The Million Mile Hallway

Chapter 31 - Jason

The wedding had gone by pretty well so far, which I was relieved about. I'd been nervous about how things would be with the Lanes without Louise there to act as a buffer but they'd been great. Keith had even helped me get dressed, which I'm not entirely proud to admit.

The church ceremony was alright, and both bride and groom looked incredibly happy. Same with the speeches. Keith was on form and even the best man's speech got a few laughs out of me even though I didn't know anyone involved.

Now, as I stood at the bar ordering a beer and an orange juice I was finally feeling totally at ease.

"Having a good night?" Came Keith's voice from behind me. As I turned to face him, his hand patted me on the back. He ordered some drinks before I could answer him.

"Yeah it's been great! You? You must be pretty proud?" I finally replied.

"Yeah, you bet I am. There's nothing quite like giving your daughter away on her wedding day. I'm assuming you saw the state Lyn's in?" I nodded and he continued, "Well don't tell her this but I was tearing up a bit myself, you know? Clark's a good guy though and he's perfect for Anna. He's the type of guy you'd want to marry your daughter"

"I'm glad. She deserves to be happy" I smiled as I received my drinks.

"And so are you, by the way" He added, stopping me from returning to my table.

"I'm sorry?"

"I know you and Lou aren't like that now but I want you to know that if she was a bit older, or you younger then I'd be more than happy with it. You're a good man"

"Thank you Mr. Lane" No matter how many times we seemed to be going over this, it never hurt to hear it.

"Any of the girls here taking your fancy?" He asked with a wry smile.

"I haven't looked to be honest" I laughed. "But Brandon's already on a scouting mission so I'm sure he'll let me know"

"Is it bad that I'm kind of proud of him?" Keith sniggered as he got his drinks and joined me on the walk back to Louise and Lyn.

When we reached the table the women thanked us but we didn't have any time to sit down or take a sip of our drinks before the newlyweds joined us, finally off the dance floor for the first time that night.

"Hey guys!" Keith cried, hugging them both, with Lyn and Louise following him and doing the same.

"Congratulations" I shook Clarks hand and hugged Anna quickly.

"You're Jason? Louise's friend right?" He asked.

"Yeah that's right" I nodded, briefly looking at Lou but she was busy staring at something at the other side of the room. "Are you guys enjoying yourselves?" I asked. Before they could answer, the wedding photographer came round and took several pictures. Pictures of Anna and Lyn, Anna and Louise, Lyn and Louise, Keith and his daughter and countless more. He even got one of me and Keith, which I thought was a little strange but I wasn't going to argue. Finally though, Anna did answer.

"We've had an amazing day! And I'm so glad you could make it"

"It's no trouble at all" I smiled. "I'm just surprised that you guys finally stopped dancing!"

"You and me both!" Clark laughed, getting a soft punch from his wife for his troubles.

I sat with the Lane's for a little while, trying my best to keep up with Keith's beer drinking but before long, he was much drunker than I was. Lily and Mason had now joined us but didn't look like they were anywhere near to getting together. I was barely speaking to Louise either, not through any fault of either of us. She was being spoken to by what I soon found out were her aunt and uncle. Eventually though, she broke free.