“She’s so excited.”

“I bet. Me too.” Joy extended her arm to the usher. “Here we go.”

In the front row across the aisle sat Michael’s mother, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. As Joy passed her, she reached out and squeezed her shoulder.

As Joy settled into her seat, a pang of longing swept over her. I wish Ben were here to see how happy his son is, Joy thought as she sat down. When she adjusted in her seat, she looked up to catch sight of Michael, his expression radiant with pride, love, and unbridled happiness.

As it should be.

She turned around in her chair and spied her friends from Rome seated in the back. Millie and Edith waved.

Tempted to wave back, Joy stopped herself. Annette stood at the entrance, organizing the bridesmaids.

One by one, they filed out to the “Canon in D” music played by the string quartet in the front. Their love and loyalty to Jaime had helped get her through the debacle that was Carl.

Once the bridesmaids were all situated in the front by the arch, the string quartet played their rendition of the wedding march, and everyone stood.

Jaime, leaning on her father’s arm, presented a striking image. Even through the veil, Joy couldn’t miss the radiant glow of Jaime’s smile. Tony embodied the role of the proud father flawlessly. Unlike the chaos of the previous wedding, he appeared notably at ease and engaged. Joy couldn’t help but wonder if past events lingered in his mind. Hopefully this time he didn’t have plans to destroy their lives by abandoning them for a younger woman.

Joy pursed her lips at that thought, then quickly returned her focus and attention to the present. Don’t go back there. Stay in the present. She wanted to be fully engaged for Jaime and Michael.

As the bride and her father approached, Jaime’s eyes connected with Michael’s. His face beaming through tears revealed complete gratitude and jubilation. He had done it. He had won Jaime’s heart and trust in Rome, and now she would soon be his wife.

Remembering their time in Rome brought tears to Joy’s eyes.

Bittersweet tears, nonetheless.

Michael stepped forward and stood next to Jaime.

“Who brings this woman to be wedded to this man?” the pastor asked.

“Her mother and I do.” Tony gently placed Jaime’s hand in Michael’s. “Are you sure about this?” he asked Michael.

Michael chuckled along with everyone else. “Absolutely.”

Tony pecked Jaime’s cheek. “I love you, sweetheart. Be happy,” he whispered, then sat next to Joy.

“That was cute,” she whispered to him.

“Thanks. Trying to keep things light,” he replied.

And as the couple faced each other to exchange their vows, Joy couldn’t help but reflect on her vows she had exchanged with Tony decades earlier.

Vows that meant the world to her but nothing to him. She sighed. Oh, Lord, I hope these two cherish every moment of this day when they look back on it over thirty years from now.

The pastor prayed for them. “May they be found then as they are now—holding hands, gazing lovingly into one another’s eyes, working toward a bright future. Amen.”

Would they? Joy could only hope and pray. All she could do was control her own life decisions.

New decisions for a new life.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the pastor announced, “I’m honored to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Corlono.”

Joy hopped to her feet, applauding along with all the guests. With a heart full of hope, she turned and watched her daughter and new son-in-law make their way toward the reception hall.

“Well, they did it.” Tony stood behind her and held her shoulders.

Joy covered her eyes and wept.

“You all right?” he asked.

“Yes.” Sniffling, she reached into her purse for a tissue. “I’m just picturing her as a little girl playing with her dolls in her room.”

“Where does the time go, huh?” Tony sighed.

Joy turned to him for a hug, but Tony had moved away to speak to someone else.

It was just as well.

“It was a perfect ceremony.” Millie gripped Joy’s hands in hers.

“It was just what Jaime wanted.” Joy dabbed her eyes with a tissue.

“A beautiful ceremony for a beautiful couple.” Edith smiled warmly.

Annette waved all the guests toward the reception hall.

“Time to find our seats at the table.” Edith guided Millie along.

“She looks so nervous, that wedding planner.” Millie shook her head and approached her. “How are you doing, honey?”

Annette fidgeted with her hands. “Me? Oh, I feel like a hamster on crack trapped in a nylon stocking tied tight.” She walked off.

Edith and Millie stood silent with eyes wide open.

“Well, there you go.” Edith curled her lip.

“That’s quite a mental picture she paints, isn’t it?” Millie blinked slowly.

“I’ll definitely have to use that in my next book.” Edith clicked her tongue.

“Come on, you two, let’s get you seated and fed.” Joy took their arms and turned them toward the reception hall, where the guests found their tables and headed toward the open bar.

“Wow, Jaime and her friends did a wonderful job decorating this space. I love the color scheme and flowers . . . just gorgeous.” Millie set her purse down and motioned to Walter. “I see the guys found the open bar already.” She shook her head and chuckled.

“Yep. Oh, well. Martin had better be ready to dance, that’s all I’ve got to say.” Edith scooted out her chair.

Joy stood behind her chair and watched Jaime and Michael walk from table to table greeting friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Their life together is just beginning. Her heart was full and anxious for the next chapter of her life to begin.