Unexpected Family (manxman)

chapter 5

a.n. Last chapter, whoot! longest one ever I think. Just let me say thanks for all who have read, voted and commented up to this point, keep it coming LOL. Above I like to dedicate to my readers (when I remember) cause they're awesome.

Chapter 5.

“Wow Amy, you’ll be the prettiest girl at the wedding, you know that right?”

“Yes Uncle Jim you keep saying that.” Amy let out with a big sigh and a roll of her eyes. At five she was a master of rolling her eyes god forbid when she becomes a teenager. 

“I only say it because it’s true. Now how about one more twirl.” I say waving my finger in a twirling motion.

Amy again twirled for me her pretty white dress flicking out. Today was Frannie’s wedding day. I was glad that she’d allowed Amy to take part. All we had to do now was wait on Mark so that we could get moving. Par for course I was ignoring my parents request and bringing him as our plus one.

When the doorbell rang Amy rushed to open it. I was trying to be dignified by following at a much slower pace. Truthfully I was just as excited. Mark had a way of making my pulse jump just that little bit faster.

I got to the door just as Amy finished dragging Mark across the threshold. He looked up at me on the verge of laughing and paused.

“Huh, wow you look great.” 

“Ahh. Thanks.” Yep he’s checking me out.

Amy looked from Mark to me and rolled her eyes a little. “Uncle Jim said the same thing to me.”

“He did? Well he’s right you both look great.” And with that he leaned forward and lightly bussed my forehead.

“Yes, yes, we have to go. Hurry or we’ll be late.” Amy added impatiently.

“How old is she?” Mark asked me dazed as we were both pushed to the door.

“Five… going on sixteen.”

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My parent’s house yard was already filling with cars by the time we pulled onto their gravel driveway. Amy was ‘ohhing’ and ‘ahhing’ at the pretty and though she didn’t know it expensive dresses on the ladies from her perch in the backseat. An area had been designated for parking and even had valets to cater for those how didn’t want to park their own cars. I’m sure my parents had spared no expense and had had hired enough staff to cater for the 200 or so guests that would filter to the backyard for the wedding event. Frannie’s wedding was a relatively small affair with only the most exclusive and nearest and dearest of both families there. Ha! Yeah right if you believe that well then I have a bridge I could sell you.

I parked the car taking a moment to breathe before getting out and coming around the car to open Amy’s door. In her hands she carried a wedding gift, silver wrapped with a big bow that Amy had painstakingly done with a little help from yours truly. We’d passed the end of the first row of cars when I spotted someone I never thought to see at this shindig.

“Steve.” I called out a little louder than intended.

“James.” He lifted his hand in a wave and changed direction heading towards us.

“Fancy seeing you here.” I said surprised.

“Yeah I’m here for Gerald, college buddy from way back. I didn’t realise that the bride was your sister though. That almost makes us family.” He said smiling.