He looks appalled. "It's ten o'clock in the morning." He protests.
"Just a small one, tradition." I pressure him. "Come on. I have some in my office."
He rolls his eyes at me, but I'm doing this for his good. I can tell how nervous he is. A small drink will mellow him out.
"Fine. But just a small one." He caves easily.
I can't help but smile. I remember when the rolls were reversed. Burt was the one offering me a drink to calm down. I pour him a small glass before leaving to check on Donna.
When I entered the upstairs guest room, it was chaos, just like I thought it would be. I don't even see Penny anywhere.
"Oh Conrad, don't you look so handsome." Donna smiles at me.
She's wearing a white pantsuit, with a long white fur trench coat. She looks elegant and beautiful.
"Donna, you look stunning." I walk up and kiss her on the cheek.
"Thank you, dear. But tell me. How is Burt? Holding up well? Or is he getting anxious?" She asks worriedly.
I ease her mind. "He's looking forward to becoming your husband. Don't stress about a thing."
Penny suddenly opens the door. "Perfect timing." She gives me a quick kiss. "We are all ready for this wedding. Can you get Burt ready? The staff is already seated."
"Show time." I grin at Donna.
The wedding is short, simple and sweet. And exactly what Burt and Donna wanted. Based on the amount of work everyone put into this, you'd think it would be as big as a royal wedding. But as long as they are happy, I am too. I watched across the aisle and saw Penny tearing up with happiness. I'm also glad this wedding is over. Hopefully, the stress of the holiday will die down.
After the wedding, we move into the house for some food. I can already see Penny looking more alive and happier. Donna comes to stand next to me, passing me a glass of wine.
"Conrad, I want to apologize."
"For what?" I ask her.
"I know you and Penny wanted this to be a special holiday, and between your in-laws, my house disaster and the wedding, we all but highjacked this holiday." She lets out a sad sigh. "I can't imagine the pressure I added to your plates. I don't know how I can make it up to you."
I smile at her. "You can do something for me."
I've had something planned for the last few days, and I finally get to show her tomorrow. It took a lot of money to make this happen, but I'd do anything for Penny.
Chapter 7- Penny
As the night winds down, I can also feel the pressure of life on me. I honestly feel silly for worrying over such trivial stuff. I watch as Donna and Burt kiss, smile and laugh together. They are a perfect couple. The staff invited to the wedding left already, and my parents and brother went off somewhere.
"We're going to head upstairs now, dear." Donna comes up and kisses me on the cheek.
"Alright. You two get some rest. It's been a long day." I hug them both.
Looking around at all the mess, I decided to leave it for tomorrow. I pack away the leftover food and then speak to Conrad. He slipped out a little while ago; I assume his office. He's ever the workaholic. When I enter his office, I see him shuffling through some papers.
"What have you been doing? It's Christmas Eve; you shouldn't be working." I walk around the desk to sit on his lap. He wraps his arms around me and lets out a content sigh.
"I wasn't working, just finishing up some paperwork."
Before I can ask what kind of paperwork he stands for. I grip his neck, trying to hold on tighter.
"Where are we going?"
"We are going to take a bubble bath."