as soon as he hit town, of his complete antipathy to the wedding plans. He wanted to know why they weren't using a church? Why the bride and groom were getting married on the grounds of her family's house? Geez, he'd made it sound like their backyard was the size of a postage stamp. The Bel Air estate was large enough to play golf in, let alone hold a wedding with 500 hundred guests.
But Rose was very well aware Jacob Michaels, Sr.'s dissatisfaction with all the plans had nothing at all to do with the wedding. It had to do with her and her family. He didn't approve of them and he most especially didn't approve of her.
Jacob's, (she could never think of her father- in-law as Jake) enmity had been evident from the first time Rose was introduced to him. She knew he disliked her, not for whom she was, but what she was: a person of mixed race. He didn't mind her Caucasian half, it was her Japanese ancestry he objected too. Jake had tried to shield Rose from finding out what his father was really like, but due to her past history, she was very sensitive to peoples prejudices. She picked up on his intolerance almost immediately.
Rose had been pleased to meet most of Jake's relatives during the Christmas holidays. She enjoyed his extended family and liked a number of his aunts and uncles, but had lots of trouble remembering who was whom among all his young cousins. She'd spent most of her time with Kay, Jake's sister and her husband, Robert McCall. Jake greatly admired and was very fond of his brother-in-law and Rose had formed a firm friendship with him. It hadn't taken long to realize they both felt like outsiders. But Rose found it hard to warm up to Kay. She knew Jake and his sister weren't on the best of terms and now, after meeting her, Rose could see why. Kay could be a lot like her father at times.
But her fiancee's father strongly disliked her, and Jake's mother, Cassandra, seemed to be a total nonentity. She followed the dictates of her husband and didn't have any thoughts of her own, except those espoused by Jacob. Growing up, Rose had to fight for everything she got. she'd learned early how to stand up for herself and for others. As a result, she wasn't very comfortable around women who never had their own opinions.
She had at least been prepared and knew what to expect from Jacob when he'd shown up for the wedding, but she'd neglected to warn Nick. She knew her father wouldn't tolerate such treatment of any of his kids. When her father finally met Jacob, he'd been courteous for her sake, though Rose could tell he immediately sensed the hostilities the man projected. Actually Nick behaved himself a lot better then Jake's father. Unfortunately, the problems that had simmered for a few days finally came to a head last night at the rehearsal dinner.
As Rose thought back on it, things had gone fairly well during the meal. Contrary to tradition, Robert, as best man, picked up the tab. Jacob had refused, telling everyone he really didn't want to be there in the first place. With the exception of the two fathers, the whole wedding party had a pretty good time. Nick, as father of the bride, was subjected to the senior Michael's bad manners. He'd probably just come to the end of his line. One could only push her father so far. He hadn't built up his own multi-million dollar company from nothing without some give and take and Nick had finally been given all he could take from Jacob Michaels, Sr.
Rose still knew very little about the argument between them. She only caught the last few remarks Jacob uttered before her father silenced him. She and her sisters had still been inside the restaurant, coming out only in time to see the last of the altercation. Rose heard Jacob call her something that sounded like "bastard", and then started belittling her Japanese ancestry. Even now Rose didn't want to think of the hurtful things he'd said.
The whole scene was still crystal clear in her mind. She still saw the tableau of the participants and their placement in the argument. Her Jake was standing with one of his groomsmen, who had a restraining hand on his arm. Robert stood beside her father and looked like he was about to fly at Jacob himself. Clapper was behind Nick and had grabbed his right shoulder in an effort to calm, which Nick shrugged off roughly. That gesture told her that her father's temper was totally out of control. If Clapper couldn't calm him down, nobody could.
She heard their shouting and Jacob's voice again. She saw Nick punch Jacob in the face and he went down. Her father immediately grabbed his adversary by the lapels, picked him up and shoved him against their limo. Rose knew Jake's father was no match for Nick. He had the build and movements of a prize fighter and she'd seen him use his skills before. Jake's father, on the other hand, was a heavy-set man whose body had gone to fat. He was much bigger than Nick, but that gave him no advantage.
By this time Robert stepped in, though a little slower than Rose would've expected from a government man. But it wasn't Robert or Clapper who finally stopped her father's actions, it was herself, with her cry of concern and the stricken look she gave Nick when he turned. He stopped just as he was about to hit Jacob again.
Then it was all over. Nick pulled away and moved over towards the brick wall of the parking lot. Clapper joined him, trying to talk to him. Jake converged on his father, while Robert came over towards her, suggesting they all go back inside for a few minutes until things cooled down.
Sighing, Rose gazed up and contemplated ceiling again.
"Rose, are you awake?"
She heard a discreet knock at the door and her father's voice.
"Come on in."
Nick entered and walked over to the bedside. Rose could barely make him out in the shadows, but she saw he was still dressed in the slacks and jacket he'd worn last night.
"Didn't you get any sleep, Nick?"
"After what happened at dinner, I had serious thinking to do." Nick looked contrite as he settled himself on the edge of the bed. "I'm totally ashamed of myself, Rose."
"I know. And I shouldn't have been so angry. I shouldn't have blamed you for trying to protect me." Rose looked at her father closely. "Besides, I think if you hadn't punched Jacob, you did, Robert would've done it. Coming you, it was more appropriate."
"Appropriate? You've just put an interesting spin on last night's scene."
"Well, one can't punch out one's father-in-law, Nick. It wouldn't be proper," Rose teased.
"Proper? I doubt Old Man Michaels would call what I did proper. Maybe that means I'm from young Jake."
"Well, I appreciate it now, Nick. Even if I didn't last night." Rose reached out and gave her father a fierce hug. "After I had a chance to think it over, I realized it needed to be done at the time. I'm sure my Jake would agree."
"Speaking of your Jake, he's waiting downstairs. That's the other reason I came up. He wants to talk to you, but he had a little trouble finding you, with everyone playing musical rooms." Nick chuckled. "I think I scared him a bit when he found he was pelting rocks at his prospective father-in-law's window."
"What?"
"Actually he thought it was your window. He forgot Robert and Kay were using my bedroom and that I was in yours."
"I couldn't very well let you sleep here in the guest room, Nick. This bed is too small for you and I figured I wouldn't be sleeping much anyway." Rose changed the subject. "What does Jake want to talk about?"
"Why don't you ask him yourself." Nick stood up and walked back to the door. "I'll tell him you'll be right down."
Rose nodded as Nick closed the door on his way out. She jumped out of bed and quickly struggled into her clothes.
What could Jake want at this lime of the morning? Rose pondered. Maybe after last night, he'd decided to back out of the wedding and the marriage altogether. No, she knew him better than that. But then again... No. There was no use speculating. The faster she finished dressing, the sooner she would know.
Rose came down the stairs quickly and found Jake and Nick talking quietly at the bottom. She noticed Nick hand Jake his keys as she came nearer.
"Hi, Baby," Jake greeted her as he gave her a quick kiss and hug.
"Jake, you're living dangerously again. Waking my dad up before his usual time isn't advisable," she teased him as she returned his kiss.
"He understands. I need to talk to you alone and he has very kindly loaned me his car. I had to hike up here from the hotel."
"Didn't anybody get any sleep last night?" Rose asked rhetorically. "Where are we going?"
"Out for just a short while. You and me, as if we had all the time in the world." Jake grabbed Rose's hand, gave Nick a quick salute and headed out the front door.
"Bye, Dad." Rose waved as she followed Jake out. Nick stood and listened to the car start up.
"He's nothing like his father, is he Guv?" Clapper came up behind Nick.
"No, he isn't. If he were, our Rose wouldn't have anything to do with him," Nick commented with certainty.
"No, she wouldn't." Clapper looked at his boss speculatively. "You're takin' all this better than I expected. Considerin' Rose'll be gone in a few hours, off to a new life with her husband."
"Yeah, she'll he gone. But if he makes her happy, that's all that matters." Nick sighed as he walked into the living room. He picked up the framed picture sitting on the television console.
Clapper followed and gazed down at the picture Nick held. It was a family portrait, taken during the holidays.
"But it doesn't make it any easier for you does it, Guv?"
"I can't hold her back. If there's one thing I've learned these past few years since becoming a parent, it's that sooner or later they're going to leave to start their own lives and families." Nick looked up and glanced at Clapper with a hard glint in his eye. "Besides, after having seen a person like Michaels, try and manipulate his son into doing what he thinks he should, and not what young Jake chooses to do with his life..." Nick stopped and looked at Clapper's totally amused expression. "What?"
"You're nothing like that man, Guv, if that's what you're thinkin'"
"You know me too well, Clapper."
"I've been with you a long time," Clapper chided him slightly. "You're ruthless if need be. But then, if you weren't, you wouldn't be where you are now. When our girls came, they changed you, for the better."
"Don't I know it."
"So don't go blamin' yourself for what 'appened last night. Rose doesn't any more, if she ever really did." Clapper laughed, remembering. "That man worked you brilliantly, you know."
"Yeah, Clapper, that's what really bugs me. I shoulda been able to read the situation better."
"You weren't expectin' somethin' from that quarter. He wasn't a business rival."
"I still should've been prepared."
The front door bell interrupted the rest of their conversation. "That'll be the caterers, I think," Clapper said, heading out towards the front hall, leaving Nick to stand alone in the living room, still staring at the portrait.
Jake maneuvered the car out the front gates and headed west down Sunset, towards the beach. As they drove, Rose noticed a number of trucks on their way to her house. She realized Jake hadn't said anything since they'd gotten into the car and his silence worried her.
The streets were empty this early on a Saturday morning and it took barely ten minutes to reach Pacific Coast Highway. A few more minutes and Jake pulled the car into an empty parking lot near Sorrento. He turned off the engine and looked over at Rose, still without saying anything.
"We're getting married this afternoon," Rose voiced her concern. "We are getting married aren't we, Jake?"
"Of course, Sweetheart." Jake reached out and took Rose's hand in his. "Nothing's changed."
"I thought when you... I mean after what happened... " Rose stammered, trying to carefully bring up last night's disaster.
"Rose, what happened between my father and yours was just that... between them. Not that my dad didn't deserve it," Jake admitted ruefully. "That's why I wanted to see you alone before the wedding. We need to discuss this. Come on, let's walk."
Jake pulled Rose from the car and they headed towards the sand.
"Your father told me how upset you were with him," Jake began.
"I was last night." Rose looked at Jake seriously. "But the more I thought about it, the more I realized he probably had cause to react like he did."
"I agree," Jake told her. "My dad was totally out of line. His comments were insulting. He made them specifically to provoke your father."
Jake turned toward the ocean. His voice, Rose noticed, took on a sad tone.
"You know, Rose, if your father hadn't hit him, I would have... or Robert. We both wanted to so badly we could taste it. But Nick stopped us from doing something we might've regretted. I only caught a part of my dad's comments, but what I heard sure made me want to belt him."
"But my father did instead."
They quietly settled down in the sand to watch the sunrise. It was soothing listening to the seagulls and the crashing waves. Rose felt Jake's hand in hers and felt at peace. It wasn't cold. The Santa Ana winds had blown in yesterday and left a warm glow over all of Los Angeles. Even this early in the morning, it was pleasant. The day would be beautiful for their wedding.
"Jake, can you tell me why your father acts like he does?"
Jake jumped up nervously and walked a few feet away. Rose watched him as he put his hands on his hips and looked out to sea. She enjoyed looking at her fiancee. He had a great looking body, strong and well-built. She'd found him intelligent when she'd first met him, but she'd known a number of guys who were handsome and smart. No, that wasn't what had made her fall in love with him. It was in his presence and in his eyes. When Jake looked at you it was always direct and honest.
"I've tried to figure out what makes father tick my whole life," Jake began. "When I was little I trusted everything he said. I worshiped him He could do no wrong in my eyes."
"What happened to change that?"
"I grew up," Jake said bitterly. "I saw the type of man he really was. Manipulative, bigoted, always believing his way was the only way. He's that way with everybody, even my mother."
Rose got up and walked over, putting her arms around Jake's waist from behind, hugging him tightly.
"I'm sorry, Sweetheart. I wish there were some way I could help you with this."
Jake turned and wrapped his arms around her. Pulling her close, he gently kissed her lips. At Rose's sigh of pleasure, he trailed more kisses down her cheek until he reached her neck. As he nuzzled her affectionately, Rose pulled his head back up to meet her lips in a more lasting and passionate kiss. They stood there together in a loving embrace, watching as the dawn slowly brightened the sky heralding a new day, a perfect day. Their wedding day.
Diane jumped Rose as she walked through the front door. "Where have you been? You're getting married in less than four hours."
"I know, and I'm ready." Rose smiled at her sister happily. She then became aware of all the commotion going on around her. There were people everywhere, trying to put the finishing touches on the wedding preparations.
Clapper appeared, as if from nowhere and spied her. "Rose, we were getting worried."
Before she could reply, Clapper was distracted by one of the caterers. "No, no, Man... you're putting that in the wrong place." He headed over to redirect the man as Diane and Rose exchanged an amused laugh and escaped upstairs to Rose's bedroom.
"You're finally back?" Marva intoned sarcastically. As Rose entered her room, Marva and Patty were waiting for her. "Where've you been?" Marva continued exasperatedly.
"Out joyriding with the groom," Patty told her sister knowingly.
Rose looked at Patty in surprise. "How did you know?"
"I saw you," Patty answered in a singsong voice. Seeing the questioning looks from her older sisters she continued in a more normal tone. "I was up early. I saw you take an early morning ride. What I don't understand is why you both were in Nick's car?" she ended curiously.
"Nick let us borrow it. We needed to talk."
"You're not calling off the wedding?" Diane looked horrified at the idea. She thought it had been so romantic that Rose and Jake had only met a few months ago and fallen "madly in love" as she put it.
"No, we just needed to clear up some problems that popped up recently," Rose commented significantly.
"You mean the 'argument' between Nick and Mr. Michaels at the restaurant," Marva supplied.
"Well, I for one am glad you're not calling it off. I really like Jake and since he's nothing like his father, I think you and he are going to have a wonderful life together. By the way, where's Mickey?" Diane looked around.
Patty giggled. "With one of Jake's cousins. I think his name is Jefferson... can you imagine naming your kid Jefferson? He didn't believe Mickey has snakes. He and his younger brother hiked over from the hotel and she's out there now, showing them her collection. I'll say this for Jake, he's got lots of good looking cousins," Patty ended dreamily.
"Yeah, they're fine if you're sixteen years old," Marva commented acidly. "Enough, guys. We need to start getting the bride ready." Diane gestured toward Rose.
"And her bridesmaids," Rose added with a happy smile.
"We certainly don't have a lot of time left." Marva looked at her watch meaningfully. "Let's get to it."
Mickey was secretly pleased to show off her snake menagerie, but certainly wasn't going to let Jeffers know she even cared. He was just a dumb boy and certainly beneath a girl's notice. She wanted to make it clear to him that she was doing him a very big favor. When he arrived at the house, his younger brother, Allie, was with him. She obviously wasn't thrilled to have this younger brother tagging along.
At her look of disdain, Jeffers quickly volunteered, "I didn't have any choice. He always follows me around and if I tell him to get lost, he cries and runs to my Mom and she tells me to stop being mean to my little brother."
At Mickey's skeptical look, he added, "Heck, you're lucky, Mickey. You don't have that problem, you're the youngest."
"What do you know?" Mickey asked him scornfully as she showed them the snakes. "Being the youngest isn't a picnic either. Everybody's always tellin' you what to do because you're the youngest. You never have any choices, everybody decides everything for you.
With Robert's help, Jake had just put the finishing touches on his uniform when his father walked into the room. They'd come over to the Foley house early so everyone could dress. His groomsmen were already downstairs, seating any early arrivals.
"Son, I'm asking you one more time to reconsider this marriage. If you didn't know the type of people you were getting involved with before, last night should've shown you."
Jake laughed sardonically at his father's comment. "Dad, it was your fault. You should never have said those things about Rose, and personally, if Nick hadn't hit you, I would have."
"Jake, I forbid you to marry this girl!"
"Excuse me, Dad, did I hear you right? You forbid me? In case you don't remember, I'm over the age of consent and I certainly don't need your approval, nor do I particularly want it."
"Why are being so stubborn? Is it just to spite me?"
"I wouldn't even make that effort, Dad. I told you before, I'll run my own life without any interference from you."
This was a very old argument between the two and it wasn't the first time Robert McCall had been an unwilling spectator in the controversy. He knew his father-in-law considered him partially responsible for what he regarded as "Jake's rebellion". What Jacob Michaels, Sr. had never fully realized about his son was that Jake had a mind of his own and a potent personality to match. In this aspect he was like his father, but McCall could not believe how different these two men used that strength. He was snapped out of his reverie by Jake, Sr.'s next caustic comment.
"Why didn't you marry June Foster? You were happily engaged to her."
"No. You were happily engaged to her, not me."
"What do you mean by that?"
"You and her father planned it all," Jake commented angrily.
"June is a nice girl," his father answered defensively.
"Oh, sure, Dad, if you like women with room temperature I.Q.'s, whose only thoughts center around how she looks and what she's going to wear."
"At least she would stay home where she belongs," Jacob said nastily.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"This person you're set on marrying," Jake intoned distastefully. "Wants to be a doctor."
"Her name is Rose and what's wrong with that? From what I've seen, she'll make a damn good doctor. She definitely has the brains to pull it off, if that's what she wants to do."
"That's no job for a woman. A woman should stay home and take care of her house and family."
"Get out of the Middle Ages, Dad. Rose has the right to a life. Maybe if you'd let Mom continue teaching, she wouldn't always be so unhappy."
"Your mother is very happy with her life," his father said defensively.
"She's miserable. And you made her that way. You gave her only as much freedom as you think she should have. Look at her, there's nothing left of her own personality."
"I can't believe you're saying these things to your own father." The older man looked like he was about to go into apoplexy. Then he tried another tact. "Well, I'm not going to stay here and listen to this."
"So don't stay, Dad. Go. I don't know why you came. You've done nothing but cause trouble since you got here anyway.
"Fine. If that's the way you feel about it, I'll go join your mother downstairs."
After he left, Robert heard his brother-in-law sigh. Clapping him on the back, he asked him, "You okay, my friend?"
"Yeah, thanks, Robert." Jake laughed a little shakily. "I'm fine." Jake laughed again, but this time McCall noticed the joy in it. "Besides, I'm getting married today to the prettiest, most intelligent girl around. Rose is great, isn't she?"
"Yes, she is. I like her a lot," Robert told him sincerely. "You've picked yourself a wonderful companion."
Rose looked at herself in the mirror. Diane had just placed the wedding veil on her head. The effect was stunning. She wasn't sure it was really Rose Foley looking back at her in the mirror. This vision in white lace couldn't be her.
Diane had designed the dress especially for her. Her sister's skills in that area had surfaced a few years ago. She'd always adored making clothes, even in the orphanage and when they'd all been adopted by Nick, he'd been more than willing to give his daughter anything she needed to pursue her interests.
Rose studied herself in the mirror again and was amazed at how wonderful the gown looked. She marveled at how talented Diane had become designing clothes.
"Diane, you did it again," Marva commented, impressed.
"Yes, Diane, it's so lovely," Rose said dreamily.
"And so is the bride," Nick remarked as he walked into the room with Patty. Nick came over take a closer look at his daughter. "Tres elegant."
Nick appeared very elegant himself in his mornin coat.
"You're so handsome, Nick," Mickey pipe in as she entered, as if voicing Rose's thoughts.
"Actually, we all look great." Marva laughed as she glanced around her.
Marva was right, Rose thought. Diane was also responsible for the gorgeous dresses each of her sisters wore.
Rose surveyed the vast yard and all its guests from her window. She watched with amusement as some of Jake's younger cousins chased each other around the pool. They were protected from falling by the fence her father had installed after Mickey's accident, but she had to laugh as Clapper still tried corral the youngsters and send them away.
She noticed the scattered uniforms in the crowd, Jake's groomsmen, all Army men except on lonely Naval Ensign. She'd asked Jake about him. He had explained Ensign Steve Kelly was someone he'd met a few years back on the football field. Steve had sacked him and they'd been fast friend ever since.
Nick was talking to the minister and then he headed back into the house. She knew it was almost time for the ceremony to begin.
She no longer felt nervous, only full pf expectation about what the future held for her and Jake. Then she saw him and felt a thrill of pleasure and anticipation as he came strolling out, looking so handsome in his dress uniform, complete with gloves, sash and saber. Next to him, Robert was dressed in tie and tails, looking handsome as well. She heard knock at the door.
"Come on in, Nick," Rose answered.
Her father walked in. "How'd you know it was me?"
"I saw you coming from my window." Rose smiled at her father. "I'm ready."
"I'm not sure I am, Sweetheart," Nick replied. With a sigh, he stepped over to her and stood face to face with his daughter. "I'm really going to miss you, Rose."
"I know. But I'm still going to be around. You won't get rid of me that easily." Rose sighed. "Besides, Jake told me this morning he expects to be shipping out soon."
"Does he know where he's going yet?"
"His commanding officer told him he was going to a place called Vietnam. I looked it up on the globe. It's a tiny nation in Southeast Asia. I can't go with him and I want to finish school... through the good graces of my father." Rose looked adoringly at Nick. "I'll just come back and stay for awhile if that same father doesn't mind."
"I think your old man can accommodate you for a little while," Nick answered teasingly. "Are you sure Jake won't mind?"
"No. I'm certainly not staying with his family."
"That's for sure. I wouldn't let you live in that man's home," Nick growled.
"We decided this would be best." Rose smiled at her father and then hugged him tightly. "I love you, Nick."
"I love you too, Sweetheart." Nick released Rose as Diane popped her head in.
"It's time. Let's go." Nick extended his arm and Rose rested her hand there. "Shall we?"
"By all means," Rose returned. "Let's get this show on the road."
Rose stood with her father at the top of the steps leading from the french doors. She watched as her sisters, one by one, walked down the aisle between the guests. The orchestra swelled and began the very familiar strains of "The Wedding March." Rose knew it was her turn to proceed. She walked slowly down the aisle, her hand proudly on her father's arm. Happily she saw Jake at the end of the long walkway. His smiling encouragement kept her going as she passed all the spectators, especially his father who glared at her bitterly with his one good eye. The other one was still swollen shut from last night's fight with Nick.
Rose and her father reached the end of the aisle and she took her place next to Jake. Nick kissed her, took her hand and passed it over to Jake, who grasped it with his. The minister opened his book and began the age old words.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here...
Rose remembered little of the ceremony, it seemed to pass as if in a dream. All she concentrated on was Jake's hand holding hers and the sound of his voice as he repeated the wedding vows. She heard herself repeating the same words and then it was all over as the minister said the final words that would join Jake and her forever.
"...I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Jake turned to her and gave her a long, loving kiss. The orchestra struck up the exiting march while she and Jake proceed down the aisle and through the arch of sabers. Ensign Kelly had the honor of giving the bride the traditional saber salute to the backside. The honor guard and groomsmen then broke ranks and, followed by the other members of the wedding party, headed towards the reception.
The reception was in full swing. Nick had arranged for his daughters favorite singing group, the Delites, to entertain. The first song they serenaded everyone with was appropriately, "Going to the Chapel."
Diane had requested the next song to be "He's So Fine." Rose had once told her that whenever she heard that song, she thought of Jake. Now Rose happily waved at her sister and twirled around the floor with Jake. As they danced, she started singing to "their" song.
He's so fine. Wish he were mine. That handsome boy over there, the one with the wave in his hair...
At the end of the song, Nick took over from Jake. Rose then waltzed with her father, reminding her of the first time he had done so during the debutante ball.
"Are you happy, Rose?" Nick asked as they glided around the room.
"Ecstatically so, Nick. Everything's been perfect."
"Yeah, except for maybe the incident last night."
"I told yot, I don't blame you anymore, so let's forget it."
"Just checking."
The waltz finished and Jake came up behind Nick to claim his bride. As the music stopped, a shrill scream resounded through the reception. The commotion seemed to be coming from the furthest tables. Nick and Jake both took off at a run to see what it could be. Rose followed more slowly, the wedding dress an encumbrance to running anywhere.
She reached the spot where her father and husband stood. "Husband!" she thought. She could get used to that.
A number of people were milling around, drawn by the scream. She noticed people were standing back from one certain table and she wondered why everyone had stopped, even her father. Then she spied the cause of the ruckus. A large snake - more to the point - a boa constrictor, was slowly wending its way over the food, drinks and decorations.
"Mickey?" Nick yelled.
"Yeah, Nick?" Nonplussed, Mickey came jogging up, followed by Jeffers and Allie. "What's up?"
Nick just pointed.
"You found her. Thanks, Nick. Allie there," Mickey jerked her thumb scornfully at the younger boy, "let her and a couple of the others loose."
At Nick's growing look of fury, Mickey hastily added, "Ah, we already found the others but she's been lost for over an hour now."
As Rose looked at the threesome, she noticed they were all filthy, as if they'd been crawl- ing around in the mud. They probably had been if they were hunting lost snakes.
Mickey pointed at the reptile and the two boys obediently picked the large creature up and headed back towards the stables.
"Sorry, Rose," Mickey said contritely as she hastily followed after the boys.
Rose looked at her father, then her husband. The three started laughing. Soon the on looking crowd joined in. They all headed back to enjoy the rest of the reception.
Robert's toast to the bride and groom was touching and sweet. "To Jake and Rose, may you have a long and happy life together. Many children to fill your home with joy and happiness and may your love be strong to sustain you...
And Diane caught the bouquet, much to her delight and Nick's chagrin. "Diane, Sweetheart, I think one wedding a millennium's all I can take."
The cake was cut and then...
Rose found herself outside standing next to Jake's rental car. The best man and groomsmen had done them proud, the decorations on the car were unbelievable and the "Just Married" sign done by Mickey and Jeffers was huge. It was time to go.
Hugs and tears were exchanged with her sisters, Clapper and especially with her dad.
"I love you, Nick."
"Me too, Sweetheart." Nick gave her another hug and helped her into the car. She watched as Jake gave Robert a big bear hug and kissed his sister. His father was nowhere to be seen. Jake came over to Nick and put out his hand. Nick took it for just a second, and pulled him in for a hug. Rose heard her father tell Jake, "Take care of her."
"Always, Sir."
Jake got into the car, started the engine and slowly pulled away as the rice started to fly. Rose turned and waved one more time before the car passed out of the gates.