The Dance

*29*

The tables were opposites of each other in garish shades of purple on  teal, or teal on purple. The entire table setting looked like it came from the clearance aisle of a dollar store, with plastic tableware and paper tablecloths and napkins, tall disposable plastic tumblers that were white on the inside, and a centerpiece made up of a cheap vase with feathers, plastic flowers, and beads that looked like they belonged on a Mardi Gras float.

'Ummm,' She continued.

'Psych!' Prince exclaimed, laughing. 'I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. It was worth it to see you try to process this awfulness. Let's go see the real one.'

'Wait! I need to send this to Randee and the girls. They'll love it!' Emma pulled out her camera, took some pictures, including a selfie with the tables in the background and a shocked expression on her face, and quickly sent text messages out. Then she put her phone away, took Prince's hand, and said, 'Ready! Lead on!'

The dining room was exquisite. There was a massive table luxuriously decorated with orchid centerpieces in varying shades of white and fuschia. The table was set for 20 using classic china dinnerwarewith wide bands of either purple or teal rimmed in gold. A stark white heavily embroidered lace tablecloth, oversized linen napkins, modern sterling flatware in an Art Deco pattern and crystal stemware Emma recognized from a French manufacturer finished the table setting.  'I asked for a table wide enough for us to sit side by side. This way we can have the rehearsal dinner and reception catered here, rather than deal with restaurants I'm not familiar with.'

Emma sighed in appreciation. 'It's beautiful, dear. You were right, the team you hired does amazing work.'

Prince led her onward to a covered outdoor seating area, with champagne in a standing cooler, and seated her on a double chaise. Easing the cork from the bottle, he poured them each a glass and sat beside her.

'Have we really only known each other two months? It feels like I've always known you,' Emma said, sipping her champagne and settling next to Prince, who had put an arm around her shoulders and was stroking her bare shoulder.

'It's been the best two months of my life, and we just got started, mama. There is so much to be thankful for on this beautiful evening. Let's take a little while to just enjoy where we are before it all goes crazy tomorrow.'

A long companionable silence reigned, until Emma couldn't stand it any more. Leaning over, she gave Prince a scorching  kiss that burned right through him.

'I've enjoyed this enough. Let's go enjoy our bedroom, if you don't mind...'

He didn't mind.

They held the rehearsal the next day in the beautifully landscaped yard of the home, partially set up by the team in all of their preparations. Emma's daughters were her attendants, and Kirk and Prince's friend T were standing up with him.

As Prince watched the young women he was assuming responsibility for as a stepfather walk up the makeshift aisle, he felt his chest swell with pride. He thought, 'God, thank you for the bonus of these girls in addition to perfect Emma. Help me be what they need as young adults.'

Then he saw Emma, in a simple, elegant lace dress, eyes shining with joy as she walked toward him. He didn't know how she got more beautiful every time he saw her. He broke with protocol, and walked halfway down the aisle to meet her, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Emma blushed, as usual. Everyone else started laughing. Prince said, 'Sorry, she's just irresistible!'

He took her hand, and they walked together up to Dillon.

They saved their personal vows for the next day, so there would be some surprises.