planned. Don’t interfere. Do you understand?”
She visibly shudders. “Uh-huh.” She mutters as she lunges at me. Our lips lock and I feel her tongue brush against them. I succumb for a moment, parting them to allow her exploration. Then I hear the damned buses pull up.
“Liv.” I halt her. “They’re here.”
“Shit!” She giggles. “You got me all turned on and now I can’t have you.”
“How did I get you turned on?” I ask, pulling her to her feet.
“You don’t know what it does to me when you lay down the law!” She laughs, not quite believing it herself.
“Sometimes with you, it’s the only way.” I tug her hand so that she is pressed against me.
“Well, it does things to me.” She laughs ruefully. “You’ve messed with my brain Danny Morgan. I’ve changed.”
“Things?” My face moves close to hers until we are sharing air. 'What things?'
She nods. “Rude things.”
I run my fingers up her back until my hand is at the back of her neck, poised to make her close the remaining inch between us. “I’ll have to remember that,” I whisper, breathing harder, just from the closeness.
Just then, Scott and Max walk into the bar. “Get a room!” yells Scott.
I close my eyes and sigh. “Later Mrs. Morgan,” I say kissing her forehead instead and prising myself away. I don’t let go of her though, we hold hands all night.
She seems to love everything. I’ve arranged an American feast from our American diner. Jake has done all of the best stuff they do here in smaller versions and it’s being served canape style. Except these canapes will actually feed you and I've told them just to keep it flowing. No half bottle per head here. Everyone is enjoying it, it’s way better than a sit-down meal.
We manage to take some group photos. I didn't ask for all that formal stuff, but having everyone together like this it seems ridiculous not to. But they are not the posed, stuffy kind. We are all laughing at each other and having fun. I know the shots will be animated and full of life. The photographer gets a great shot of me and my groomsmen showing Liv our matching shoes. Then one of just Liv and I with our ‘his and hers’ shoes. She loves the shoe thing best of all I think. Every photo I’m aware of (and I'm sure there are so many I'm not aware of) makes me think of the house that we will fill with them. I can't wait to be living there now, with any luck we'll sign the papers before we leave on our honeymoon.
Liv is laughing with Connie about Dave and Connie's husband, Jack, wanting to be 'down with the kids' and insisting on getting Converse too. I wasn't planning on it becoming a feature, but as I’d mentioned it to lots of people, everyone seemed to get involved. I would say over half of the guests are wearing them or at least pushing the accepted formal footwear boundaries. I’ve seen some Vans and one friend of Liv's is wearing velvet Doc Martins. This is just what I wanted. No pretences, just us.
I spot Ali and Carla coming out of the diner. Ali nods to confirm their job is done. I asked them to fix up the flat for me. When I decided to have the wedding here, I also gave our wedding night some thought. Although it would be nice to go to a hotel, then we'd have to leave the party. I decided Liv would prefer to be at home, so I asked the girls to tidy away all the traces of everyone getting ready there this morning. They said they would make it romantic for us, I trust them, they seemed really into the idea.
Max taps my shoulder and tells me it's time for the speeches, so I gather Liv and some drinks and head inside to the stage. Everyone either files in or finds a spot in the garden where they can see. Liv and I step up onto the stage and join Max and Jen.
'Hello everyone,' Max says into the mic, to settle the crowd. 'Where are the bride and groom's parents?' We wait while they position themselves either side of us. 'I think we'll start with Dave.'
Dave gives a wave as friends cheer. 'Thanks!' he says. 'I only want to say a few words about this wonderful girl. She was ten when she came barrelling into my life. I was already in love with her mum, so I knew I would love her girls easily. We have certainly had our ups and downs, becoming a family. Being a step-parent is a constant test. Some days you pass, some days you don't. But Liv is one of those people that doesn't make things more difficult than they need to be and I’m very grateful to have her as my daughter. She has made her mother and me so proud with her accomplishments. We’ve watched her grow into a superb business woman. She has a rebellious streak, sure. But we’ve never needed to worry about her. We’re so happy that she found Danny again, because we have always known that they are perfect for each other. Danny doesn't need to be welcomed into our family, he knows he has always had a place with us. So let me just say, we’re glad you’re back where you belong. Please raise your glasses to our girl and her perfect man.' Everyone, murmurs 'to the bride and groom' as Liv hugs Dave and then her mom.
I'm slightly surprised to see my dad then step up to the mic. We hadn't planned for him to say anything.
'Hi everyone, I know it’s unconventional for the groom’s dad to join in, but hey, I'm in unconventional company. I just wanted to add a few words about Danny, while we are doing the proud parent thing. I hope you don't mind?' He looks to Dave as he says this and Dave laughs and signals that the floor is all his.
'Most of you know that Danny is an American, which may or may not have inspired Liv's path in life,' he says waving at the surroundings. 'But you may not know that I was born here, a couple of roads away as a matter of fact. Like Liv, I too know what it is to be infatuated with all things American, so I decided to study there. I met Pam in the library at Stanford and the rest, as they say, is history. But when we were given the opportunity to come back here, I jumped at the chance to bring our boy up in my hometown. He settled in straight away, no doubt because on his first day here, literally his first day, he fell in love. We always knew we would go back to California eventually, but we didn't fully appreciate how difficult that would be for Danny. We are so proud of the difficult choices he’s made. He followed us home when we suspected he might refuse and took the opportunity to get the finest education and become an expert in his field. But we always knew his heart got left behind. So we are so pleased that he has finally made himself whole again. Being so far from your child isn't something you necessarily want as a parent, but we have divided our life between two places, so as far away as it is, at least it's home. Danny, we are so proud of you for coming home.' I bite back tears as my parents hug me. I really need to keep my shit together, I still have to speak.
Next Jen and Max step up together. Jen goes first.
'At this point we usually hear from the best man. But as you already know, this ain't no ordinary shindig! Max and I are totally used to explaining the relationships we have with these two by now, so just to clarify, I'm Jen and I'll be your best man today and the lovely Max will be your Maid of Honor!' Cheers and whistles erupt as the whole room laughs. Jen lets it settle then continues.
'Danny and I were babies together, our parents are best friends. But he moved here when we were so young I hardly had any memory of him. When I heard he was coming back, I thought, oh no! I just knew straight away, I would be expected to show him around, have him come out with my friends and knowing our parents, eventually marry him! I didn't know him but I knew he was an eighteen-year-old boy, how hard are they to figure out? Well...what I got was not what I was expecting. For a start he was gorgeous! But he wasn't like other eighteen-year-old boys. I dragged him around to parties and the movies, but he only went to keep everyone off his back. Hell, I only took him to get everyone off mine!' She giggles.
I laugh. 'Thanks babe, I love you too!'
'It took me a while to realise and an even longer time to get him to admit that he had a broken heart. But once he opened up, we instantly became friends. Then it wasn't a chore to be with him at all. I like to think I helped him to get back on his feet and get back out there. But even though he forced himself to forget, he never really did get back out there. He has great friends and was enjoying life, but no one ever came close as far as love was concerned. I was getting worried that this would go on forever, when Liv landed in our lives with a bang. All I can say is, on that day, Danny came alive. It was like someone switched him over to HD.
'Danny has been my best friend for twelve years. I’d never been friends with a guy before, but Danny wasn't a guy, he was Danny. He has looked out for me, laughed with me, cried with me, even found me a husband. He has been the most loving, supportive, generous best friend a girl could ever have. I love you, Danny,' she says directly to me, lifting her glass.
'But Bob was right, he left his heart here and although it sucks that you left it so far away, Danny, I'm glad
