Sucking in a deep breath, I tried not to lose control. I knew I had to do this. I knew I had to try something to make my father see sense. I had done what I needed to do. It was now up to my father to decide.
Not knowing whether it had worked, I opened my eyes and stood up to meet my uncle and Chris outside. There was nothing more I could do. Our fate was in Archangel Gabriel’s hands.
“Cassie!” Billy shouted as I emerged. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Billy. I’m just overwhelmed by the day. It’s been beautiful so far.”
“I said a little prayer for you and Stephen whilst we were in there. I hope someone up there was listening.” Billy looked to the sky.
“Me, too, Billy, and thank you. Okay, where do you want me?”
Laughing, he pulled me towards Chris and his brother as the cameraman stood, ready for the shots. I had no doubt that Billy would have a field day once these were all developed.
With the photos done, it was now time to head on down to the Three Horseshoes pub. Although it was the pub where Stephen and I first had a drink together, it was also the only pub I could get to open for a private function on Christmas Day. Luckily for us, there was a small hall that we were able to set all the food and drinks in. Considering it was a fairly small affair with only about thirty people, it was ample enough to fit everybody.
I was grateful to the owners as they had done a smashing job getting it set up for us. They had set up ten tables, with a long one at the end of the hall for the grooms to sit in.
The room was filled with banners and balloons as the lights danced across the floor. It looked fantastic.
“Thank you so much for getting this organised, Cassie. It looks great. I couldn’t have done it better myself.”
Leaning myself into Chris’ embrace, I smiled at him. “You’re very welcome, Chris. It was my pleasure.”
As we all sat down, I stood up to deliver my speech. It had taken me a while to put into words how I felt about their coming together, but it was something I knew I would put my heart into.
I pinged the glass with my fork to gain everyone’s attention. The hum of the room soon fell silent as all eyes were now upon me.
“I know I messed up a little with the rings earlier.” I smiled as everyone in the room chuckled. “It just amazed me to see the two most important men in my life get married. The two who have been my father, my caretaker, and my best friend throughout my life. Chris has been my constant ever since I was a baby, and I know he will continue to be so, as I am with him.” I looked over at Chris with a smile as he tenderly stroked my arm.
Turning my attention to Billy, I couldn’t help the tears now forming in my eyes as I stared at the man who had sacrificed everything to make me happy. “Billy, you took me in as a child and, together, we mourned the most wonderful mother and sister. You took care of me and nurtured me, and without you, I wouldn’t have become the woman I am today. Being here now, I can’t tell you both how proud I am of you for beating the odds, fighting for what you desired, and coming through this with the courage and conviction you both did. You finally did it! Congratulations to you both. May all your days be as happy as the ones before, and filled with nothing but love and champagne,” I said, holding my glass up. “Let’s not forget the champagne.” Everyone laughed. “To Billy and Chris.”
With everyone else now standing, they all held the glasses out. “To Billy and Chris.”
With a contented sigh, I took my seat, looking at my uncles. “I hope I did you both justice with that. It was just so hard to put down what I wanted to say.”
With tears in their eyes, they held onto my arm. “It was perfect, Cassie. Just perfect,” Billy whispered.
“Oh, look at us daft beggers, Billy. I never get emotional, but your niece has virtually had me non-stop crying since yesterday,” Chris said.
Wiping a tear from his eye, I smiled. “Yes, but I bet you wouldn’t have it any other way, would you? At least you know they’re tears of happiness. Let’s hope all your tears are happy ones from now on.”
“Cassie, what would we do without you?”
Shaking my head, I sighed with a cheeky smile. “I honestly don’t know, Billy.”
*****
As the evening progressed, we watched as Billy and Chris cut the cake, then had their first dance together. I danced a little myself, but couldn’t help looking over my shoulder to see if Stephen might be around. I wasn’t sure how he would appear—if he would appear at all. As time passed, my heart slowly sank at the realisation he may never be granted a life with me. Whatever happened, I knew that as long as he would wait for me, I would live out my life knowing I would eventually be with him. Even if it took another fifty years, it would all be worth it.