Life couldn't be that perfect, I thought.
"Well, I suppose now is the time for speeches. I have an exciting and dramatic one planned for tomorrow, but an impromptu one is called for today," said Owen, rising gracefully. He made the simple motion of rising somehow look choreographed and elegant. He instantly captured the attention of every eye at the dinner, and he flashed a handsome grin around the table.
"First, a word for Emma. I know that Jack has some bad habits. I was his housemate in college, and despite having the best staff in the building, I still found his dirty socks all over the floor. He also snores, forgets to put the lid down, and has a tendency to take everything far too seriously."
Owen paused for a moment and Jack called out, "Gee, thanks buddy."
"I saw a lot of girls come and go. I've seen him with supermodels, heiresses, lingerie models, and even once, a secretary." Emma frowned slightly, but Owen smiled, promising a compliment in the end. "But, I never saw him with a girl as beautiful, or a girl that made him as happy as you do. The two of you fit together like you were made for one another, and I couldn't be more happy for you both."
Emma smiled and Jack squeezed her hand. Owen turned slightly to face Jack.
"For Jack, you have something most of us can only dream of. You have a beautiful woman who puts up with the strange situations that our careers put us in. A woman who, somehow, has found a way to flourish within it. Hold onto her. The two of you have a beautiful future ahead. That being said, if you ever need a break from him, Emma, you know where to find me." Owen ended his speech with a suggestive wink and a raise of his glass.
Everyone at the table clapped loudly and laughed as Emma blushed slightly at the offer. Jack chuckled and kissed Emma's cheek, making her smile. I felt a slight stab of envy as my sister lit up. I was the older sister, but my little sister was about to get married and I didn't even have a date for the wedding. I immediately chided myself for feeling jealous. I loved that she was happy and so thoroughly in love. She deserved every moment of joy and prosperity.
Jack's little brother Robbie stood up once it was quiet.
"Jack, let me thank you again for not making me the best man," he started. His words were slurring just a little bit. "I would have lost the ring, been late, and there is no way I could come up with a good speech. Besides, Owen will look prettier in the pictures. I am really glad to be here, though, and I'm even more glad that it's because my older brother is marrying someone as awesome as Emma. Emma, you are the sister I never had, and I am excited to get to call you family. That's it. Kanpai!" The Japanese toast hung in the air as he slammed back the last of his wine and sat down, motioning to the waiter for more.
My father glanced around and then stood, raising his glass as well. "I guess it's my turn," he said.
He looked down at his youngest daughter. "Emma, you will always be my little girl. I am so proud that you have found your way in the world. I want you to know that your mother and I are so very proud of you." My dad's eyes grew blurry as he continued, unable to hide the waver of emotion running through his voice. I knew this was hard for him. Emma was the baby of the family.
"Jack, I know you are going to take good care of our baby. I'm proud to finally have a son in the family. Cheers!" Everyone sipped their drink and gave a light applause.
I waited for the applause to die down before I stood up. "I guess that makes it my turn. Jack, you treat my sister the way she deserves to be treated- like a princess. I know you make her happy, because she has this glow that she only gets around you. I've never seen her so happy or so sure of herself. Thank you." Jack tipped his head in acknowledgment and smiled. I turned toward Emma.
"Em, when Mom and Dad brought you home, I said I wanted a puppy instead. I still want the dog, but, today, I'm glad I've got you. I love you, Sis. Thank you for letting me be a part of this." I had intended to say more, but my voice caught and I didn't trust myself not to cry. It didn't help that Emma looked about ready to cry too. She jumped up and immediately gave me a hug.
"Thanks, KayKay," she whispered into my ear. I wiped a tear off my cheek and tried to look at the sky to make the rest of the tears go back to where they came from as I let her go. She grinned at me as she sat down, her eyes shining too.
As everyone settled, a well-dressed waiter came and whispered into Jack's ear. Jack laughed and shook his head, looking over at Emma.
"For once it isn't one of my phone calls that is urgently interrupting." The waiter handed Emma a message. She read it quickly, and then smiled apologetically at the table.
"Excuse me for just a minute. They can't seem to function without me anymore." She stood, kissed Jack on the cheek, and ducked into the main building. Through the window, I could see her pick up a phone.
I wondered what could be so important that anyone would interrupt her wedding rehearsal dinner. Since officially moving to New York, Emma had found a way to merge her dreams of working with animals and living with Jack. She had wanted to be a veterinarian since we were kids, but if she wanted to be with Jack, that wouldn't be possible. Every patient would know she had infinitely deep pockets and would always be looking for a way to get free care or sue for any mistake, no matter how minor.
But, Emma being Emma, she had found a way.
She created the "Daniel Saunders Wildlife and Marine Rehabilitation Program" through Jack's company using their environmental restoration department. Everyday, she was able to work with Jack and with rehabilitating animals. She loved it, and it had been a good way to honor Jack's father, but it kept her as busy as Jack. Honestly though, I couldn't see her any other way. Emma was just too hard a worker to stop just because she got married.
Emma came back out the door, her light blue dress trailing after her in the evening breeze. She smiled at Jack and sat down to finish her wine, the phone call finished. Jack smiled with obvious pride at his soon-to-be-legally-married wife. The table was quiet, everyone sipping on the last of their wine and enjoying the evening.
"Thank you for a lovely evening, but it is time for us to retire," Mrs. Saunders said as Emma sat down. She rose and stood behind Mr. Saunders' chair. The old man was struggling to keep his eyes open, seemingly exhausted by the dinner and toast. Emma jumped up and gave Mrs. Saunders a friendly hug. She was determined to win Jack's mother over eventually. Mrs. Saunders returned the affection and Emma bent to give Mr. Saunders a kiss on the cheek. He beamed up at her, and waved as Jack's assistant, Rachel, wheeled his chair away. The table watched quietly as they disappeared around a perfectly manicured hedge and into the deepening night.
"I think we'll hit the hay too," my dad said as he pushed his chair out. He stood and shook Jack's hand before giving Emma a kiss. Mom gave them both a hug, her eyes bright. Her baby girl was getting married, and she was so incredibly proud and excited. She kissed my head as she walked past. I watched my parents walk hand and hand down the stone path, still very much in love. I hoped to find a love like theirs someday.
"I think that leaves just us young-uns," Jack's little brother said with a grin. "Bring on the tequila!"
"Sorry, Robbie, I have an early morning," Jack said. "Technically so do you, but since you just have to stand there and look pretty, it shouldn't be too hard." He leaned back in his chair, in no obvious hurry to get anywhere.
"What about the amazing bachelor party I have planned?" Robbie asked with mock seriousness.
Jack grimaced and Emma laughed. From what I had heard, the New York bachelor party had been a crazy enough party for Jack. He wouldn't say exactly what they did, but he had refused to drink anything besides water and Gatorade for a week.
"What about you, Kaylee?" Owen asked. He said my name slowly, as though he liked the way it felt on his lips. To be honest, I liked the way it sounded coming out of his mouth, but I was not about to do anything to encourage him.