“So, did you invite Bella to the wedding?” I asked.
Everyone but Lou lost it. Lou’s face turned red, and he nodded. I found myself getting a bear hug from Cliff.
“Now I know why you like him, Devin. Good one, David,” Cliff said.
We returned to where the wedding was going to be held so Devin and his crew could welcome the guests. Devin had combined this with his annual corporate ‘thank you’ party, so he needed to press the flesh with his employees.
I found Sandy with Halle, Tracy, and Pam. They all looked spectacular. Rita had arranged for them to get their makeup and hair done. They all looked like they were ready for a red-carpet event. Sandy had on a frilly, layered white dress that moved in the light breeze. Halle had on a silver dress made with sequins that reminded me of a 1920s flapper dress. Pam was in a blue gown that hid her condition, and Tracy had on a stunning red dress that showed off her considerable assets.
They all turned and saw me at the same time. I was wearing a Dakora formal-wear suit. It was in keeping with their sense of style and targeted for a younger market, which meant it was fitted. I admit it, I loved how it looked on me. My girls were giving me appraising looks, and from their smiles, I could see they approved. I wasn’t allowed to kiss them because it might mess up their makeup, but I did hug them all and tell each one how beautiful she looked.
I then found Rita, Lacy, and my mom. They all looked great. Rita was a classic beauty, while Lacy was the California girl, complete with augmented boobs. My mom more than held her own. My poor dad was the designated man of that group. I was sure he would suffer through, somehow.
I was happy to see Caryn. She’d brought a man who appeared to be older than she was. He was a sales rep with a pharmaceutical company and very sure of himself. He and I probably shouldn’t be left alone, or I’d react badly to his self-aggrandizing comments.
I wasn’t happy when Cora’s friends started to show up. If I hadn’t been with Sandy, it could have gotten out of hand. Even with her there, I was groped a couple of times, just in case I missed the open invitations. If Zak had been here, he’d have been off in a private corner more than once with this group.
The conversation suddenly subsided, and I looked to see what had caused it. Bella had made her entrance, and all eyes were on her. She looked like she was getting nervous from the attention.
“I need to help her,” I told Sandy and pushed through the crowd.
“Bella! Welcome,” I said, kissing both her cheeks.
She smiled. I kept our eye contact because her dress was made to show off her huge breasts and large round butt. She wasn’t a heavy girl, but she had extra padding where women wanted it. Lou rushed up and thanked me. It was obvious to everyone that they belonged together, so the conversation picked back up.
I walked back to Sandy, who gave me a pout.
“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.
‘Happy Frickin’ New Year,’ I thought.
◊◊◊
Chapter 27 – Three, Two, One … Launch Friday January 1
In the morning, Dad surprised me. He held up two tickets.