Bad things often unfold when the rich encounter the rich. The intriguing question arises: what transpires when you grow up as best friends with the Kennedy family? Furthermore, what unfolds when the same girl becomes the savior of both Kennedy boys...
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Joanna dressed up and headed to Bobby and Ethel's wedding. Upon entering, she became emotional, genuinely happy for her best friend and relishing in the joy of the family. Despite the happiness, Joanna opted not to stay for the entire event. She participated in the ceremony and part of the reception, but she and James departed before the night concluded.
Joanna and James opted for a nice restaurant for dinner. James had grand plans, but Joanna was simply longing for some sleep.
"What can I get for you, handsome?" the waitress asked James, who shifted uncomfortably. "Uhh, I'll just have the lobster." He replied, keeping his gaze on Joanna throughout the encounter. The waitress noted down his order before turning to Joanna. "And you, miss?" she asked, giving Joanna a side eye. Joanna ordered a salad and a sandwich, prompting the waitress to walk away.
Sensing Joanna's discomfort, James excused himself, mentioning he needed to use the restroom. He left the table, giving Joanna a moment to herself.
James chose not to go to the restroom but instead headed to the front desk. He explained the situation, expressing discomfort with their current server and requested a switch. After the staff agreed, James shared his plans with them, gaining their willingness to participate in making the evening more enjoyable.
James returned to the table, and a new server promptly approached, ready to take care of them. The change aimed to ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable dining experience for Joanna.
After dinner, James began talking, initially sounding like he was rambling until he reached a heartfelt point. "Joanna, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. You make me the best version of myself. I'm glad we got to go to your friend's wedding, but I hope ours will be the next one we attend. So please, say yes and marry me."
Joanna stood there, mouth open, speechless, unsure of what to say or do. She couldn't find the words but nodded quickly in response to his heartfelt proposal.
After the initial shock wore off, Joanna finally managed to say yes. The entire restaurant staff, including their old waitress, witnessed the heartwarming engagement. They brought over a celebratory dessert and showered the couple with congratulations, adding a sweet touch to the memorable moment.
James asked for Joanna's parents blessing. James discreetly sought Joanna's parents' blessing during Bobby's wedding, and only the three of them were privy to this moment. Charlotte, overwhelmed with excitement, couldn't contain herself and immediately called someone to share the joy.
Overflowing with joy, she danced down the street to the car, with James laughing and smiling, equally thrilled though not quite dancing down the street.
The couple returned home and celebrated their engagement in style. The next day, they were set to meet Joanna's family at her childhood home.
James expertly parked the car along the parents' long driveway leading to the large white house. As soon as the car was in park, Joanna's parents rushed out, welcoming them with a warm and tight hug.
♤Johns pov♤ ○{April 1951}○
Joanna's wedding is approaching, and my mom insists that all of us kids attend. Strangely, she seems to favor James. I can't shake this feeling as I gaze out the car window, a pang in my heart intensifying at the sight of Joanna's wedding arch. I'm going to have to alter my mother's perception of James.
It's tough to be genuinely happy for Joanna amid the past together. The longing for the beach, our games, and those memorable, albeit risky, drinks lingers. While I am happy for her, finding a way to reconcile these feelings becomes a personal challenge.
James approached, extending his hand for a handshake. "Good afternoon, John." He greeted, our hands meeting in a firm shake. "And to you too." I replied as James released my hand. With a smile, I inquired, "How are you on your big day?" We strolled toward the drinks, engaged in friendly conversation.
"I'm amazing, I'm so excited for today." James replied with the biggest smile on his face. "I'm so happy for both of you; you're very lucky to have her for the rest of your life. She's good, isn't she?" I asked, nudging his shoulder. James, unsure of how to respond, let out an uncomfortable chuckle and excused himself to greet new arriving guests.
As the music commenced, the wedding party began their walk down the aisle, prompting everyone in the audience to stand. Joanna then appeared, breathtaking as she walked into view. Enthralled by her beauty, I couldn't help but wish I were at the altar, eagerly awaiting her.
Her dress, simple yet beautiful, adorned her flawlessly. The elegance of the attire complemented her brown hair, while the rose band around her head brought the entire look together seamlessly. James, in his black tux, exuded respectability, and the addition of a simple white rose unexpectedly infused the ensemble with more life.
The exchange of vows resonated in the air as James declared, "I, James, take you, Joanna, for my lawful wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."
In response, Joanna echoed with sincerity, "I, Joanna, take you, James, for my lawful husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."
The ceremony unfolded beautifully, yet I grappled with the bitterness of not being on the receiving end of the speeches. Hating myself for feeling this way on her special day, a conflicting desire arose, wanting it to be me instead. All I yearned for was to stand up and pull her into a kiss, to relive that unforgettable night by the water.
