The Anniversary

“You don’t mind Toby and me renewing our vows, do you?” She asked Charlotte. “I didn’t want to take anything away from you…”

“Simone, please. I was the one who suggested to Toby that you did it today.”

Simone blinked. She had thought the surprise Toby had given her about renewing their wedding vows on the day of their son’s wedding. Any other couple would have objected but Carl and Charlotte had been insistent. Now she knew why.

“Really? You don’t mind?”

“Of course not. I think it’s quite sweet.” Charlotte smiled. “And you have been fantastic with me since I got with Carl.” She squeezed Simone’s hand. “Consider it our wedding present.”

Simone was touched. She couldn’t have asked for a better present.

*****

Simone traveled with Charlotte and her bridesmaids to the church. Charlotte’s father met them outside, helping the bridesmaids out before he reached in and took his daughter’s hand. Then Craig appeared, ready to walk his mother down the aisle. He was looking exceptionally handsome in his rented tux, his normally wild hair grown long brushed down and tied back. At eighteen, he was filled out into a muscular young man, ready to head off to university to play football.

He gave his mother a grin, giving one of Charlotte’s bridesmaids a sidelong glance before he looked away. Simone bit back a smile as she took his arm. She had a feeling someone else was going to be enjoying themselves at the reception.

They entered the church, Charlotte and her father at the front, Simone and Craig behind. The bridesmaids followed them. Carl and Toby stood at the far end by the altar, accompanied by the priest and Nick, who was acting as best man for both of them. It was a lot for a fourteen-year-old boy but Nick was up for it.

Simone dreaded the best man toasts for her husband and her son later on.

Charlotte’s father passed her to Carl when they reached the altar. Carl gave his bride a loving smile and kissed her hand. Craig then went to Toby and placed Simone’s hand in his father’s before he stepped back and took his place by Charlotte’s father. Toby smiled, pressing a kiss to Simone’s hand just like his son.

“You look beautiful.” He whispered.

Simone blushed. Even after all this time he could still make her blush.

“You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Toby glanced at their son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law, who were still giving each other doe-eyes.

“I wonder who will be first to the hotel room tonight.”

Simone rolled her eyes and slapped his arm.

“Stop it. Leave them be.”

Toby chuckled, his eyes sparkling. Then linking their fingers together, they turned towards the priest.

The end.