Her Guardians Lost(93)

Rolling my eyes, I directed them into the living room. “In there, getting himself into a right state. It’s been twenty-five years together today, but you’d think it was his first day all over again.”

“I think it’s sweet.” Catherine clasped her hands together and held them to her heart.

“I know. It really is. If it were me, I would be exactly the same.”

Nudging my shoulder, Lisa-Marie winked at me. “I’m sure that time will come soon enough. It’s a pity I couldn’t hold your hand and tell you when.”

Feeling my heart sink, I wished that it would be true. Although Stephen and I had only known each other on this earth for merely a few weeks, we’ve actually known each other our whole lives. It was almost as if we were created for one another.

Deciding not to dwell any longer, I offered Lisa-Marie a sweet smile. I wasn’t going to let it be known how my heart ached without him.

“Let’s go and see to the groom, shall we?” I ushered them inside. Billy was standing there, an edge of exhilaration in his stance. He almost looked like he had itching powder in his pants.

Rushing over to him, I placed my hand on his arm. “Calm down, Billy. I don’t want you to hyperventilate. Take deep breaths. Like this.” I breathed in deep, watching as Billy did the same. We both exhaled and I could see it had worked a little.

“That’s better. Now, let’s get the show on the road, shall we?”

Laughter filled the room as we all scrambled to get presents ready for opening. I had bought Billy a new electric shaver because he said he needed one. He was ecstatic over that. I bought Chris a new watch because I knew his old one had recently broken. Then I bought both of them a “Lifetime of Happy Memories” portfolio for their wedding. That one needed to be opened later.

For Lisa-Marie and Catherine, I had put together a beautiful photograph of them both from when we were together last. After the funeral, Billy and Chris invited us all around for dinner and took lots of photos. The next time I came over, I sifted through them all and picked my favourite one. I immediately bought a sterling silver frame and placed the picture inside. They both looked so happy in it, I couldn’t possibly let Billy keep it for himself. They were thrilled with the photograph. In fact, they stared at it for quite some time.

I received a silver locket from Billy and Chris. It had angel wings and you could open on either side. In private, he told me I could fill it with a photo of Stephen and me once we had reunited. To say I didn’t have tears in my eyes would be a lie. It was absolutely beautiful and I couldn’t wait to see if his assumption was correct.

From Lisa-Marie and Catherine, I received a gift card for my local liquor store “Are you trying to tell me something?” I joked when they handed it to me. I was extremely grateful, though. I knew I would definitely put it to good use.

Once the presents were out of the way, we got ready to make our way to the wedding. It was a cold day and had been snowing, but it still looked unbelievably magical.

We got to the gathering ten minutes earlier than scheduled. Luckily, the phone box was by a park so there weren’t any roads to consider. You could tell passers-by were wondering what on earth was going on.

Chris was standing next to his brother, looking every bit as nervous as Billy was when I arrived at their flat. He looked just as handsome, though, wearing a very similar suit to the one Billy had on.

“Cassie, you look amazing,” he smiled as he came in for a hug.

“You, too, Chris. Are you ready to finally make an honest man out of my uncle?”

Smiling, he said, “To be honest, I was ready years ago. I don’t know why we didn’t do it sooner.”

Rolling my eyes, I said, “Well, I suppose it has something to do with the silly laws not allowing you to. Thank goodness that’s changed.” Hearing Terry clear his throat, I decided it was time to make myself scarce.

Leaning in, I gave Chris a kiss on the cheek. “I’m going to leave now, but I’ll be hovering around in the crowd somewhere,” I joked. “I know you’ve always been family, but today we make that official.”

“So I have your blessing?”

Gasping, I held my hand over my heart. “That goes without saying, Chris,” I smiled. “Go knock his socks off!”

“Oh, that will be later,” he winked.

Laughing a little, I gave him a light smack on the arm and covered my ears. “I think I’m too much of a family member to know about that. My delicate ears can’t handle it.”

He laughed and came in for a swift hug. “I’m sure your time will come, Cassie. Then it will be Billy and me covering our ears.”