"From This Day Forward (Part 3 to One Night Stand)"

"The Reception"

As coordinators, Dennis & Summer got everyone situated during the reception their respective tables before finding their own seats. Summer kicked off her heels & finally sat down to rest. Aunt Barbara went from table to table introducing herself to all the guests & then she made her way Summer's table.

Aunt Barbara: Hey gorgeous, what was the name of that song you & that cute groomsmen sang?
Summer: "How Long Will I Love You?"
Aunt Barbara: It was a perfect duet. You two have such good chemistry I bet you could sing anything together. But that song... was beautiful.
Summer: Thank you, Aunt Barbara.
Aunt Barbara: You two will be singing that at my next wedding.
Summer: It's a deal.
Aunt Barbara: I've got to find myself a man first!

Summer chuckled as Aunt Barbara walked away greeting more people on the way to her table. Tom got up from his seat to MC.  He got the crowd going with cute baby photos of the couple & then showed a few photos their dates. He also opened the floor for anyone to say a few words of congrats to the happy couple. After a few relatives & friends extended their words of love, the food was finally served.

The chatter among the guests & the clanking off silverware against the fine china filled the room. The view of the bay was spectacular. The sun was setting in the sky & it was such a romantic background to the lovely newlyweds. Michie & Dylan we're off making their rounds from table to table taking pictures. Brian was helping Serena with Miranda.

Serena: This girl won't let me eat...
Brian: Here, I can hold her.
Serena: Are you sure? She's pretty fussy & won't let anyone else hold her.
Brian: Let me try.
Serena: Ok...

Brian gently took Miranda from Serena & cradled her in his arms. She seemed to like the cradling position & was as happy as a clam. Serena was shocked & was relieved to finally eat. Brian dangled a flower over Miranda & she seemed to like that.

Serena: Wow, Brian, I'm impressed. Thank you.

Brian smiled & continued playing with Miranda.

Summer was seated next to Jay & a few of Grandma's close friends. She felt like she had to keep checking on Nora & Jack & would frequent their table. At about the 4th time she stood from her seat, Jay placed his hand on Summer's arm.

Jay: Babe, they're fine. Look at them. They're enjoying themselves. Maybe give it another 5 minutes. Come on, you've barely touched your food.

Summer hesitated & then finally sat back down to continue eating. Jay was right, Grandma & Jack were enjoying themselves. There was something special about Grandma & Jack. The love they had & the love they shared was real. Summer felt nothing but happiness for her grandmother & Jack, but in this moment of realization, Summer felt a deep sadness. It was an empty feeling within herself. She gripped Jay's hand & looked him in the eyes.

Jay: What?

Summer smiled.

Summer: Nothing... I'm just looking into your eyes.
Jay: Oh.
Summer: I love you.
Jay: Aww, I love you, babe.

Jay leaned over to kiss Summer on the cheek. Dennis was at his family's table & couldn't stop talking about the week he had in Seattle.

Mr. Allen: Hey son, just don't enjoy too much time out here. We need you back home.

Dennis laughed.

Dennis: Ok, dad.
Mrs. Allen: When are you coming home?
Dennis: Um, I'm thinking of staying a bit longer.

Dennis's 2 younger sisters nudged each other as they noticed him staring towards Summer's table. They whispered to each other guessing it was Summer who Dennis kept looking at.

Summer eventually stood up after she managed to finish her food. She didn't want Jay to worry & so she sat there until she finished every morsel of food on her plate. She also wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. Jay slipped out while Summer went to talk to the DJ about the music playlist & to Tom about the program. It was time to get the ball rolling.

Tom: Hey everyone, wasn't dinner delicious? Now, I hope you all have room for dessert. I know a way we can all make room... Is... through dancing!! So while our DJ starts the music, I'm inviting all of you to come out to the dance floor to show off your moves.

Aunt Barbara & Aunt Sharon were the first to hit the dance floor. They cha-cha'd over towards Tom & began dancing with him. Everyone around clapped & got closer. Several others soon joined in the dance. Dennis asked to be excused from his seat & walked out of the reception area. He walked down the hall & turned towards the lobby. He noticed Jay on his phone & smoking... again. He poked around nonchalantly & stood next to Jay. Jay's back was turned & he didn't notice Dennis standing there.

Jay: Yeah, I'll be back tomorrow. Ok, talk to you later. Bye.

Jay turned around & was shocked to see Dennis.

Jay: Hey. What are you doing here?

Dennis held up his phone to the sky.

Dennis: Trying to find reception. I can't get a signal in there...

Jay walked up to Dennis & towered over him. He was upset.

Jay: Hey man, if Summer asked you to spy on me, you can just forget about all you heard & all you saw.
Dennis: She didn't ask me to spy on you.
Jay: Then why are you here?
Dennis: Who were you talking to on the phone? And I thought you quit smoking.

Jay scoffed & flicked his cigarette to the curb.

Jay: Look, I don't know what your deal is, but you need to mind your own business.
Dennis: I'm not one to judge. But if you hurt Summer...
Jay: What are you gonna do? Huh?
Dennis: Don't hurt her any more.
Jay: She's my fiancé. And she'll soon be my wife. So that's not your problem, is it?
Dennis: You hurt her again & you best know I'll be getting involved.

Dennis was absolutely furious with how Jay was treating Summer. She didn't deserve any of this. Jay walked around the front a bit to get the smoke scent off of him. Dennis had really pushed his buttons. Dennis marched back in looking for Summer. She had to know about what Jay was up to. Tom saw Dennis storm in & had a bad feeling about it. Tom stopped Dennis in his tracks.

Tom: Hey, hey, hey... Where are you going?
Dennis: I need to find Summer.
Tom: Right now?
Dennis: Yes! Now.
Tom: Whoa, calm down!
Dennis: Sorry... ugh!
Tom: What's this about?
Dennis: It's about Jay.
Tom: Don't let him get to you. He's not worth it.
Dennis: But Summer needs to know what he's been doing. I think he's cheating on her & he definitely lying to her.
Ton: Ok, those are some big claims. Maybe you should just forget about it.
Dennis: I can't do that.
Tom: Dennis, listen. If you make these accusations & they end up being false, it's just gonna make you look bad.

Dennis calmed down & realized that Jay could just end up lying to Summer again making Dennis look like the jerk. He didn't know what to do.

Dennis: Well then what do I do?
Tom: Don't do anything.
Dennis: What?!
Tom: Don't do anything... Trust me, it'll be for the best.

Dennis finally spotted Summer. She was talking to a group of wedding guests & was smiling. They seemed to be asking her about her ring since she was stretching out her arm showing the ring off. Dennis felt so helpless. And then, Summer started walking towards him.

Summer: Dennis?
Dennis: Yeah?
Summer: Should we start the toasts?
Dennis: Let's go for it.