The night progressed and it turned out Alana had not been lying after all and our wedding was becoming more and more full of celebrities as 5ive came and performed a few songs. We talked with them for a few minutes and they were just as sweet as candy.
Finally around 6 pm it was over and Lance and myself made our final rounds and thanked everyone for coming and I spent 15 minutes quality time with my dad in a hallway outside of the reception hall.
"So you're off on your honeymoon right after this huh?" my dad asked.
"Yea, we've got the car loaded but we're stopping back at the house quickly so we can change before we catch our flight which leaves at like 8:30."
"Where are you going to?"
"We'll be in Cancun for 5 days starting tomorrow."
"You have fun and when you get back give me a call."
"Ok, you are coming down for a few days around Christmas right?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world." he said as I saw a tear form in his eye and he tried to hide it.
A gentle knocking on the door signaled me to look up.
"Sorry to interupt but we've gotta leave in like 5 minutes Jen." Lance said.
" Ok, give me another minute or so."
"Ok I'll be right out here." I smiled at him as he closed the door.
"I'm really proud of you." My dad said looking at me.
"Yea right." I said rolling my eyes.
"I'm serious Jennifer."
"What is there to be proud of"" I asked. "Look at me! I'm 17, left home, fell in love and got pregnant, just got married and I haven't even graduated high school. What are you proud of?"
"You. So you made some mistakes but look at what you've got going for you. You're having a baby with someone you dearly love and you know he isnt' going to run out on you like what happens to so many other teenagers who are in your shoes. You just got married and are going to settle down and then have this kid and you'll be graduating still. You've got a plan and you know what you're doing. You're a smart kid." I sat there in shock at my father. I had never heard such motivational words come from his lips. It meant so much and I felt reinsured that my life wasn't so terrible. What was I suppose to say to him after such a moving talk? I couldn't say anything I just gave him a big hug.
"Thanks, it means a lot." I said.
"Listen, I know I haven't been the best father, but I want to try and fix that. I know both you and your brother have grown up faster than you should've and I just want to say that I'm here for you now because I know I wasn't as much when you two were younger."
"I'll remember that." I said. There was a long pause of silence.
"Well" my dad said taking a moment to look at his watch, "You best be getting out of here kiddo. Your husband awaits you." He smiled
"God does that sound weird, My husband. Well thanks dad, I'm glad we finally got it all worked out. I love you." I said partially opening the door.
"I love you too princess" I smiled one last time and shut the door behind me. This was finally the start of a whole new life.
"Are you ready?" Lance asked from across the hall.
"Let's do it." I said as we locked arms a proceeded down the hallway and too the exit where everyone had gathered. We quickly made our way out the door and down the sidewalk as our family and friends showered us with rice. We waved a final good-bye and got into the limo which would be dropping us off at the house.
The drive was peaceful and a good distance. We gently came to a stop at our house. The driver came around to my door and opened it. We carefully slid out the limo, I took extra precautions not to damage my dress.
We proceeded to the house. I sighed as we closed the front door.
"OK I'm about ready for bed now." I remarked.
"Oh well that won't come for a few more hours." He replied.
"I know well lets go change and get off on our honeymoon for some well needed R & R" We went upstairs and got changed. It felt so great to get out of that dress.