CHAPTER 36
The castle employees and caterers began setting tables back and the crowd congregated around the rather large wedding cake. Jinna was thinking with over one thousand people in attendance it might not be enough. There were extra deserts and pinafores decorated in kind on the buffet and she hoped that some guests would choose those, and they did. Edgar and Louise managed to pull off the champagne toast. Louise's hands were a little shaky. Edgar thought she was just nervous being the center of attention but other things had crept into her mind. He squeezed her tight to him and they posed for the cake cutting photo. Then of course the customary smear your spouse with cake and icing. Louise got the better of Edgar as he proclaimed, "You shoved it up my nose!" Everyone laughed, and the couple cleaned up a bit.
A slow waltz began to play and Berk emerged from the crowd of onlookers and took his little girls hand. He led Louise to the center of the newly laid dance floor and took her in his arms, for what might be the last time. As they began the father-daughter dance Louise looked up at her father and said, "I love you daddy." He could not respond his tears were flowing unchecked. He merely held her a little closer as they danced. Edgar knew he was supposed to cut in at the end of the song and when Sig nudged him to do so. He shook his head no. Berk could have this time with her. He would wait. When the song finished Berk guided Louise off the dance floor and put her hand in Edgar's and said, "Thank you." Edgar only nodded, seeing the man's pain took his breath away. Everything about today was telling him that he had made a good choice in a wife. She was everything he ever wanted and he would make sure she always knew this. The couple made their way to the dance floor and took their customary dance. Edgar held Louise as close as he could get her and whispered in her ear, "You have made me the happiest man in the world." She only smiled back at him and Edgar thought well that is all it takes, her smile.