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Author's notes: Many thanks to everyone who voted, commented, and left emails regarding Silver Pt. 13! Your kindness and time are very much appreciated! My apologies for the prolonged release of the last chapter; I suddenly and shockingly lost my next oldest sister. I was very close to her as I am to all of my sisters, and her tragic loss deeply affected me. I am still struggling to write, so if this part seems a bit jumbled, you might understand the reason.
Janet, my dear sister, this one is for you...
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I called our wedding event planner, Jessica Monroe the following day as planned, to discuss an idea I had gathered in my head. We spoke for a half hour or so, hashing out, rethinking, and amending the plan of what I would hope come to fruition on our wedding day. Jessica had given me several suggestions to what was possible for the Planetarium to provide and others which were not. I asked her if it were possible for me to provide her a sample of my wishes through e-mail, letting her know she would have it within a week or so. Jessica gave me her e-mail address, and let me know she would be anxiously awaiting my message.
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"Stephen Langley, David B. Broadmoore," the gentleman's voice intermittently announced over the stadium speaker system.
The sweat was building around the waist band of my slacks as I nervously held Marlene's hand while tapping my foot of the metal stands. Marlene's hand gripped me tighter as the names continued throughout the stadium.
"Maria S. Stanton, James C. Johnson, Jason F. Kakowski, Monica N. Dalton."
I quickly jumped to my feet and yelled out my daughter's name, waving my hands toward the stage where my beautiful daughter was receiving her Masters degree in Social work. Marlene stood next to me and screamed Monica's name louder than I could have ever done. I had no idea if my daughter could hear us or not, but Marlene described to me the huge smile she had on her face as she shook hands with the Dean of the university while accepting her diploma before exiting down the steps to return to her chair on the plush field.
"Oh Michael, she was absolutely glowing," Marlene excitedly said as she turned to me and kissed my lips, "You did an amazing job as a father."
My heart pumped faster as I held my chest out proud for all the world to see. We searched for Monica after the seemingly never ending ceremony closed. Marlene's phone came to life as we walked along the sideline of the field.
"Hi Sweetheart," Marlene cheerfully answered, "You're where? At the end of the field, near the scoreboard? Uh huh... Oh, OK, I'll let him know; see you in a few minutes, bye, bye."
"Yes?" I asked, noticing the hesitation in Marlene's voice as she spoke to Monica.
"She's waiting under the scoreboard taking pictures," Marlene replied with a smile to her voice.
"And?" I asked.
"Well, she said her mother and grand parents are there too."
"Hmm, I knew this day would eventually come; this should be a thrill!"
"Will you be alright?"
"As long as you're with me and keep me calm," I answered with a long exhale of breath.
We walked along the plush grass, weaving our way through the throngs of people, apologizing to the many we bumped into as Marlene guided me to my daughter.
"Daddy, Marlene, over here," my daughter's sweet voice exclaimed.
She jumped into my arms, almost knocking me to the ground in her excitement.
"Daddy, I did it, I did it!" she screamed.
"Congratulations, Sweetheart, you did an amazing job," I replied in a proud voice as I held her in my arms.
"Congratulations, Sweetheart," Marlene exclaimed.
Monica released from my hug, rushed into Marlene's arms, and thanked her for all she had done for herself and me. I stood and listened as my beautiful fiance fussed over and interacted with my daughter as if she were her own.
"Hello, Michael," I heard a haunting, nails scratching down a chalk board sounding voice from a long time ago say, approaching from my left side.
"Oh hi, Kelly," I answered, turning to the direction of my ex-wife's voice.
"It's been a long time; you're looking well," she hesitantly added.
Marlene and Monica joined me, standing on each side, "Handsome, who is this lovely woman?" Marlene asked while tightly grasping my hand.
"Marlene, this is my ex-wife Kelly; Kelly, this is my fiance' Marlene."
"Oh my god, it's so nice to finely meet you," Marlene cheerfully said, "I've heard so much about you! You look so pretty; how do you manage to keep yourself looking so young?"
"Alcohol," I murmured under my breath, to which I received a tighter grip on my hand.
"Thank you, I don't know, I guess it's just genetics," my ex-wife replied in a short, snooty tone.
"Well, whatever you're doing, don't ever stop," Marlene responded in an exaggerated, flattering tone.
"So you're engaged Michael? When was the happy day?" Kelly asked, ignoring everything Marlene had said.
"Oh, our wedding is this September," Marlene jumped in, "Michael asked me this past February; isn't this a gorgeous ring?"
"Yeah, it's just great," my ex-wife snorted before twisting to leave.
"It was so nice to meet you!" Marlene yelled out as my ex-wife walked away.
My daughter Monica was hysterical as she turned her giggling face away. Marlene turned into me and gave me a sensuous kiss, "Did I do alright?"
"Oh my god, Marlene; you are so funny," Monica interjected as she turned back to face us.
"do you think I overdid it?" she asked.
Monica, still laughing hysterically, gave her an exaggerated "noooo."
"I think you've been hanging around me a wee bit too much," I laughed as I pulled her into my body for a loving hug.
We took pictures with Monica in her graduation cap and gown before she departed for the dinner she promised her mother and grand parents. Marlene suggested we grab a bite to eat at a restaurant just outside the college town where the crowds wouldn't be so large. It was a wonderful day. We sat and laughed as we ate our dinner, reliving the day's events.
"She really is pretty," Marlene said as we sat at our table, conversing as we ate.
"who?"
"Your ex-wife."
"You are familiar with the phrase, 'beauty is only skin deep,' right?"
"Yes, why?"
"Because the phrase was based on that miserable, self centered, cheating bitch," I replied in a serious tone.
"Oh Michael, she didn't seem that bad; well, not until she got her panties in a bunch after I complimented her. By the way, she still has a thing for you," she nonchalantly added while chewing her food.
"You're kidding, right?" I gasped in shock.