They ate and drank like kings and danced liked fools. The tuxedo jackets came off, the bow ties were removed, and the ladies kicked off their heels. It was a blast. After the years of agony surrounding their mother’s illness, Paul enjoyed a rare day without the many responsibilities that had weighed so heavily on him for such a long time. Evan and Owen took over during the DJ’s break and played a set that had everyone singing at the top of their lungs before Jenny and Alex once again took center stage for one last dance. They departed a few minutes later in a shower of rose petals and well wishes. All in all, a perfect day, and one that Paul intended to make even better when he got Hope home. He’d quit drinking hours ago so he could drive her home and so he’d have his wits about him as he made his case to her. This was the most important thing he’d ever do, and he was determined to do it right. She deserved nothing less than his very best, and that was what she’d always get from him, if only he could convince her to let him try to make her happy. Ethan had been thrilled to leave with the O’Gradys, and it was nice to see him smiling again. “What a day,”
