The Wedding Dance

By Rod Ramsey

© 2003, all rights reserved.

This was something I should have done a long time ago. Catching my breath after the obligatory first dance, I watched as Jean spun around with her grandfather. She had pulled him onto the dance floor immediately after the first dance. Her golden hair bedecked with white and pink flowers that matched her gown. Jean's mother took my hand as I watched, leaning against me.

"God she's so happy." She paused, "Thank you Peter."

"Oh Sara. I should be thanking you. "

The song ended and Jean came to me, her eyes sparkling with happiness. She took her mother by one hand and me by the other, pulling us onto the floor as another tune started. Together the three of us danced, the other revelers giving way to the bride and groom. For hours we danced, Jean and I. Her mother never far away to take a turn when Jean danced with someone else.

"Did you tell the band they could leave?" Sara asked.

"Yes, but they said they wanted to stay. It seems Jean made quite an impression on them," I replied.

Exhausted I sat down next to Sara, Jean claiming her place on my lap. She leaned her head on my shoulder, closing her eyes in sleepy contentment.

Sara giggled and whispered softly in my ear. "I think it's time the bride and groom left to consummate their marriage."

I could only nod for fear of waking the angel now asleep on my lap. Taking Sara by the hand, I kissed Jean on the forehead. Then handing my sleeping daughter to Sara's father, I slipped away with my bride.

--Fin--