George smiled at his brother as Joseph got lost in his wife's eyes, their bodies moving in sync as the other instruments slowly joined the violins, music drifting over the guests, as they watched in awe.
"Dance with me," George said as he pulled Esther back into his arms, then easily followed Joseph and Katherine across the floor.
"I've never seen dad dance before," Lucas said as he watched his parents in awe.
"They're stunning," Amy sighed, her eyes glued to the couples who were so lost in each other.
"Yes. Yes they are," Alex said as he pulled Jessica closer to him. "Shall we?"
When she nodded, he led her out to the floor and quickly joined the dance. It didn't take long for the rest to follow.
"Ah, I see you've finally decided to grace us with your presence, Austin," Joseph's voice boomed out over the crowd.
Austin never thought he'd be so happy to hear that wonderful sound. He took a moment to say a silent thank you for his prayer being answered. He'd even received so much more than he'd asked for. His father finding happiness, his uncle back to full health, and the love of his life agreeing to be his forever.
"I had something to do that couldn't wait," Austin called back, his face bright as he held tightly to Kinsey's hand, letting everyone in the room know what, or rather, who couldn't wait.
"What's more important than your father's wedding?" Joseph asked, his eyes zeroing in on their joined fingers.
"I had to convince this lovely woman to marry me, though I don't know how I did it," he said with pride.
The room was nearly silent for a moment, with just the sound of the music playing in the background, as his words sunk in. Cassie was the first to rush over and give the two of them a hug.
"Ah, very good, boy," Joseph said, his voice a bit quieter, emotion in his tone.
Austin knew exactly how he felt.
"Champagne," Joseph called, and the waiters appeared with trays full of sparkling flutes. The adults grabbed the bubbling refreshment, while the children and pregnant women took sparkling cider.
"We have so much to celebrate. So much indeed. Here's to romance, marriages, children, and family," Joseph called.
Everyone raised their glasses and moved through the room, excitement overflowing from every corner.
One month later, Austin stood on the beach as he dipped his wife in his arms and kissed her tenderly. When he stood back up, he turned and looked at the faces of his family, joy radiating off him in waves.
"I'd like to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson," the preacher said as Austin and Kinsey began walking down the aisle of grass, their bare feet hardly touching the ground.
Austin led her to a large tent where the music was playing, and he immediately pulled her onto the dance floor.
"Have I mentioned today how much I love you."
"Once or twice," Kinsey replied before resting her head against his solid chest.
"I can't believe I managed to win you, Kinsey, but I'll be grateful till the day I die. I love you more now than I ever thought possible."
"I love you, Austin Anderson. I can't believe I ever ran from your arms."
"You were wise, woman. I plan to wear you out," he told her, his brows lifting as he attempted an evil grin.
"Promises, promises."
"Receptions are unnecessary. I say we sneak off to our room. I have plans for you," he said as he stopped moving and looked into her eyes.
"I agree," she answered, excitement lighting her face.
Austin grabbed her hand and they started to slip away, excited they seemed to be eluding Joseph, and the rest of the family.
"I'm going to-"
"Turn around so you can cut the cake," Cassie interrupted them with a very satisfied expression on her face.
"Cass … " Kinsey pled.
"Oh, no. Payback's such a pleasure," Cassie said as she snuggled in-between the two of them and started pulling them toward their guests.
"You're just mean," Kinsey said, knowing full well she deserved it.
"I know. I've been waiting since my wedding for this moment. Suffer, really, really suffer," she said with an evil grin.
Kinsey gave up the fight and let Cassie lead her back to the reception. Payback really did suck, she thought, as she eyed her husband with longing.
"You never did finish your story, Mom. With all the excitement of dad waking up, and then the two weddings, I forgot for a while, but what happened with the corporation?" Amy asked as they sat by the fire, the kids sleeping, and the adults enjoying a midnight snack.
"I guess I did leave you hanging. To answer your earlier question, yes, this is the same corporation your grandfather began. The board met and voted Joseph as CEO a few weeks after our wedding. Neilson was furious and threatened to take us all down. It truly was sad he turned out that way," Katherine replied.