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Derek’s hug was warmer, almost crushing her. “I’m so glad this part is done!” he whispered in her ear.
They both looked much more relaxed listening to Aiden’s best man’s speech as dinner came to a close. Aiden had everyone in stitches, telling stories of when he’d first met Derek in school. “I predated Olivia,” he joked, “but as soon as Derek met her, it was like he completely forgot who I was.” There was laughter, and he moved smoothly into his closing. “I’m hardly one to give marriage advice, so let me draw from literature. Antoine de Saint-Exupery wrote that love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction. Derek and Olivia, may you always look outwards together.” He raised his glass. “Please join me in a toast to the bride and groom.”
Linney lifted a slim champagne glass along with the other guests, and there was much applause. She looked over at Olivia and Derek as they kissed. The happy couple was savouring every second of their reception under a big white tent at Derek’s home on the lake.
There were many more toasts and laughter as friends told stories until the sun set, the twinkle lights came on, and music filled the air. Derek and Olivia wound their way among the tables, thanking their guests for coming. Olivia charmed the Silver Lake locals while Derek impressed guests from the city with his earnest devotion to Olivia and his job.
When the dancing began, Olivia took her father’s arm and Derek offered his to his mother. Olivia’s father, after dancing with Derek’s mother, approached Linney.
“Thank you, but I’m sure my gran would like to dance first.”
With a wink, Linney set off to find Anna and Kirsten, leaving her grandmother to enjoy a slow spin around the dance floor.
“He should have been here, Linney,” Anna admonished when Linney slid into a slip-covered chair between her friends. “If Mac loves you the way you say he does, he should want to meet your friends and be part of our celebrations.” Linney had no answer for that, so she deftly changed the subject.
“Can you believe it’s been ten years since Kirsten and I were your bridesmaids? Where has the time gone?”
“It just gets better every year,” said Danny, smiling down at Anna and it was clear they were still as much in love as they had been at their own wedding. “You two should try it!”
Suddenly the music sped up and Linney grabbed Kirsten’s hand. “Let’s dance!” she said, pulling her friend from her chair.
* * *
Derek and Olivia spent their wedding night at Silver Lake’s tiny inn. It had seen better days, but the rooms were large and you could tell they’d been luxurious in the past. It was either that or leave their reception early to drive back to their city apartment before their flight to Mauritius the next day, so Olivia had reluctantly agreed to stay at The Manor House.
Derek battled back a yawn as they climbed the stairs to their room just after one in the morning, his tie already loosened. He’d been careful not to drink too much, but the energy he’d felt on the church steps had been sapped from the excitement of the day. Was this how every groom felt, he wondered, as he thought about giving Olivia a proper wedding night.
They stopped at the door to their room and Derek put the key in the lock. He pushed it open.
“The traditional way?” he asked.
Olivia nodded, and he picked her up and carried his wife over the threshold. “I love you,” he said, setting her down gently.
“I love you too.” Olivia stifled a yawn. She stepped out of her rhinestone-encrusted high-heeled sandals and Derek kissed her shoulder, undoing the few buttons on the back of her dress. The gown slipped to the floor, and she tried to hide another yawn behind her hand. The relief of planning the perfect day, coupled with perhaps one too many champagne toasts, had caught up with her and she was drained.
“Tired?” Derek asked as he unbuttoned his shirt.
“Honestly? Exhausted.” She sat on the corner of the bed, and Derek was unable to fight back a huge yawn of his own, making her laugh. “You too?” Derek nodded. “How weird would it be if we just slept tonight?” she asked.
Derek looked at her, surprised by the suggestion, but honestly relieved. “Sure,” he replied, drawing out the word. “As long as you’re okay with that, and we make up for it when we get to Mauritius tomorrow.”
“Deal,” Olivia said, taking her earrings off and sliding under the covers. Derek joined her and spooned her tightly. They were asleep instantly.
The beaches of Mauritius were exactly as advertised, and although Derek and Olivia had planned to spend a few days relaxing and then do some hiking and other watersports, they found they spent far more time in their honeymoon suite than out of it—making up time and time again for the wedding night.
* * *
Linney fulfilled a promise to Derek to have breakfast with Aiden the morning after the wedding. She’d spoken with him about it at the reception and he’d agreed to join her for a quick spin in the kayaks.
“Great speech last night,” Linney said, as they pushed off from the dock. Linney had a small picnic basket in the stern hatch.
“Thanks,” Aiden said as he concentrated to avoid tipping over his kayak. “When do you go back?”
“Tonight, actually,” she said. “It’s a short visit. Too short in fact.” She looked over at him and laughed.
“What?”
Linney pointed to his paddle. “Make sure the long edge is up.”
