She was
young and I hoped that with enough love and time some of her fear of abandonment
and nervousness of people would be eased but I knew that it would be a part of
her forever due to her starts in life. It made my heart ache a little as I looked
at her and then across the room to Libby both my sisters and I was finally
coming to terms with the fact that although a certain amount of damage had been
done to them both I had done all I could for them at different times to ensure
the best life I could for them.

I was
deep in thought as I felt my wife to be’s arms slip around my waste and my body
automatically leant back into her.

            “You
know this is your rehearsal dinner you should be mingling not standing here so
deep in thought…”

            I turned to face her and was caught off
guard by the jump I felt in my heart, it happened all the time when I was with
her and still held me off balance. I wondered if I would ever get used to her. And
simultaneously hoped that I would not.

            “Come on then let’s go have a party hey,
though please no alcohol I really do not want to feel like I did after the hen
night ever again”

With
that I grabbed her hand as we made our way to the table where dinner would be
served.

——————————————–Shane————————————–

I was
seated next to Rachel’s sister Mandy and had Trey one of my boys on the other. There
was no formal seating so we were all good and mixed in and it seemed to be
working as everyone was chatting getting to know people they had not met before
and no one felt left out. The only unit that had been allowed to remain
together was the brides to be and their daughter. They looked so happy and were
flanked by Rachel’s Aunt Ruby and Peggy who seemed to be duking it out for the
role of head of the family and most eccentric at the same time.

Who knew
anyone could ever challenge Peggy to that title but there it was. I looked across
the table and waited for my wife’s eyes to return my gaze smiling as they did. I
mean I am in no way soppy or sentimental, that is Carm’s role in our house but
being here today it was amazing, I really hope that as many people are as lucky
as me when it comes to the people they get to share nights like this with