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The Chauffeur
Toby was still laughing when he got back to his seat. “See, I told you that flowers were going to be a problem.”
“Look, if you want to play doctor, I’d rather do it someplace private.”
“Ooh, I’m sure that can be arranged.”
She whacked him on the arm with the bouquet. “Control yourself, Tarzan.”
“That’s a big ask, Meri. You’re the most beautiful girl in the place and I’ve got you all to myself. How about a kiss?”
She looked up. “And me with no mistletoe.”
He held the bouquet up over their heads. “Let’s pretend.”
“You’re ridiculous.” She laughed and gave him a peck on his bearded cheek.
“People who are in love usually are.” He looked into her eyes dreamily. “Are you up for some more dancing?”
“Will you be there?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“I’m in.” She twirled a curly blonde lock on the side of his head. “I just want to be where you are.”
“I missed you so much last night.”
“Me, too.”
“It was like a piece of me was missing.”
“Yeah. I felt that, too.” She traced the edge of his beard with her fingers. “What do you think that means?”
“It means I’m glad you said yes, even if I did it completely wrong.” He held her hand to his cheek.
“It was perfect, Toby. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Look, they’re serving the cake.”
She turned to look at the wait staff approaching with trays of wedding cake. He kissed her cheek. She turned to look into his eyes. Time stopped.
“Vanilla or chocolate?” The server asked.
“Either.” They replied in tandem.
She left a piece of each and moved on. Toby and Meredith remained spellbound as the reception went on around them.
“Okay, so that’s the Chicken Dance.” She pulled out her chair. “That was really weird, but it’s fun.”
“Sure is.” Toby laughed. “Ooh, great. They didn’t clear away our cake.”
“You’re such a goober.”
“Takes one to know one.” He laughed as he dug into his piece of cake.
“Oh, it’s like that, is it?” She poked him. “Here comes the happy couple. Put down the cake, Toby.”
“Hey, guys.” Ian said. “Ivy and I wanted to thank you for coming and being a part of our special day.”
“Oh, hey.” Toby said. “Anything for you, man. I’m glad I could help.”
“Definitely.” Meredith wrapped her arm around Toby’s. “It’s been quite an experience.”
“We got you these to say thank you.” Ivy handed them each a gift-wrapped package.
“Oh, wow. You didn’t have to do that.” Toby said as he unwrapped his.
“Thanks.” Meredith said as she tore into hers.
“No way.” Toby held his up to Meredith. It was a red picture frame with a Sentinels logo in the corner. The photo in the frame was a picture of her in her Sentinels jersey.
She opened hers to find the same picture frame with Toby in his Sentinels jersey smiling back at her. “This is astounding. Thank you so much.”
“Look, if you want to come back to Frank and Holly’s, we’ll be opening our gifts and having refreshments.” Ivy said.
“Sure, that sounds great. Right, Meri?”
“Yes, but we’ve got a couple of stops to make on the way.”
“We do?”
“What time is it?”
Ian pulled out his phone. “About a quarter to five.”
“Great. We’ll be there as soon as we can. Come on, Toby.”
“Um, my car is still at the church.” He scooped up a piece of chocolate cake. “I’ll call a taxi.”
“No need.” Ian waved his hand. “We planned for this. There’s a ride waiting for you in the lobby.”
Meredith jumped up and hugged Ivy. “Thank you, Ivy. You’re wonderful.”
“I’m so glad you could come, Meri. We’ll see you back at the house.”
Meredith nodded enthusiastically and hugged her again before moving on to hug Ian. “Thank you.”
“Glad you could join us, Meri. See you at Frank’s.”
“Come on, Toby.”
He crammed the rest of the cake into his mouth and jumped up from the table. He waved to Ian and Ivy as he followed Meredith out of the banquet hall.
“I guess that’s our ride?” Meri spotted a man in a fancy chauffeur uniform.
Toby gulped down the rest of his cake. “Excuse me, sir.”
“Toby and Meredith?” The chauffeur stood up.
“Yes, that’s us.” Meredith said, pulling Toby.
“Come this way, please. I have the car nice and warm for you.”
They followed him to a stunning silver luxury sedan and climbed into the back seats.
“Wow, they aren’t kidding.” Toby said as he buckled up.
“I’ve never been in a car like this.” Meredith slid in beside him.
“Pardon me, but are you in a hurry?” The chauffeur asked.
“Not exactly. What did you have in mind?” Toby asked.
“Mr. and Mrs. Woodard thought you might enjoy a slight detour through the lights in the park.”
“That sounds like fun. Is that okay, Meri?”
“I’d love to, um?”
“My name is Miłość.”
“Thank you, Miłość. That sounds lovely.” Meredith snuggled up next to Toby. “Can you recommend any nice jewelry stores along the way?”
“Yes, ma’am. I know a few nice ones.” He cruised toward the hotel parking exit.
“Do you have any blankets, Miłość?” Toby asked.
“Open the compartment on the divider, sir.”
Toby pulled a blanket from the compartment and covered them both up. “Nice and toasty?”
“Mm.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “You’re very cozy.”
“Jewelry store, huh?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Nice big diamond?”
“Maybe an emerald.”
“An emerald?”
“My birthstone.”
“When’s your birthday?”
“May 12th.”
“No way.”
“What?”
“I’m May 22nd.
“So, it’s both of our birthstones!”
“Wow, emerald it is. I didn’t know that.”
“Seems like there’s plenty to learn about each other.” She cooed.
“And plenty of time to do it.” He held her hand. “Ooh, here come the lights.”
Miłość turned on a Christmas music station for them as he cruised through the holiday display of lights.