By the time the wedding rolled around, Millie had finally gotten excited about the prospect of being a flower girl. Danny and the boys went out for boy's night as Millie and Linda went to the rehearsal. They took a seat on a the front pew while the wedding coordinator tried to wrangle everyone to join them for a briefing before the actual rehearsal began.
"So when do I throw the flowers?" Millie asked, already bored by the entire thing.
"First Mrs. Sue has to tell us who's walking where. Then, we'll all go to the back like we will tomorrow, and me and the bridesmaids will walk in, and then, you see that little boy over there?" Linda pointed to a dark complected, seven year old, missing a few of his front teeth.
"Uh huh."
"He is the one that carries the rings. He will walk down the aisle and then it's your turn. You'll come down and drop all of the beautiful flower petals. You have a very important job because you know who comes after you?"
"Who?"
"The bride."
"Ohhhh…."
Mrs. Sue grabbed a microphone and got the crowd's attention before giving a few instructions and starting the rehearsal. They practiced where everyone would be standing throughout the ceremony first and how everyone would leave, before starting all over again from the beginning. Millie didn't understand why they were doing it backwards, but Mrs. Sue assured both she and the ring bearer, Ryder, that she would be there to tell them what to do. One runthrough was all it took and Claire was satisfied.
"On to the rehearsal dinner!" she cheered as she led the company out the back door of the church.
"Where are we going now?" Millie asked, clearly ready to go home.
"To dinner. We're all going out to celebrate."
"Can we go home instead?"
"No. We have to do this for Claire. It will be fun."
"Is Mr. Uncle Danny coming?"
"No. He's out with the boys."
"Can I go out with the boys?"
"No."
Millie sighed as she took Linda's hand and walked to the car. "You did great tonight," Linda encouraged. "You think you can do that again tomorrow?"
"Yes ma'am. Can I throw all the petals?"
"You sure can."
"Cool."
"Want to call Uncle Danny on the way to the restaurant?"
MIllie nodded excitedly as she crawled in and buckled up. Linda dialed Danny and handed the phone to the backseat.
"Hey Babe! How was rehearsal?"
"It's me, Mr. Uncle Danny!"
"It is?"
"Uh huh."
"Well hey Silly Millie! How was rehearsal?"
"Fine. We just practiced. I didn't get to throw any flowers yet, but that's the most important part because it let's Mr. Sawyer know that Ms. Claire is on her way down the aisle."
"Ah."
"Now we have to go to dinner to celebrate. I wanted to come home but Mrs. Aunt LInda says we have to go."
"Yeah you should probably go. You can come home after… and by that time, me, Jack and Sean will be home."
"What are you doing?"
"Sitting here eating pizza. I bet whatever you're about to eat will be way better. I bet they'll have good stuff for dessert."
"I hope so."
"Look, you have fun and be good and we'll see you in a little bit. Ok?"
"Ok."
"Let me talk to Aunt Linda."
Millie passed the phone up. "He wants to talk to you."
"Hey," LInda smiled, anticipating the voice of the love of her life.
"Hey Babe. Headed to dinner?"
"Yeah. It's at Fancy's on Fifth… should be good. Glad I'm not picking up the bill."
"Millie's not as excited as you?"
"Not in the least. I think she's tired."
"Well, if she gets cranky, give me a call. We can swing by and get her."
"I think it'll be fine once we get some food. We're both hungry, right Mil?"
"Right."
"What time will you boys be home?"
"We're headed to the movies now, so we should be home right as you guys get back."
"Sounds good."
"Hey, make sure you park in the parking deck. I don't want you parking on the street this late."
"I will. I'll shoot you a text when we head in."
"Sounds good. Love you."
"Love you more."
"Love you most."
LInda and Millie hopped out in the parking deck and rode the elevator up to the 31st floor of the Fancy's building. "Can we go to the bathroom first?" Millie asked as they stepped off the elevator?
"Sure."
They navigated their way around to the restrooms. When Millie finished and began washing her hands Linda got a bright idea. "Hey Millie, you know, this is a pretty fancy place."
"Uh huh."
"We have to be on our best behavior."
"I know," Millie sighed. "Mr. Uncle Danny said to be good."
"Yeah. I was thinking, you're pretty grown up tonight. How about a little lipstick to jazz up the evening?"
"Really?" Millie's eyes lit up.
"But it has to be our secret. If Mr. Uncle Danny knows you're wearing makeup, he may stroke out on us. He doesn't want his Millie to look like a grown up lady for a long, long time."
"I promise," Millie said solemnly as she crossed her heart.
"Good," Linda smiled as she leaned down and put some lip shimmer on Millie's lips. Most people wouldn't even notice, but you would've thought Linda had just crowned her princess for the night. Millie was overjoyed as they waltzed into the dining room and took a seat with a few of LInda's cousins and their husbands. While LInda talked to the ladies, Millie struck up a conversation with Fitz, one of the husbands, who felt equally as out of place.
"Mr. Fitz, what's your job tomorrow?" Millie asked. "I have to throw flowers before Ms. Claire walks down the aisle.
"Oh wow. I don't have a job that important. I just have to hold my wife's purse and make sure she doesn't forget anything."
"I bet Mr. Uncle Danny will have to do that too." They continued chatting until it was time for them all to hit the buffet. Millie wasn't a fan of the chicken covered in fancy sauce, but she liked the roasted potatoes, mushrooms, rolls, and dessert table. After getting full, Millie was even more tired. She leaned up against Linda as the speeches began and slowly drifted off to sleep. Fitz was a saint and carried her to the car when the evening finally came to a close. Linda called Danny as they pulled into the driveway and he met them at the car.
"Have fun, Mama?" he asked as he gave her a kiss.
"We did. It actually went really well. I'm hoping we can get the same cooperation tomorrow."
"I'm sure we can manage that," Danny said as he opened the back door and removed a sleeping Millie.
"Did the boys have fun?"
"They sure did. Both of them passed out from a sugar coma about ten minutes ago. How long has this one been out?"
"Since the speeches started... probably a good hour and a half."
"So she's out for the night?"
"I'd say that's a very safe bet."
"Good. I've already got the wine poured. Let me put her to bed and I'll join you on the couch for some adult time."
The following morning, Linda was up early to head to the church for all of the wedding day festivities. Knowing Millie's tendency to get very bored, Danny agreed to somehow get her to the church in time for pictures, but wasn't about to make the kid go over any earlier than necessary. Claire had agreed that the little kids could arrive at 1pm for all of their pictures so they'd only be there for two hours before the wedding started instead of the five hours that the rest of the wedding party was there.
"Do I need to have her dressed when I bring her?"
"Nope. I've got her dress. She can get ready here at the church," Linda said as Danny watched Jack, Millie, and Sean play on the homemade slip-n-slide he had set up in the backyard using a tarp, water hose, and way too much dish detergent. Around 10:45am, he hosed them off and declared the fun over. He already had lunch set up in the kitchen, so they all piled in for a hot dog and chips before he sent Millie to find some clothes.
"Jack, you good to stay with Sean until I drop Millie or do you guys want to ride?"
"Nah. We're good here."
"Stay inside. Don't be out slipping and sliding. We can't afford a broken arm today."
"We'll play video games."
"Sounds good. I've got my phone on me… the church is only twenty minutes away, so I should be back within the hour."
"Ok."
Millie stumbled back down the stairs with the outfit Linda had left laying out for her to wear to the church… a cute little matching outfit with a coordinating headband and brown velcro shoes. "Hey, there's my flower girl. Ready?"
"I guess so."
Millie and Danny loaded up and took off to the church, just shortly after 11:30am. "Whatcha thinking back there?" Danny asked as he noticed Millie staring blankly out the window.
"Nothing," she sighed.
"Nervous?"
"No sir. You're coming right?"
"Of course. Me, Jack, and Sean will be there watching the whole time."
"What do we do after?"
"We go to the reception."
"What's a reception?"
"We'll eat dinner, dance, eat cake…"
"More dinner?" Millie looked extremely put out by the concept of more wedding festivities. She had signed up to throw some flowers. That was it. Nobody had warned her about all the social activities that went along with it.
"This dinner is more fun, I promise." He looked in the rearview mirror to see Millie with her head leaned up against the window. "Not to add to your troubles, Mil, but I might as well go ahead and tell you, there's going to be a lot of people there today that are probably going to want to talk to you."
"Who?"
"Aunt Linda's family. Her mom and dad and her sister Wendy and her daughter Sophie, and a whole lot of other family who are going to want to meet you and talk to you and ask you a million questions."
"Why?"
"Well, when you joined our family, you joined their family too and they all want to get to know you because they have heard how awesome you are."
"I don't need their family. We have enough. We have Grandpa and Pop and Mr. Uncle Jamie and Mrs. Aunt Erin, and Nicki."
"I know. But you have more family… Aunt LInda's family, and it's very important for her that you like them, so do me a favor and be sweet when she introduces you to all of them."
"Ok," Millie sighed.
Danny sat quietly for a minute, but figured he needed to up her spirits before he dropped her off or there would be a very sad looking flower girl walking down the aisle. "Guess what happens in exactly one week."
"What?"
"We're going on vacation."
"We are?"
"Yep. All of the Reagans. We're going to a resort with a big pool."
"Grandpa too?"
"Yep. Grandpa and Pop."
"And Mr. Uncle Jamie?"
"Yep. And Aunt Erin and Nicki."
"How long will we stay?"
"Five days."
"What all will we do?"
"Well, we'll swim and hang out with everybody. We'll probably go to a couple of fun places and go on a few adventures. How does that sound?"
"Cool!" Millie smiled.
It was too much longer until they arrived at the church. Danny pulled into visitor parking and hopped out, opening the door for Millie who unbuckled and jumped out as well. "Let's go find Aunt Linda." They passed the flower people decorating the rails and made their way inside the chapel.
"That's Mrs. Sue," Millie whispered as she pointed at the old lady up front, reviewing some notes with the organ player.
"I wonder if she knows where Aunt Linda is." They made their way down front and over to Mrs. Sue.
"There's my flower girl! Hello Millie. Are you ready for your big day?"
"I guess so."
"And who do you have with you?"
"Hey. I'm Danny Reagan, dropping off the flower girl. Have you seen Linda?"
"I think they just finished up some pictures out back."
"Great. Thank you."
Danny and Millie made their way out the back door and spotted the flock of bridesmaids and groomsmen getting their pictures made with Claire. "Hey!" Linda waved as she made her way over.
"You look hot," Danny smiled.
"Well I hope so. I'm not wearing anything under this dress, and if everything goes as planned, I might get lucky tonight," she whispered into his ear before turning to Millie. "Ready to go get your dress on?" she took Millie's hand and grinned over her shoulder at Danny, who stood, speechless, smiling at her.
As LInda got Millie dressed, she noticed that her hair was still damp from the morning's festivities.
"Mil, did Daddy give you a bath before you came?"
"Sorta."
"What exactly does 'sorta' mean?"
We went outside and Mr. Uncle Danny made a big slide in the backyard and we poured all the dish soap on it and turned on the waterhose and we would run and slide on our tummies! It was so fun!"
"That was your bath?"
"Uh huh. We got real soapy. Then when we had to get ready, Mr. Uncle Danny just hosed us off."
LInda rolled her eyes. "Did he feed you guys lunch?"
"Yes ma'am. We had hotdogs and chips. It was pretty good."
"Good thing we have a hair dryer and a curling iron. Come sit." After a few minutes, LInda had Millie's hair perfectly curled and pulled back at the top. Mrs. Sue brought over a crown of flowers for her to wear, which she wasn't entirely crazy about, but she obliged and stood still so they could pin them in place.
"Mrs. Aunt LInda," Millie whispered. "Do I get lipstick today?"
"I think so… and a little mascara."
Millie's eyes went wide. That officially made having to be there and take pictures all better. When the marathon of pictures was finally over, Mrs. Sue locked the bridal party away until time for the wedding. Danny and the boys arrived shortly before 3pm and took a seat on the bride's side. They got as close to the front as possible so Millie would be able to see them.
When everyone was finally seated, the ceremony began. Millie bounced with excitement the closer it got to her turn. "Can I throw all the flowers?"
"Yes," LInda whispered. "Just don't throw them on any people."
"Ok."
"And spit out your bubblegum."
"Do I got to?"
"Yes. Now."
Millie spit out her gum just as LInda made her way down the aisle. "Ok," Mrs. Sue smiled down at her. "Your turn. Remember, stand right up front in front of Aunt LInda." With that, Millie took off tossing and sprinkling flowers all over the aisle. She was so enthusiastic the crowd got tickled.
Danny and the boys caught her eye as she passed by. "Hi Mr. Uncle Danny, hi Jack, hey Seany!" Millie waved excitedly.
"Good job, Mil," Jack whispered as she took her spot in front of LInda. The ceremony didn't last too terribly long and it was a good thing. Millie was bored out of her mind. She and Ryder both covered their eyes for the kiss, making the greatest pictures ever.
When they finally all arrived at the reception, Danny's premonition for Millie came true. All of LInda's family kept coming up and introducing themselves. "LInny, you look gorgeous!"
"Thanks, Dad!" LInda smiled as she hugged the cute little old man with the beard and then the older lady clutching a silver purse. "Hi Mom."
"Hello. That's a mighty pretty flower girl you have there."
"Mil, come say hi. Do you remember Grammy and Bop Bop?"
Millie looked at them confused.
"I'm your Grandpa!"
"No you're not, Silly. Grandpa's tall and he has a mustache."
"Grandpa on Uncle Danny's side does have a mustache. But Bop Bop is your Grandpa on my side of the family."
"So I have two now?"
"Yep. See. Here he is," LInda said, attempting to get Millie to agree. "Can you give him a hug?" Remembering Danny's warning to play nice, Millie agreed and hugged them both.
"Ooooh. Is this the bonus kid? She's beautiful!"
"And this is your Aunt Wendy," Linda said, a little less enthused as her sister walked up.
"What's she mean bonus? My name's not Bonus. It's Millie Rose Reagan."
"She just meant you are our extra special daughter," LInda covered.
Millie wrinkled her forehead and stared up at Wendy who was straightening her flower crown. "Well, you may not be Danny Reagan's child but you sure do have a look like him."
Luckily, Danny walked up about that time as Linda's eyes went wide and Millie took a deep breath. "There's my girl!" Millie reached for Danny as he picked her up. "Hi Wendy, Hi Grammy. Hey Bop Bop. Are you all getting reacquainted?"
"I don't know what that means but I don't like her," Millie muttered as Danny's eyes went equally as wide as Linda's.
"We're going to grab a bite to eat. Excuse us," and with that, Danny made an about face and headed to the buffet line. "Boys, go speak to your grandparents and Aunt Wendy."
"Ugh. Do we have to talk to Aunt Wendy?"
"Yes. Go. Didn't I tell you to play nice?" Danny said as he grabbed an empty plate for himself and one for Millie.
"She called me Bonus. Then said I wasn't yours. I don't like her."
"Oh. Well, in that case, you don't have to. Just don't say it out loud. Copy?"
"Copy."
"You want pasta?" Millie shook her head. "Chicken?" Again, she shook her head no. "You gotta eat something, kid. You haven't had anything since this morning."
"Can we have that cake?"
"Not until you have real food."
"Can I just eat the salad?"
"Sure. Do you want onions? Carrots? Cucumbers?" Millie shook her head after each question. "Cheese and lettuce it is." As they neared the end of the line, the only option for dressing was balsamic vinaigrette. Danny knew that was not going to go over well, but thankfully a waiter with a big smile and an equally big heart walked up at the same time. "Hey, I hate to ask, but is there any chance you have a kid friendly dressing back there?"
"For the flower girl? Let me see what I can find." In a few short minutes, he returned with some ranch dressing and a fruit bowl.
"How's this?"
"Perfect. Thank you so much."
"Thank you," Millie smiled.
"You're very welcome."
After the Reagans all had their fill of dinner, it was time for the dancing to begin. Danny spun Linda around the dance floor first, then found Millie for a slow dance. She hopped up on his feet and they danced away. He even let her twirl a few times. "How cute is that?" Linda gushed. "Which one of my boys is going to dance with me?"
Jack pushed Sean out of his chair. "Go."
When the fast music returned, Millie, Jack and Sean all got out and partied on the dance floor while LInda and Danny walked to the bar to get a glass of wine. "Did I tell you you look gorgeous tonight?"
"I think you mentioned it," Linda smiled.
"Still planning on getting lucky?"
"Depends on how long it takes those three to come off the sugar high and go to bed."
Danny smiled as he took a seat and Linda sat down on his leg. "I have a surprise."
"What's that?"
"The kids aren't going home with us."
"Excuse me? They have to. Millie doesn't like my family."
Danny chuckled. "She doesn't like your sister. That's why I called mine. Millie and Nicki are going with Erin. Jack and Sean are going with Uncle Jack."
"What?"
"Jack's in town and agreed to some male bonding with the boys, which probably means he's going to drop $200 at the arcade and Erin wants to take the girls to get their nails done in the morning."
"Jimmy's here. Are you telling me you trust your ex-brother-in-law with our sons more than you trust my actual brother?"
"Yes. 100%. Don't you?"
"Yeah I really do," she laughed. "So we're…"
"They'll be here at 8pm. You and I will enjoy this open bar as long as we like, and then, we will make our way across the street to the Fitz Hotel and make sweet, sweet love. All. Night. Long," he said as he kissed the side of her neck.
"Why Daniel Reagan. You never cease to amaze me. What are the rules on stealing a bottle of wine from the bar and leaving as soon as the kids do?" she asked with a chuckle.
"I'm in."
Erin texted Danny about a quarter until 8pm to alert him of their arrival. He gathered the kids and ushered them to the front door. "Hey Jack," Danny said with a handshake as Jack got out to make sure everyone got into the SUV safely. "Hey Sis." Erin also got out as Danny kissed her cheek. "Thanks for doing this."
"You got it. We're going to have fun, right guys?" Jack asked as he hi-fived the boys.
"Right!"
"Have fun. Be good." Danny gave them both a hug as they jumped in. "You too," Danny smiled as he placed a kiss to the side of Millie's head before dumping her in the back seat. "I'll see you tomorrow. Don't keep Aunt Erin up late. She turns into a witch after midnight."
"She does?"
"Don't worry. She switches back by the morning."
"What are you telling her?" Erin asked as Danny closed the door.
"Nothing. Here's the rundown, the boys have been fed and each have money for tomorrow. Millie may be hungry, but she's also not had a nap, so I'm guessing she'll be asleep before you get back to Manhattan. They've all been bathed. Text me when you get home tomorrow and I'll come get them, unless it's an emergency, do not call me. I"ll be in bed with my wife."
"More information than I ever needed," Erin said, unamused. "We'll see you tomorrow."
"Thank you!"
Millie woke up halfway through the night, desperately wanting a drink of water. She snuck out of Nicki's bed and made her way to the kitchen, found a cup, filled it up and had just taken a sip when Erin walked in. "Hey Millie."
"Ah!" Millie screamed as she dropped the cup and covered her eyes.
"It's ok. It's me. It's Aunt Erin."
"Don't put a spell on me. I was just thirsty!"
"What?"
"Don't turn me into a frog! I'll go back to bed. Honest!"
"What are you talking about? And why are you covering your eyes?"
"Mr. Uncle Danny said you're a witch in the night time."
Erin rolled her eyes. Leave it up to her brother to terrify the kid with a ridiculous story. "Millie, open your eyes." Millie cracked open one eye, but stayed a safe distance back. "Do you see a wart on the end of my nose?"
"No."
"Does my face look green?"
"No."
"Am I wearing a pointy hat or riding a broom?"
"No," Millie chuckled.
"I'm not a witch. Uncle Danny was just trying to be funny. Me being a witch is like saying he's not a pea-brained neanderthal and that he turns into a genius during the day time. It's simply untrue."
"Whew!" Millie sighed a sigh of relief. "That's good to know."
"Now, are you ready to go back to bed?"
"Yes ma'am." Millie got up and put her cup in the sink as Ering took her hand and started back to Nicki's room. "Mrs. Aunt Erin?"
"Hmm?"
"What's a neanderthal?"
Erin thought for a minute and decided on an easy answer. "An ape."
Millie cracked up. "You called Mr. Uncle Danny an ape."