Copyright 2010 by Wren Phoenix

“You’ve GOT to be kidding!” Jenny was practically doubled over. “I know a wedding can be expensive, but that’s just ridiculous!”

Michael smiled. Jenny was so different from the other girls he had known. Where other women seemed to rejoice in the cost and extravagance of a big, fancy wedding, the idea of an expensive wedding only made her laugh. God, he loved her!

“All I want is to marry you, right here on the front lawn, with all of our friends in attendance. I don’t need a news crew, or celebrity guests. Let’s keep it simple and fun for everyone, have a great party then get on with the happily ever after!” She looked at him, her bright blue eyes shining with a hint of sexy mischief. “Besides, the real fun is AFTER the party, if you know what I mean!”

Oh yes, he knew exactly what she meant!

“All right, all right,” he laughed. “I suppose you’re right. I just want to give you a wedding you will always remember, my love.”

She looked at him, eyes glistening with tears and touched his cheek. “I could never, ever forget marrying you, honey.”

She always made him feel so wonderful. He leaned down and kissed her, which was his default move whenever he felt so choked up.

“Would you two puh-leeze get a room?” Diane said as she entered the kitchen. “I swear, always with the kissing-geez! You’d think you two were in love or sumthin’!”

“You’re just jealous!” Jenny laughed.

“You are so right!”Diane yelled, throwing her hands in the air in mock frustration.

They all began to laugh.

“You have many admirers, Diane,” Michael felt compelled to say. “I get tired of sliding on the drool sometimes!”

“A girl has to keep her options open, doesn’t she?” She said sweetly, batting her eyes at him. “Besides, they’re all afraid of my big brother! It’s almost frustrating!”

Jenny smiled. Diane was an extremely pretty girl, and Michael was very protective of her. “Maybe you are a bit intimidating, Michael.”

“Back off, Sis. I like it!” Diane said, smiling. “It drives the boys crazy, which is always fun!”

“Oh geez!” Jenny said, laughing.

“If one of them would grow some balls and ask me out, I could respect him. As long as they hide in their cubicles, they can just look and dream!”

It did seem to be a good strategy, Michael thought. It was embarrassing how cowardly the guys all were around Diane. He’d almost been serious about the drool in the office. Diane strutted through the Tallon offices as if she was challenging any of them to ask her out.

Diane looked at the pictures that had been spread out on the table.

“Still trying to interest Jen in a fancy wedding, Michael? It won’t happen, you know.”

“I think I’m beginning to believe you, Di.”

She leaned over and whispered to him. “She’ll never go for a big wedding. Our Dad always told us that the size of the wedding was unimportant, it was the size of the love in our hearts that mattered, and Jenny and I will always love and respect our Daddy.”

Michael suddenly understood Jenny a great deal more.

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Jenny and Diane had gone to pick up her dress, and it was Michael’s job to walk around the house, looking for the best spot for the wedding. If it should rain, the wedding would be held in the huge living room, and the furniture had been cleared from the room already, although there was nothing bad forecast.

Michael felt that the wide front porch would be best, but he was waiting to see how the sun would hit it at the approximate planned time of the wedding. The girls were back by the planned time, so Michael took some pictures of them.

Satisfied, they went in to see how everything looked.

Michael felt that it looked fine, but Diane thought that the light would be too harsh. She pointed out what she called “hot spots” where the light would cause problems, but she also had a solution. Jenny thought that it would be perfect, and Michael had to admit, it would make them much more comfortable.

Michael had insisted that he be allowed to help handle the reception. He and Jenny had decided on a menu, and they had talked to several musicians and Disk Jockeys. In keeping with Jenny’s thrifty theme, a DJ and photographer/videographer had been hired and the warehouse cleared for the party. Even the cake was fairly simple.

There were times that he wished he had just hired someone to make the arrangements, but he was smart enough not to say anything out loud. Jenny and Diane were having such a good time! He was sent to pick up the wedding license, and to pick up several last minute items. By the time he got back, the house looked beautiful. There were white and blue ribbons and flowers everywhere. A huge, solid white canopy was stretched over the porch, and chairs were set up in anticipation of the wedding.

The rehearsal dinner went well, and they had a lot of fun. Lisa and Portia had everyone smiling, and Michael made sure he gave most of his attention to Jenny. He wanted to make sure she had everything perfect. Everyone told him that getting married was a very important part of a young woman’s life, and he was bound to make sure that nothing could go wrong.

By the evening before the wedding, Jenny was feeling a few butterflies, and Michael had to admit to a bit of nervous anticipation, as well. He didn’t think they would be able to sleep at all, but they actually slept quite well.

“All right, let’s get this road on the show!” Michael shot awake. His grandpa Joe had been a drill sergeant and he just how to wake you up. “My newest granddaughter asked me to come and get you out of bed, so let’s move it!”

Where was Jenny? She must have gone to Diane’s room to get ready. It was almost noon, and they had to be ready by two, if not sooner. He took a quick shower, and Grandpa Joe asked if he would come down to the kitchen. “Grandma and I have something we want to talk to you about.”

Well, that was mysterious, but Michael was more than willing to go along. Jenny and Diane were waiting, and Michael pulled a chair next to Jenny and kissed her good morning.

“Jenny, today you will make us very happy by officially becoming a part of our family. Would it be okay with you if we were to semi-officially adopt your sister into our family as well?”

Jenny’s hands flew to her face in shock, and Diane looked ready to cry.

“We don’t have many grandchildren, and since your father died, we know that you don’t have any family except these two, Diane. Could we love you, too?”

Diane flew across the room and into Grandma Tina’s arms. She was crying so hard, she could barely speak. She turned and gave Grandpa Joe a hug as well, and kissed his cheek.

“I-I don’t know what to say! I love you both, so much!” Her smile would have lit Detroit on a moonless night. Jenny got up and hugged them as well.

“I know where Michael gets it from, now. You are all so wonderful!” Her tears ran down her face in joy.

“Thanks, Grandma, Grandpa. This is amazing. Thank you for making the girls so happy!”

“No Michael. Thank you for bringing these two amazing and beautiful girls into our lives. You would’ve made your mother and father very proud!”

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The weather was beautiful, if a bit warm. Underneath the canopy, it was quite pleasant. There were several guests, to Michael’s surprise. Except for Portia Bailey, almost everyone was either family or employees of Tallon. The Board members were there, with their families, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Michael adjusted his tie nervously. His tux was immaculate, custom fitted and handsome. It was a deep silver-gray, a good color for a summer wedding. Greg stood next to him, fidgeting in a tux that looked quite similar. It had been difficult to find one that actually fit him. Greg was a big man!

The music began, and the girls filed down the aisle, first Lisa, as his best “man”. Her dress was almost exactly the same color as Michael’s tux. Long and flowing, she looked beautiful and very distinguished.

Next was Diane, just as beautiful in her blue bridesmaid’s dress. It was hemmed at her knees, and she wore sheer hose and matching shoes. She walked slowly up to Jenny’s side of the porch. Portia followed her in similar attire. She was just as beautiful, but had an expression that said she was ready, just in case something funny tried to happen.

Finally, Jenny stood there, and Michael’s heart leapt. She was incredibly beautiful. Grandpa Joe escorted her down the aisle, and he practically strutted with pride. She smiled happily, with a hint of tears, slowly and carefully walking to meet Michael. He took her hand, and the ceremony began. Michael could never really remember everything the preacher said. He only seemed to have eyes for his beautiful bride. She had to nudge him to take his vows, but really, the only thing he heard was when the preacher finally said. “I now pronounce you Man, and Wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Everyone cheered as they kissed, then turned to greet their guests as a couple for the first time.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it pleases me to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Michael Tallon.”

He kissed her again, and then they stepped down and walked to the side, to form a receiving line.

Michael knew everyone, of course, but he couldn’t wait to go back to the warehouse for the reception. The food was wonderful, there were the usual silly dances and traditional things, like the tossing of the bouquet, and it all seemed to go very fast.

Michael handed Jenny a small, gift wrapped box that had a tag. It read “For the Honeymoon”, and Jenny gave him a suspicious look. Expecting some kind of a gag gift, she opened it carefully. The only things inside were a pair of keys on a small key ring.

“I know we had made some plans for our honeymoon, but this is what I had really planned all along. These keys go to your house in Honolulu, Hawaii. It’s my wedding gift to you.”

“My house?”

“Well, our house, now, but the title is in the name of Jenny Tallon. It’s a beautiful little place outside of Honolulu, and that’s where we’ll spend the next couple of weeks. I hope you like it!”

“My house?” She seemed stuck on that. “I have a house in Hawaii?”

“Yep.”

She rushed into his arms and hugged him. “Oh, Michael! This is too much, I can’t . . .”

“You can, sweetheart. We own many homes, in many places. My mother would have wanted you to have this one. I’ve already had a cleaning crew go through and freshen the place up, so it’s all set. We’ll be there in a while, and we can spend the next two weeks exploring the islands.”

The party continued, and everyone had a great deal of fun. By the time everyone had left, Michael and Jenny were both yawning. They quietly turned off the lights and went to bed. Tomorrow would be a busy day.

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