Autumn blinked her eyes several times. I could see she was struggling not to cry at the compliment, and also adjusting to the contact lenses she was wearing. “Thanks for everything, Maggie.”
“It’s my honor and pleasure.” I shifted my attention to her Aunt Faye, who was escorting the bride down the aisle. “Your suit dress and hat are stunning, Faye.”
Faye ignored my compliment and brushed at the pearl gray sleeve of her jacket instead. A moment later, she smiled fondly at Autumn. “Be happy,” she said, and pressed her cheek to the bride’s.
The music was nearing the point for the bride’s entrance. And I let the anticipation of seeing the bride build a bit longer. “Okay,” I said to Autumn and her great-aunt. “Off you go.”
Faye nodded. I could see the sentimental tears in her eyes as I sent the two of them down the aisle. Once they had taken their places. I slipped discreetly in the back row where I could watch the ceremony and still be nearby, if needed.
After the ceremony ended and the bride and groom exchanged a kiss, the guests all clapped and cheered. The recessional began, and I was there waiting for them to help set up the receiving line. I stood at the end and directed guests to head to the tent, as the mimosa bar was open. Once the guests had all moved through the receiving line, I let the photographer take charge of the wedding party and herd them off for a few more group photos.
I made my way to the tent and saw that the cocktail hour was going nicely. The staff was moving the chairs to the reception tables smoothly. The DJ had some cheerful instrumental music playing in the background, and while guests sipped at mimosas, I stood at the entrance waiting patiently for the bridal party. Once they were announced and introduced by the DJ, I was able to slip into the background to see if any extra help was needed for the brunch set-up.
The wedding party had been seated, and a few more photos were taken. Thomas made a lovely speech welcoming the guests. Finally it was time to start the buffet. The bride and groom had insisted on the informality and fun of a brunch buffet and I got them going, and then began dismissing the guests table by table for their turn.
After the toasts and the bride and groom’s first dance, the wedding party and family joined them out on the floor. Thomas danced politely with Faye. Julian, as the best man, danced with Lexie the matron of honor. Bran partnered up with Ivy, Holly was with Wyatt, Violet danced with Marshall, and Candice and Xander Hastings rounded out the group.
The photographer steered the bride and groom to the dessert table afterward and took photos while the bride and groom fed each other a cake pop. Once that was finished, the guests descended on the desserts with enthusiasm. I stood nearby, passing out dessert plates and or napkins to the wedding guests as needed.
The children certainly enjoyed the desserts, and I let Willow go and skip off with the ring bearer, flower girls, and Charlie Bell. I’d dressed my daughter purposefully in a bright pink dress today so she would be easy to spot in the crowd.
The DJ had the music pumping now, and I could start to relax a bit. The bartender handed me a bottled water and I stood off to the side subtly guarding the gift and card table, while keeping my eye out for potential problems, and watching everyone else dance and have fun.
The music changed to a slow song, and now, Lexie and Bran were dancing together, as were several other couples. Faye was dancing with Dr. Meyer. Candice was standing at the bar, flirting with the handsome bartender, and Violet and Matthew Bell swayed in time to the music.
I felt a tug on my jacket and found Charlie Bell smiling up at me.
“Hello, Miss Charlie,” I said.
“Hi! I remember you from my birthday party.”
“Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Yeah.” She nodded, and Chloe, Sophia, and Willow all joined her. I was surrounded by the four little girls.
Charlie gazed up in my eyes and gave me a sweet smile. “Is it okay if we all go have more cake pops?”
I felt the strongest emotional pull from her, and it hit me in the vicinity of my heart. She’s such an adorable child, I thought. Who’d ever say no to her? “Sure,” I said. “Let me go get y’all a few more…”
“Charlie!” The sharp voice came from Cora O’Connell. “What have we said about you asking really hard for things?”
I blinked as if suddenly coming out of a daze. Cora dropped a hand on my shoulder. “I apologize, Maggie,” she said.
I had no idea what she was apologizing for, but even as I rubbed the heel of my hand over my heart, I gave her my best professional smile. “The dessert table is open. The children are welcome to help themselves to another cakepop if they want.”
Cora thanked me and steered Charlie over to the dessert table.
Sophia Jacobs shrugged, “Well it was worth a try,” she said, mysteriously. Her sister and fellow flower girl Chloe followed Charlie to the dessert table. Willow was right behind them.
“Are you having fun, honey?” I asked her, straightening the satin bow I’d tied in her hair.
“Yeah!” Willow grinned at me. “Charlie is teaching me tricks!”
“That’s nice,” I smiled and watched fondly as Willow joined the other girls. It had been the right decision to move here. Willow was very happy and making new friends. I watched as the girls all ate their cakepops, giggled with each other, and trooped off to
