Ethan escorted me into a different dining room than the one we'd been in previously. Seriously, who needs two dining rooms?!? And who needs one this large? I definitely think that my idea of a few people and their idea of a few people are two totally different ideas. There weren't a few people, there were at least 50! All I can say it's a good thing we were just on a cruise and I got use to crowds of strangers or I'd be about ready to freak out now. I'm good one on one or small groups. Really I think the reason I'm close to freaking out is they're all going to be judging me, after all I'm the unknown here and I know they're going to find me lacking.
Most people were already by their seats, and Ethan led me to the head of the table and I wondered how he knew where we were sitting, but then I remembered he'd probably done this with Charlotte. That didn't make me feel any better, I definitely didn't compare to her. How many of these people had been at their engagement dinner? I seriously needed to think about something else or I'd have a permeant scowl on my face, and I didn't want to give everyone here the wrong impression. I was really happy to be marrying Ethan. I just wasn't happy to be here at a dinner with people I didn't know.
When we reached our seats, right next to my father and Ethan's parents, we took our seats. That signaled to others to sit down. Mom was close to the head of the table and I was glad she wasn't put far away from me. I'm sure there was some protocol that said she should be close by and I'm glad they followed it.
My father stood up and started speaking, "Welcome to our celebration tonight, I'm Charles for those of you who don't know me. We know this is a little sudden but thank you for coming on short notice. First of all, I'd like to introduce a very special woman, Sera." He motioned to me and Ethan motioned for me to stand up, so I did.
"Most of you have not had the pleasure of meeting Sera. She is my daughter." There was a bit of commotion at this announcement. "She grew up with her mother and we were just recently reunited. I'm very impressed at the amazing young woman she has grown up to be. I'm sure you all will be amazed by her as well." He nodded to me and I sat back down. I hoped that his words would make people see me better than they would have after all who wanted to argue with the wealthy host.
"Ethan and Sera met last month and have developed a deep relationship in a short amount of time. As you can see as you watch them, they are very much in love and want to get married as soon as possible, which is why we are having this dinner on such short notice. The wedding will be in two weeks. As it is such short notice we apologize to those who would like to attend but will not be able to cancel other events. We will be handing out invitations as you leave tonight. I could say it was to save on postage" he paused as they laughed "but really it is because we wanted to get them to you as soon as possible."
"Thank you all for coming to help us celebrate this wonderful occasion. I want to give my wholehearted congratulations to Sera and Ethan. I am so pleased that they have found love with each other. I hope as the years pass your love will grow stronger and I'll be able to spoil my grandkids." More laughs and I'm pretty sure I was redder than Rudolph's nose at that point.
"To Sera and Ethan" He raised his glass in a toast.
After the toast, Ethan stood up,
"I'm going to address the elephant in the room before I toast my bride to be. It was just a year ago that I was here celebrating my engagement to Sera's step sister. Apparently I was meant to end up with your daughter Charles. I'm just sorry it wasn't Sera I got engaged to first, but fate is fickle sometimes. Charlotte and I are still friends and I wish her well in the future."
Ethan turned to me as he continued speaking.
"There is something special that happens to a man when he realizes he met the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. When that moment comes, everything changes. Sera, I knew that you were my one and only the first time we kissed. Thank you for agreeing to be my wife, I love you!
"I'd like to thank my future parents-in-law Charles and Miranda and Grace. Please raise your glasses with me in a toast to Sera and her parents."
Ethan's parents next gave toasts to us, then Mom stood up to toast us as well.
"Sera, I've watched you grow up and it has been amazing watching you find love as well. When children find true love, parents find true joy. Don't give up on your love, fight for it every day. Here's to your joy and love."
I knew I needed to give my toast as well so I took a deep breath and stood up.
"Ethan, being beside you and knowing you chose me to love and marry is the fulfillment of a dream. I waited many years for this day to come, I had always hoped my Prince Charming would come take me away. Now you're here and all those years seem so short in comparison to what we have ahead.
"To Ethan, my Prince Charming, may we grow more in love each day.
And to you all, my thanks and gratitude."
A few more people gave toasts as we continued to eat dinner. After dinner was over I got introduced to most of the people in attendance. I was grateful that Ethan knew most of them as he was able to carry the conversation and I could just smile and interject when needed. It was exhausting and I wish I'd taken a nap on the plane ride home!