THE GREATEST DAYS PART 1

Regan handled the horses and carriage as expertly as ever. He had the precious cargo in the form of the new bride and groom, Trixie and Jim. The horses, Starlight and Susie, were older now and even calmer than they’d been in their younger years. They pulled the white carriage sedately, some might say, majestically.

He’d been happy to oblige Mrs. Wheeler when she’d asked him to take on this task of transporting the newlyweds from the site of the ceremony, Crabapple Farm, to the reception at Manor House.

Pastor Miller instructed the wedding party and guests they could go straight up to the Manor House. The group began to disassemble after the toasts were finished. The elderly guests walked slowly to the front of the house to await their cars as they are brought forward for them.

The wedding party separated from the guests, walking leisurely to the clubhouse where they had stashed their own vehicles.

Regan spoke softly to the horses as if they would understand him. He had praised their posture and poise as they waited for the bride and groom to board the carriage. The only inkling he’d gotten that they’d heard him, was a soft nicker from Starlight and a slight toss of Susie’s head.

Regan smiled broadly as he ‘giddy-upped’, setting the carriage into motion.

Trixie had clasped Jim’s hand to step into the carriage, and was still tightly holding it.

She thought the white carriage was something out of a fairytale. She paused in her thinking when she caught sight of her diamond engagement ring. It was sparkling in a ray of sunlight streaming through the window. She was so intently looking at her rings that Jim was afraid something was wrong with them, or worse, she had regrets.

“Trixie, is everything okay?” he asked with a slight frown creasing his brow.

The sound of his voice immediately brought her eyes to his. Her beatific smile lit not only her face, but, Jim felt, the entire carriage and beyond.

“Everything is absolutely perfect!” she quickly assured him.

“Yes, you are!” Jim leaned over to kiss his new wife.

Trixie melted into his arms as they wrapped around her.

“I can’t believe we’re married. I’m so thankful for you and your love.” Trixie sighed happily, wiping a tear away before she laid her head on Jim’s shoulder.

Jim kissed her blonde curls, and squeezed her a little tighter. “I’m the one who’s thankful. You’ve given me everything!”

Trixie snorted, “Everything? I wish I could give you the moon! That’s what you deserve- the stars and the moon. I haven’t given you anything but, me.”

Jim used his index finger to raise her chin. Their eyes met and Trixie could see his love shining down. “Like I said, you’ve given me everything! You are the best thing in my life. Ever! The day you said you loved me and the day you agreed to marry me will forever be the greatest days of my life. I look forward to spending the rest of my days loving you and making more of the greatest days of my life! We’ll do it together, you and me, forever.”

Jim bent his head and their lips met in a sweet kiss of promise.

“Whoa!” Regan pulled the reins, signaling the horses to stop. They had reached their destination.

Jim heard Regan, and he felt the carriage shift slightly when he had climbed down from his perch. The touch of Trixie’s lips on his was too intoxicating, too delicious to pull back from. He continued the kiss until Trixie pulled back herself.

“We’re going to be interrupted,” she whispered.

Jim grinned down at his bride. “Yes, I know, but you distracted me.”

“Should I apologize?” she giggled.

“I hope you never want to apologize for kissing me.”

“I can guarantee that will never be the case. I meant should I apologize for distracting you?”

Regan opened the carriage door, grinning up at the pair. He flipped the steps down to the ground and with a dramatic sweep of his arm, he said, “Mr. and Mrs. Frayne, your adoring family and friends await!”

Jim chuckled as he stepped from the carriage. “I’m sure the rest of the group is having a hard time keeping Mart from eating all of the food without us.”

Jim turned to offer his hand to his wife to assist her.

“Gee, do you think Mart would eat the food before we get in there?” Trixie asked with a giggle.

“In a word, most definitely!” Regan laughed.

Jim still held Trixie’s hand and he turned them toward the house. He paused to ask Regan, “You will be joining us, right?”

Regan’s red head bobbed. “You betcha! I’ve got to get these two settled for the night and I’ll be back.”

That said, Regan mounted the carriage again and headed toward the stables.

Trixie sighed as she watched them leave. “It’s all like a fairytale.”

“But, it’s even better!” Jim pulled her closer to him and bent his head to hers for a kiss.

A clearing throat sounded from the direction of the house.

“Man, you’ll be hoarse if you have to keep doing that!” Mart said and Dan laughed, as they stood behind Brian, the throat clearer.

Brian spared his brother and friend a look, but grinned. Then, directing his gaze and comments to the newly married couple, “Are you ready for a party?”

Dan and Mart held the massive French doors open for them to walk through. Brian preceded them to announce their arrival.

“Attention! May I present, Mr. and Mrs. James Winthrop Frayne.”

Grand applause echoed through the entry way as the guests were assembled near the door to greet the couple.

Trixie smiled brilliantly as their friends and family gathered around them and took turns hugging and kissing the newlyweds.

Hired servants milled through the guests offering trays laden with champagne and for the children, more apple juice. Once everyone had a glass again in hand, Matthew Wheeler took his turn at clearing his throat.

Taking a few steps to Jim and Trixie’s side, he held his glass higher.

“Before we move into the dining room for a fabulous dinner, I’d like to thank you all for being a part of today and sharing this joy with our families.”

Happiness shone from his eyes and he continued, “I’ve thought Trixie to be part of my family for a long time. Maddie and I are very proud that she is now officially family.”

Matt set his glass on a nearby table, reaching his hands out toward Trixie and Jim. They in turn each clasped his and each others. “Know that we love you both very much and couldn’t be happier that you’ve found each other.”

“Thank you, Dad.” Jim let go of Matt’s hand to embrace him in a giant bear-hug.

When Jim pulled back to hug his mother, Trixie stepped forward. She was immediately enveloped in a gentle hug herself.

Matt softly stroked the bruise on her cheek with his thumb. The makeup may have it hidden, but it was there very faintly and there was still a slight puffiness. He bent to kiss the top of her head gently.

Maddie couldn’t be patient any longer. She moved closer to Trixie’s side, almost elbowing her husband out of the way.

“Trixie, my dear, Matthew was correct, thank you. Thank you for being Honey’s best friend, and now my son’s wife. He nailed it- we have thought you part of our family for a very long time. This has been a perfectly-perfect day!”

Trixie’s eyes widened and she giggled. “I love you, Mrs. Wheeler. You just sounded so much like Honey.”

Maddie smiled as she pulled Trixie close for a hug. “Trixie, you can call me ‘Mom’ or like Jim does, ‘Mother’ ”, she whispered.

She kissed Trixie’s forehead and then pulled back and looked at the group of people around them.

“Shall we be seated for a glorious dinner?”

There was some quiet clapping and talking, leaving Maddie unsure if the guests were just happy on this occasion or hungry.

The group followed behind the wedding party and waited for the bride and groom to be seated in the grand ballroom for dinner.