Alice smiled and walked down the aisle. It seemed that with each step she took the level of anticipation got higher. Finally, she was about two steps away from Dana when she said,

"Excuse me Miss, but I was wondering if I could have an autograph." Alice was trying her best to keep a serious look on her face, but Dana looked up and saw the smile pulling at the corner of her mouth, so she decided to play along.

"Well, do you have a pen and something for me to sign?"

Alice was surprised that Dana kept the joke going, so she decided to cave.

"Oh, damn it. I left them out in the truck, but how about a hug instead?"

Dana stood up and gave Alice a tight hug. While Alice memorised Dana’s sweet scent as she inhaled deeply, Dana noticed and smiled. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, but fought them back, even though they were happy tears. When they pulled away from the hug, they were both grinning like idiots. There were so many questions that they wanted to ask but they would have to wait.

"So are you just in town for the wedding?" Even though Dana was smiling, she desperately wanted Alice to stay longer.

"Actually, I’m back for good. Well, at least, I’m back for as long as Shane can put up with me."

"Wow, that’s great! So you’re living with Shane?"

"Yep, I moved back here about a week ago."

"Wait, you’ve been here for a week?" 

 Dana didn’t want to seem angry, but she was a little bit, since Alice didn’t even see her, and Alice could hear Dana’s thoughts.

"Yeah, I’ve been here a week, but I didn’t come to see you or anybody for that matter, because I’ve been unpacking and getting things back in place. Plus, I just didn’t think I was ready."

 "Makes sense."

Alice breathed a slient sigh of relief when Dana seemed satisfied with her answer.

"Well, I guess I’ll see you at the reception."

Alice smiled and turned to walk away, but Dana called her back.

"Wait, Alice?"

"Yeah?" Alice turned back towards Dana.

"Well, I was just thinking that you could sit by me if you wanted. I mean unless you’re sitting with Shane, which is fine, I was just, "