Page 31 of Christmas Lights & Sleepless Nights
Keith could have asked why Anna didn’t know who he was, why there was no one called Yuri working there, but he didn’t. He wasn’t sure what innate sense kept him from sharing Heidi’s assumption. He only knew if this was all an illusion, he didn’t want it to end.
“I had a dream earlier.”
Yuri sat on the bed. “Was it a good dream?”
“It started out that way, but then it changed.” Keith stared at the ceiling. “It was about Michael. Actually, it took place at the wedding I mentioned last time.” He closed his eyes. “I haven’t thought about that day for years.”
He hadn’t thought about Michael for years, but the floodgates had been opened, and he couldn’t stop the memories from cascading through.
“You said it was memorable.”
Keith opened his eyes and smiled. “It certainly was for my dad. And it proved pretty momentous for me and Michael too.”
He could almost hear the music, smell the roses, taste the champagne...
He could also recall that heart-stopping moment when their world changed.
A Summer Wedding
Saturday, June 21, 1986
Greysolon Ballroom, Duluth, MN
Isabelle and Bill stood in front of the celebrant, a wall of three arched windows at her back, draped in flimsy fabric that diffused the light, giving them a kind of glowing aura. Chandeliers hung at intervals, and ivy and white roses circled the pillars, rising all the way to the sculpted ceiling. Every white-covered chair was occupied. Michael stood beside his mom, tall and handsome in his suit. Keith had watched as he escorted Isabelle down the aisle toward the front where Bill and his brother Charles waited. Isabelle looked radiant in a long cream dress, its color matched by the flowers in her hair and in her right hand.
I had no idea Michael’s family was so huge.
Michael had warned him there would be aunts, uncles, cousins, great aunts, friends, coworkers etc., pouring out of the woodwork to attend the wedding, but Keith hadn’t been prepared for a room full of at least three hundred guests. Bill’s side was well represented too. He and his brother were so alike, it was uncanny: five years separated them, but they could have been twins.
When applause rippled through the room like a wave, he realized the ceremony was over. Bill and Isabelle stood side by side, facing their guests, both grinning like crazy.
They seem happy.
He prayed Michael was wrong. Bill gave the impression of being a nice guy.
Then the happy couple walked back up the aisle, holding hands, Michael and Charles following them. At the other end of the ballroom, a bar had been set up, along with a long table filled with champagne flutes and a lot of bottles. All the guests filed toward that end, while behind them, the chairs were moved into position at the round tables covered in snow white tablecloths. At the center of each table was an arrangement of white roses, their perfume pervading the air.
Keith made his way through the chattering guests, heading for Michael. When he reached him, he smiled at the proffered glass of champagne.
Michael grinned. “It’s a wedding. Everyone’s allowed to drink champagne at a wedding.”
Keith wasn’t about to argue. “You did good,” he told Michael before sipping the bubbling golden liquid.
“I couldn’t believe it when she asked me to give her away. But with Grandpa gone, I guess I was the only option.”
Keith chuckled. “She could’ve asked one of your many uncles, y’know, but she didn’t.” He nodded toward Michael’s sister. “Ellen looks fantastic. Who’s that with her?” The guy was tall and as dark as she was fair. Judging by the way he had his hand at her back, they were an item.
“That’s Dante, her new boyfriend. He’s pretty cool.” Michael scanned the assembled guests. “So how long do you think we should wait before we sneak out of here?”
Keith almost choked on his champagne. “Dude, they only just got married.”
“So? They’ve got all these people to mingle with. They won’t notice if we disappear.” He sighed. “She’s kept me so busy these past two weeks. I’ve hardly seen you.”
“Well, you’re seeing me now.” Keith knew he shouldn’t tease, not when the longing in Michael’s expression matched his own. “Okay, here’s an idea. We eat, mingle a little, and as soon as everyone hits the dance floor, I take you back to my room at the Sheraton. We can’t go to yours, not if you’re sharing with your cousin. Then we get back here before the festivities end and show our faces.” He cocked his head. “Think you can hold out that long?”
“I don’t know, but I’ll try,” Michael muttered.
Keith couldn’t help laughing. “Dude, we’re talking about a couple of hours. But we’d better be quiet. Mom and Dad are in the room next to mine, and they might decide to take a nap before the party really gets going tonight.”
