Recap of Chapter 39: After the nearly disastrous hailstorm, everyone pulled together to save the wedding scene. Although gripped with a case of nerves, Penny managed to pull it together. And, as she took in Matthew’s expression when he saw her heading down the aisle toward him, it felt fated—like everything came together to make this moment possible.
The handwritten wedding vows were exchanged, leaving no face dry. Matthew talked about marrying for life—a promise he intended to keep. He vowed to work to overcome any difficulties they encountered, and promised to cherish her, be a good friend to her and be her constant companion in life. Penny promised to be his partner in all of life’s experiences—good and bad. She promised not to poke the bear should he be in a mood (an inside joke not lost on the guests) and hoped he’d follow suit. She also vowed to be married for life and intended to do everything in her power to see it through to the end. And she vowed to try to see the man she fell in love with in him every day. Then their vows were sealed with a kiss. He surprised her by dipping her dramatically, which was a crowd-pleaser. All rose to their feet and cheered. The newlyweds dashed down the aisle under a shower of flower petals tossed by the guests—another brilliant use of destroyed flower arrangements.
“What’s this I hear about keeping Penny safe? Is there something I should know?”
They entered the reception room, found a quiet corner and kissed. They touched foreheads, grinning like kids on Christmas. “We did it!” they declared simultaneously. And then Matthew lifted her chin and kissed her gently. “I am the luckiest man on earth to call you my wife. I love you, my Penny. I promise to never give you cause to doubt that.” And then the crowd trickled in, rushing them with congratulations. Drinks were passed around, and the dancing began under the luscious flower chandelier. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
Uncle Fred came to the wedding, and Penny found him sitting with her dad at a table. They were sipping scotch—the good stuff, and looking very happy watching the young people having fun. “Ah, you know what I was thinking just now?” Fred asked, refilling Martin’s tumbler.
“That youth is wasted on the young?” Martin replied.
“Exactly” he said, taking a sip. And then they were interrupted by Penny approaching their table. She blasted in, “I knew I’d find you two together here in the corner. Solving the world’s problems, are you?” she teased. She grabbed Fred’s tumbler and drained it in one sip. “Looks like you’re out,” she said with a wink, kissed his cheek and disappeared into the room. “She’s a corker, that one!” Fred said with a chuckle, refilling his glass. “Love that girl!” He lifted his glass. “To our girl. May she find every happiness!” They clinked glasses. “And look how it’s all turned out. It gives me chills to think how close we were to it all ending in disaster. Martin, do you ever think about that old business with her ex?”
“Not unless something or someone reminds me,” he said. “To be honest, since our last conversation on the subject, which was a real eye-opener, I never think of it at all.”
“Good, good,” he remarked. “As it should be. In fact, we should make a pact, right here, right now. Let’s agree that we take the truth of it to our graves.”
“I couldn’t agree more. As far as our Penny knows or ever will know, we had nothing to do with any of it. The key is to keep her safe. And us too.”
As they raised their glasses to seal the deal, they suddenly felt hands land on their shoulders. They both froze when a baritone voice could be clearly heard. “Keep her safe from what?” Startled, they looked up to see the face of Matthew’s dad.
“Oh, hey there,” Martin stumbled. “Care to have a drink with us?”
He pulled out a chair to join them. “What’s this I hear about keeping Penny safe? Is there something I should know?” He looked so serious, so genuinely concerned, that both Martin and Fred were dumbstruck as to what to do next. Tension hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity. Then he exploded in laughter—a booming laugh that filled the room. “Look at your faces! I was just kidding. Of course, we all want to see Penny safe from harm. And I’d wager that my Matthew will make sure she stays that way!” Martin and Fred quickly grabbed a tumbler and poured him a drink, hastily agreeing. They exchanged a knowing look.
Jesse announced with the strike of a gong that the food was ready, and people began to queue for the buffet. Martin had overseen the preparation of mini-sized Beef Wellingtons, individual ramekins of cheesy cauliflower soufflés, a fall spinach salad with candied pecans and shaved gorgonzola, dark honeyed yeast rolls, and carrot-ginger soup garnished with a heavy cream swirl, sunflower seeds and crisp pumpernickel croutons. For those with a heartier appetite, a lovely prime rib, roasted to perfection, was carved to suit each guest. The cake was a three-tiered traditional spice cake with a salted caramel cream cheese frosting and a caramel ganache filling.
The bride and groom danced and then everyone joined in. It was a joyous occasion and a fabulous party with a relaxed and fun atmosphere. At around midnight, people trickled out and the newlyweds grasped hands, trudged upstairs, and fell into exhausted sleep, knowing they had the honeymoon and the rest of their lives to enjoy fabulous romantic lovemaking.
And so began the life of two people who somehow found each other in this great big world, put aside the traumas of their past, and cast aside their egos enough to fall deeply in love. They proved to each other that faith and loyalty mattered; that standing by each other in the face of adversity and crisis only enriched their devotion rather than tearing it apart. Experience taught them that life could be unfair, and they chose to believe in dedication and love despite the risk. Penny and Matthew joined in marriage only after being tested. By marrying, they vowed to choose love over all other distractions and challenges forevermore. By taking that giant leap of faith, they truly believed lifelong happiness was achievable. Or so they hoped.
The next morning, as the sun shone through the crack in the curtains casting dappled shadows upon their tangled limbs under the covers, Penny’s eyes fluttered open. As her focus sharpened, the handsome profile of Matthew came into view. Her mouth curled into a sleepy smile. She placed a hand on his bare chest, which made him stir. He covered her hand with his. “Good morning, wife,” he said, still not opening his eyes.
Her smile spread. “Good morning, husband,” she replied. With her hand resting under his warm fingers, she said, “You know, the oddest thought popped into my head just now.”
“Hmm. What thought is that?” he asked in a quiet morning voice, eyes still shut.
“I was thinking that I—just now—right this moment, feel as if I’ve lived up to my name, Lucky Penny.”
“Well,” he said, turning his head to look into her eyes. “If I have anything to do with it, you will feel that way for the rest of your life. I love you, my Lucky Penny, today and forevermore.” And he kissed her forehead.
