The dinner went on for three hours because there was toast after toast. By the end of the night, most of the people were a bit drunk.
Faith didn’t know how, but the kitchen had the time to make a wedding cake for them, and she and Graham had fun cutting it. It felt like a normal wedding. She was glad to know one of the cousins was taking pictures all day because she felt like she was missing so much because she was a bit overwhelmed and wanted to show her family her wedding.
“Oh, no, you don’t,” Graham said and took her glass of wine from her. “I don’t want you tipsy when we go to bed tonight.”
She’d been relaxed a moment before, and then she tensed when she got his meaning. “You mean we’re going to…”
Graham took her hand. “Yes. We will be having sex.”
She tried to tug her hand from his. “But I’m not ready.”
He cupped her cheek. “Please don’t worry. I’ll take such good care of you.”
“I’m sure you will, but you’re so big, and I’m not.”
He grinned. “That’s true, but I promise you that I’ll fit, and you’ll love it.”
“Still, can’t we wait until we get to know each other better?”
“Let’s stop talking about it. You’re just getting riled up, and I want you to have a good time tonight.”
She stood when Beth came over to her and hugged her.
“Congratulations,” Beth said. “I can’t wait to get to know you better. I’ve never had a sister, and although I’m not one of the daughters-in-law, we can pretend I am.”
Faith studied her friend’s face. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Beth nodded. “Yes. But tomorrow. I’m tired, and I want to go to sleep.”
Faith hugged her one more time. “Get some rest.”
“I will. Good night.”
Faith watched her leave and then turned to look for Alastair and found him laughing with some of the other men. She got the feeling he had no idea Beth had just left.
Graham came up behind her, wrapped an arm around her waist, and kissed the back of her head. “Are you ready?”
She wanted to yell no but didn’t want to embarrass herself. “Yes, I’m ready.”
Alastair stopped them as they were leaving. “Have you seen Beth?”
“Yes, she went up to bed a while ago,” Faith said.
She could see the confusion on his face.
Alastair nodded. “Thank you and congratulations again.”
She watched him turn and walk toward the stairs.
“Is everything okay?” Graham asked.
“I’m not sure. Beth didn’t seem happy tonight.”
“Don’t worry. They’ll get it settled. My brother loves her too much to let her stay sad.”
“I hope so. She’s a special person.”
“Yes, she is.”