Reception

Charlotte's whispered words are like the sound of the beating wings of a vibrant butterfly, lighting on Brent's inner being. His eyes closed, he feels her embrace, feels her returned kiss, and feels the startling passion he shares.

His free hand crawls up her arm and neck to find her face, cradling her jawline as his thumb caresses her cheek. Being here in the cool surroundings of the pool, with the waterfall echoing through the hidden chamber, a light mist enveloping them, Bret could stay here forever. He had missed having someone in his arms. He had missed sharing these kinds of moments. He had missed this feeling. Releasing the trapped passion felt good.

Eventually, slowly, he draws his face away, his hand still to Charlotte's cheek. Staring into her eyes once more, he tries to slow his racing heart. He hadn't planned on this...he hadn't intended things to get this far...but he didn't regret it.

A small grin curls the corner of his mouth and he speaks quietly. "I was just curious to see if you always kissed that way or if yesterday was a fluke."


Mick's eyes dance, his smile never fading. "I love you too," he whispers. Slapping his hat back on his head, they head down the aisle once more, receiving the smiling faces.

Con leans down to return Jamie's kiss, giving her a smile and a wink. Continuing to hold her hand, they head into the mingling crowd that shifts toward the barn.

Luke wraps an arm around Angel, pulling her close, feeling her happiness. It wouldn't be long until it was they who would be saying their vows... When, was the only question.
He plants a soft kiss on Angel's head, and gives her a squeeze. "If you can get this old man up on his feet, he'll escort you to the festivities."

Clint gives Wendy a crooked grin as they stand, offering her his arm. "Melady.....may I have the honor of being your date for the reception?"

Cindy wipes the tears from her eyes and turns to give Wes a small kiss. "I love you," she says softly. "If Rosetta is half as happy with Mick as I am with you, those two will never part again."

Jason slowly stands, watching everyone with interest, seeing their reactions, seeing their happiness for their friends. It had always intrigued him...weddings...how different people responded. In this setting, it was obvious that most were so very close, that when one felt joy, it was shared by all. He wondered for a moment exactly what that joy would feel like.

"Earth to Jason..."

He looks down quickly to Camryn. "I'm here..."

"You look awfully far away."

Jason gives a little shrug. "Just thinking."

"Please tell me you're not going to be a party pooper and skip the reception."

"No..." Jason knew he couldn't get away with that one.

"Good." Camryn gestures to the barn. "Remember, I'm the stranger here, you lead me."

Jason gives her a wry grin. "Like you couldn't handle going alone. But alright, come on."


Scott changes out a roll of film and catches Mick and Rosetta before they reach the barn. "Alright, you two...I was told to get some good shots, so don't think you're going to get away just yet." He stands back and gestures to a nice grassy spot with lush green trees as the backdrop. "I want you two over there," he directs.

Once they're in place, he starts snapping photos, telling them when to move, smile, and several times, he insists they kiss, receiving no objections.

Glancing around, he spots BJ. Knowing that he would soon be adopted, Scott couldn't resists including him, and waves him over, making him stand with Mick and Rosetta, once just in the middle, once with Mick holding him beside Rosetta, and then a shot with just Mick and him, with Mick crouching down next to him, his hat enveloping thee boy's head so his eyes were barely visible.

Next, spying Katie, he calls to her, forcing her into the scene too, some pictures with all four, but then taking several shots of just Katie and Rosetta.

Satisfied, Scott nods. "Okay, I'll quit the torture. You're free to go."

"Not yet," Mick intervenes. He holds out his hand for the camera. "You two," he gestures to Scott and Katie, "Stand back here."

Scott quirks an eyebrow. "I don't..."

"No argument," Mick cuts him off.

Scott's face reddens slightly, but looking to Katie, he relents, and moves in beside her.

Mick positions the camera and grins. "Move in close, you dufus," he chides, getting Scott to put his arm around Katie. "There we are, now smile like you two mean it, because I know you do."

After several clicks, Mick glances to Rosetta with mischief, then back to the young couple. "Now I want to see a kiss."

Scott can feel the heat in his face. "Mick!"

"You made me do it."

"Well that's different!"

"How?"

"Well you two just got married!"

"And...?" Mick can barely hold back his smile. "You telling me you don't love this girl?"

"I..." Scott tries to swallow his embarrassment. Looking to Rosetta, then Mick, then back to Katie, he locks eyes with her. "No," he answers Mick, "I'm not telling you that at all, because that would make me a liar." Moving in closer to Katie, he wraps his arms around her, pressing his lips to hers.

"Yeah!" Mick's finger hits the button, capturing the moment in time. He waits until Scott and Katie withdraw from each other before handing the camera back to Scott. "Take care of that film now, you hear?"

"I'll guard it with my life."


Noise begins to erupt from he barn and around back as music is played through a sound system, the wedding cake cut and refreshments served. Sandwiches and chips will come out later as suppertime draws closer, but for now it's kept light, the mingling continuing. Some people leave, bidding farewell and wishing the couple well.

After a short while, Mick looks to Rosetta who is still on his arm. "What do you say we sneak away while the going is good? I wouldn't want to miss our flight."


Jason stands back to one corner, his hands in his pockets as he leans against the wall. He'd talked with Clint, chatted with Jade, bantered with Camryn, talked more with his mom...he was getting just a bit tired. His eyes roam the gathering, finding Camryn fitting right in and talking with other people. She seemed to be having a ball, and he was glad he'd invited her. Maybe he still was capable of making somebody happy once in a while.