16: Happy Returns

Stacey’s wedding was a splendid affair. Both Travis and Verna had spent the previous night at Sylvia’s house to help with the last minute arrangements, and to attend the traditional family dinner. Everyone was happy to meet Zane and he had enough play mates at the Cacchya house, with all of Verna’s cousins’ children running around.

When Sylvia told her eldest daughter how much her late husband used to imagine the day his girls finally got married. Everyone heard her tell the bride, “I really wish your father were here. You look so beautiful.”

Stacey had never heard her mom tell the story, so she got a little emotional. Knowing he never got his wish made her sad but no one else would let her stay upset. Verna dabbed at her own tears, hugged her mom and her sister and then announced in a loud voice that her big sister was getting married and the chorus of cheers that their company gave wiped away the misery.