Swan songs and weddings singers

Lightning strikes traced lines across a day-dark sky as dressed up guests swung through the hotel’s revolving doors, thankful for an indoor wedding. We filed in and signed the book, took seats and smiled at fellow family members.

The room filled up all extra chairs down the isle, the last preparation for the bride to walk past. First came the flower girl, spilling pedals on white fabric. Then round the corner she came, parent on each shoulder, blushing and clutching a bouquet at the belly.

Tears tumbled down as they read their vows, kissed and filled ringless fingers. Two vases long and full of sand sunk into a single glass container. The grains mixed and meshed into one, never to be separated.

With two I-dos and the deal done, we exchanged hugs to welcome Alicia to the family.