Ann: A Love Story Ch. 93

But before I could say anything else, Mindy was pulling at my shirt, begging me with her big saucer eyes to pick her up and say hello.

~*~*~*~*~*~

It was one of the greatest evenings I'd ever had. So much so, I actually wondered at one point if the wedding reception was going to seem like a letdown. But that was hard to imagine, what with the same people going to be there and then some. Still, what made the night so special was the unexpected arrival of the out-of-town guests that Ann and I were convinced wouldn't be coming to the wedding at all. That they were also there for the rehearsal dinner made the evening.

The meal had been outstanding, my mother having gotten with Tom and Charlotte on the menu items. They had three entrée options and more side dishes than I could count. It wasn't a buffet, but they apparently had things already cooked and ready to go because we had our food minutes after we'd placed our orders.

Ann and I sat next to each other at the side of one of the two long tables. Mindy made sure she was sitting to my left, while Allison took her place to Ann's right. Dana gave us a concerned look, but in truth we wouldn't have had it any other way. It was such a joy to have them there and all they were looking for was a little attention.

I was talking to Ann's Aunt Helen as she sat across from me while I cut Mindy's hot dog up for her the way she apparently liked it. Ann was chatting with Billie and Alfred as she buttered a roll for Allison. The whole thing seemed like a big family reunion, with a couple of notable absences.

Ann's friend Sonya couldn't get off work because she was covering for another air traffic controller that was on vacation. Helen's son Sean couldn't make it because he didn't have any vacation left, so he agreed to stay behind and take care of the horses. Yet the glaring absence to me was that of Valerie's husband Dale.

It didn't surprise me that he wasn't there. I would have been more stunned if he had been. After all, I'd threatened to pulverize him when I'd visited California on my trip to get Ann. It was bad enough that he was a lousy husband to Val, but being a disassociated father to Christina was criminal in my eyes. So I'd called him on it, letting him know that I'd pound his fat sorry ass if he didn't straighten out. He knew I'd do it, so it wasn't hard to believe that he didn't sign up for the trip.

What was hard to believe was the real reason he didn't fly out with his family.

"Dale got a new job," Helen said, almost sounding proud.

"Really? Doing what?" I laughed, thinking she was joking.

"He's actually become a plumber's apprentice."

"Well that makes sense. He's got the butt crack for it," I said, making Mindy giggle. "Oops...forgot I had a youngster next to me."

Helen laughed herself and said, "Trust me, she heard worse than that on the plane."

"That doesn't mean she should hear it from me."

"I'm sure you're forgiven, Neil. It's not like you were cursing. And you didn't say anything that Marty and I haven't said about him. But I have to tell you, he's really doing it. He's working sixty hours a week. He couldn't come because he doesn't have any vacation yet and he didn't feel comfortable asking for personal time because he hasn't been there long enough. He's still a probationary employee."

"How is he with his wife and daughter?"

"It's better. He still has some work to do there; I'm not going to kid you. He comes home tired and the baby craves attention. He sometimes has to make himself get involved. But it's not like it used to be."

Taking a bite of my chicken, I raised an eyebrow toward Helen's daughter, who was sitting next to her dad at the other table. "Is Val happy?"

"Not really. Not yet. But she's getting there."

"What's the problem?"

"He's not you," she smiled.

"Uh...what's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, it means that Valerie is a little...jealous of Ann. She always has been. When Ann first moved to California and stayed with us, Val thought it was great. At least she did at the start. But Ann had her own car and had a new job that had the fringe benefit of huge discounts on the clothes."

"What does all of that have to do with me, Helen?" I asked as I pointed to Mindy to eat some of her corn.

"I'm just setting the foundation. While Valerie is blessed in the breast department like most in our family, Ann is thin, athletic and well...she has a very nice tush. Plus she's a little older. Valerie caught a lot of her would-be boyfriends staring at Ann when she'd lay out tanning in the back yard."

"Still failing to get the point, although I'll agree with you about her tush," I laughed.

"My point is that Valerie has always been envious of Ann and what she has. And now that includes you."

"Wow, I'm not really sure what to think about that."

"Don't. I'm only saying that Dale is actually really trying to change for her and she has to accept that he's not going to be Prince Charming. But he was never going to be. If he does what he's supposed to, he shouldn't have to be. It's not like Valerie ever stopped loving him. She just didn't like him, if you know what I mean."

"I think so. I just don't want there to be any friction between Val and Ann, that's all."

"There isn't. No matter how she let things bother her, Valerie loves Ann. She may wish she had a husband like you're going to be, but she doesn't begrudge her having you. She's happy for her. We all are. You two are an amazing couple."

"Thanks Helen. I really don't know what to say. I know we're good together, and I'm really blessed. I'm just not used to having this many people saying things like that all the time," I replied.

And I wasn't. Ann and I had been inundated with all of our family and friends telling us how wonderful we were together. Frankly, both of us felt that way. We knew we were lucky to have each other, or in our view, that fate had brought us together. Still, we'd been hearing it a lot the closer we got to the wedding and it was becoming a little uncomfortable for both of us.

Helen nodded. "And that's what makes you both so adorable, Neil. You don't like hearing all the accolades for just being who you are together. The fact that you're both humble is why you're going to have a great marriage. You should know this is what happens at weddings. People tend to tell you how great you are together."

"Why should I know that?"

"Because, you've been married before, silly."

"Funny, I don't remember people saying things like that when I married the first time. No one said anything remotely close to that at all."

Helen reached across the table, patting me on my arm, a motherly smile appearing in her eyes. "Then that's probably because it wasn't true, Neil. If you were meant to be together, you still would be."

I'm pretty sure my mouth dropped open. As I thought back, I wasn't wrong. People complimented my ex and me at my first wedding, but all those nice words were about how we looked together. My ex was a beautiful woman, at least on the outside, and most of the comments we got were about what an attractive couple we made. Yet I couldn't remember anyone saying we were made for each other or how happy we were going to be together. There certainly weren't any comments about how we were meant to be together.

Ann was a stunning woman too, but in so many ways besides just how she looked. As she sat next to Allison, I watched how she made that young girl feel important, not only including her in the conversations she was having, but going out of her way to help her feel like she was the center of them. What made Ann special was her heart, her compassion for others. It made me a better man just being around her.

Feeling a tug on my shirt, I looked to my left to see Mindy smiling up at me. "I've finished my corn, Uncle Neil. Can I have some cake now?"

Picking her up off her seat, I gave her another hug. "If you can finish your hot dog, we'll talk about cake," I smiled. "Can you do that for me?"

Mindy nodded excitedly and kissed me on the cheek. "Yeah," she said loudly as I put her back in her chair.

When I sat back upright, I felt a kiss on my other cheek. Turning to Ann, she gave me a big hug. "That why you're the sexiest man alive, Neil," she whispered.

"I'm pretty sure People Magazine said it was Sean Connery this year," I grinned.

"I know. How appropriate, since you're MY James Bond," she cooed, running her hand along my thigh. "But you're even sexier to me, baby."

"Why's that? Because I'm not sixty like he is?"

"Oh, just the little things that you do that make me happy," she replied coyly, nodding toward Mindy.

"She's adorable, Ann. It's not like it's hard being next to her. Besides, look what you've been doing with Allison."

"There's a big difference between entertaining an eight year old, and one that's five," she smiled. "That you don't know that it's a big deal is one of the reasons why I love you so much."

~*~*~*~*~*~

The clinking of the fork against the water glass got everyone's attention rather quickly. My father was standing across the room, the broad smile radiating as he waiting for the eyes to look his way. Clearing his throat, he took a deep breath as he prepared to address the room, his hand clutching my mother's as she sat.

"For those of you that don't know me, I'm Darren Thomas, Neil's dad," he said to start. Looking at my mother, he continued. "Betsy and I would like to thank all of you for coming tonight, and for being a special part of Ann and Neil's wedding."

He was interrupted by polite applause, and he waved them down so he could continue. "There are some people here that we would like to thank, so if you'll just bear with me a moment, I'd appreciate it. I don't intend on making a toast tomorrow...that's Matt's job. So I'm going to use this opportunity to say a few things. First, I'd like everyone to give a hand to our friends Tom and Charlotte, who not only let us use this wonderful room, they also provided an amazing dinner."

Once again, the room clapped as Tom and Charlotte stood in the doorway waving. Tom spoke up and said, "You're more than welcome, Darren. We're thrilled you asked. Neil, Ann, we wish you both an incredible life together. Thanks for letting us be a small part of your weekend."

Dad looked at Ann's parents next, saying, "We'd also like to thank Marlin and Jean, Ann's parents. Ever since our kids became engaged, you've been so gracious to us, even welcoming us into your home during Thanksgiving and treating us like family. It's pretty rare that potential in-laws get along, but I have a really great feeling about this. Betsy and I are looking forward to sharing grandkids with you someday."

"Not too soon," Jean cracked. "I'm in no hurry to be a grandma."

"I'm in no hurry to make you one," Ann chimed in. "Neil and I need more practice."

"What, raising babies?" Matt asked, thinking about how Ann had practically raised him and his sister Maria.

Ann flashed him a naughty smile. "I meant making them, Matt," she giggled as she leaned over to kiss me.

"I'm all for that," I replied, kissing her back.

When Dad finally regained control of the room, he said he had a couple more people to thank. As the camera flashed while he spoke, he said, "Rose, we want to welcome you to Indiana, and thank you for coming all the way from California to be Ann and Neil's photographer. I hope you have some fun while you're working."

"I already have," Rose nodded as she winked at me and Ann before taking a quick picture of us to get our reaction.

"Well make sure you get something to eat," my mom added, reminding Rose for something like the fifth time that there was food for her too.

Rose aimed her camera at her next, saying, "I will, Betsy. I promise."

"Just two more," Dad promised, clearing his throat once again. "I think we'd be remiss if we didn't acknowledge what an incredible gift we received tonight with the arrival of all Ann and Neil's friends and family from California. I know how much Ann loved living out there, and how she feels about her family. And if there's one thing I've learned from her, it's that you're ALL her family, whether you're related or not."

"Thanks Dad," Ann smiled at my father, her eyes misting a little.

"You're welcome, sweetie," he waved. "And as I was saying, I'd like to think I speak not only for Betsy, but for Neil and Ann, and Ann's parents in thanking the people responsible for getting them here...the Armstrongs. Todd and Gracie, I'm overwhelmed by your incredible generosity. To fly all of these people out here so they could share in Ann and Neil's day is beyond incredible."

"It was our pleasure, Darren. We wouldn't have missed this for the world," Todd responded.

Gracie hugged her husband and said, "That's what friends do, right Ann?"

Ann nodded, her eyes watering just a little more as her emotions started to rise. "Thank you Gracie...thank you Todd. This means the world to us," she said as she hugged me like Gracie was holding onto Todd.

Dad took a long drink of water; his other hand gripping my mother's tighter as he collected himself. He stared at me for what seemed like the longest time, his chest swelling with pride. Then he turned his eyes to Ann, a loving smile appearing as he gazed at her.

"Anna," he sighed.

"Yes?" she replied, perking up in her chair.

"I really don't know where to begin. I guess I'll start by saying that Betsy and I love you. We love you because you're honest and intelligent. We love your sense of humor and that you're almost always smiling. We love how you look at your friends like family and how you seem to always look at the world through your heart, with love and compassion."

Dad started to choke up for a moment, my mom standing and putting her arm around his waist. Leaning her head against his shoulder, she kissed him on the cheek. "It's okay, honey. Like you said, they're all family."

"I know, Betsy," he nodded quietly. Turning back to Ann, he soldiered on. "You know, one of the hardest things for a parent is to see their child hurting emotionally. You see their pain and suffering, and yet you can't do anything to help other than to be there for them. While I'm not going to get into the details, we're so grateful for you Ann. You came into our lives like this big burst of sunshine and you not only lifted Neil up, you lifted all of us. We've never seen him happier than he is with you. And not only did you give us our son back, you gave us a piece of yourself as well. Because of that, as excited as you must be for tomorrow to get here, so are we. Betsy and I cannot wait to be able to say you're our daughter-in-law. Welcome to OUR family, sweetie!"

"OH MY GOD!" Ann gasped. Her hands went to her face, her fingers covering her nose and mouth as she stared at my parents. Tears began streaming down her cheeks as she got up and ran across the room. Jumping into my dad's arms first, then forming a group hug with my mother, she stammered, "I...I love you both SO M...MUCH!"

"We love you too," my mom answered, holding on to her like she was afraid to let go.

As I watched, I felt Mindy's hand tapping me on the shoulder. "Uncle Neil, are you okay?" she asked.

"Yeah, why?"

"You're crying."

Picking her up again, I sat her on my lap and gave her a big hug. Smiling, I said, "These are happy tears, Mindy."

Her cute little face twisted into a question mark. "You're happy?"

"Very."

I could practically see her little mind processing what I'd said, trying to make sense of the contradiction between the few tears that had fallen and the beaming smile on my face. Finally shrugging, she nodded. "Okay. But that's weird."

"Yes, it is," I agreed. "But sometimes it happens when people love each other so much. It happens a lot at weddings."

"Oh...well I've never been to a wedding," Mindy nodded, thinking that was why she didn't understand.

Laughing, I hugged her again. "That explains it then, doesn't it?"

"Uh-huh," she giggled, her arms hugging my neck in return.

~*~*~*~*~*~

"She's adorable," Gracie said as we stood together with her husband.

Bobbing up and down, I nodded. "Yeah, she is. I'm actually going to be related to her, although I'm pretty sure you know by now that everyone here is family."

"Yeah, we kind of got that impression," Todd laughed.

"Well it's true, isn't it Christina?" I grinned as I talked to Valerie's daughter, holding her close to my face. She garbled in return, reaching out to grab my nose as I playfully jostled her up and down some more.

"How old is she?" Gracie asked.

"Hmm...well, she was nine months when I first met her, so she's close to a year old now. I'm not sure if she's had her birthday yet or not."

"Next week," Valerie said as she came by to check on her daughter. "Do you want me to take her?"

"Nope...we're good. Go visit. I'll let you know if I need you."

"Okay, but don't say I didn't ask if she starts fussing."

"You know better than that," I laughed as she walked away. Turning my attention back to the Armstrongs, I asked, "Where were we?"

"I don't remember," Gracie said quickly.

"Oh...I do. You were using Christina to change the subject. I was asking about what you did."

"It wasn't really that big of a deal, Neil," Todd scoffed, waving his hand like he was brushing off the enormity of it all.

"Todd, you flew out close to a dozen people. You can't tell me that's not a big deal. It is to me. It is to Ann. I'm sure it is to all the people you brought."

"I'm not trying to trivialize it. I'm simply saying that we loved doing it. What's the point of having a private jet if you can't do something nice with it every once in a while?"

"Yeah, you're right. I was just saying to Ann how we really need to use ours more often," I grinned as I jokingly rolled my eyes.

Gracie punched me playfully in the ribs and said, "You don't have to be sarcastic."

"No, I don't. But I did anyway," I smiled. "Now, are you going to tell me how all of this happened or not?"

Todd looked at his wife, his disarming smile catching me off guard. "You're the one that set it all up, dear. Why don't you tell him?"

"Okay. Well, I guess Tina called Rose about some photos that she was developing for her, and that got them to talking. Tina was getting nervous because she was entrusted with the job of finding a photographer, but she wasn't having much luck. Sometime during that conversation, she said something about how she wished Rose lived closer, because she'd be a perfect solution. Of course, Rose laughed it off."

"Well we don't know if she actually laughed," Todd added, being somewhat sarcastic himself.

Smacking him on the shoulder, she grinned, "I'm telling the story. I'm allowed to add artistic license if I want."

"Anything you say, sweetheart," he grinned.

"So, I dropped by her shop a couple days later and she tells me in passing about her conversation with Tina. When I asked her if she was going to do it, she looked at me like I was nuts and said she didn't think Tina was serious. Plus, she said she had a business to run."

"That's not what you asked her, and you know it. You called me."

"Yes it is. I didn't call you until later. Rose said she couldn't go because she didn't have the money, and she really didn't think Tina was serious. THAT'S when I asked her if she was serious about growing her business."

Todd laughed, "And that's when Gracie's mind started working overtime."

"Well, I'm supposed to be her business advisor, so yeah, I advised her on her business. I reminded her that she hired Gia, who's amazing. And the reason I recommended she hire her to begin with was so she wouldn't be tied down at the shop. Rose is an incredible photographer. Some of the photos she took after the earthquake were actually picked up by some of the West Coast newspapers, including several of people being reunited with their pets. Anyway, I'd told her that if she took more pictures, it would help her business grow, because people would see she knows what she's talking about. She said she'd love to do the wedding, but she couldn't afford it. I told her she couldn't afford not to. So I made a call to Todd."