Dear Daddy,
Mommy has been making wedding plans for the last two weeks. She and John decided to have a little wedding, fast and easy. I would want to have a huge wedding, but Mommy says this one will be better. Only a few people are invited. I am a junior bridesmaid. In fact, I'm the only bridesmaid. They decided not to have any other attendants. That's what Mommy calls the groomsmen and bridesmaids. I think she's crazy. The only reason I am one is because I'm her daughter. I wanted a big girl dress, and Mommy let me have one. My dress is sleeveless and light blue with glitter on the skirt. I got a little blue purse to match it and tried to talk Mommy into high-heeled shoes. She wouldn't let me. She says that I'm too young. I told her it was for a special occasion and she still said no. I hate boring old flat shoes. She did tell me I could wear some lip-gloss, though! No eye shadow or anything else, but still.
They got married outside in the park where the three of us had our picnic a long time ago. They set up chairs with lilies and pink carnations covering the back. Uncle Bailey, Frances, Auntie Grace, Morgan and Jason, Uncle George and Rob, and Angel cam e to the wedding. The best surprise was Nathan! Uncle Nathan came to see his best friend, terminally single John, get hitched. I didn't know what terminally single meant, but he laughed when he said it, so I bet it was funny. John was excited about seeing Nate. I think Nathan is like John's family the way Angel is mine and Mommy's. John and Mommy started out in front of the oak tree instead of Mommy walking down the aisle. John was wearing a navy blue suit and a white tie and stuff that go with suits. He looked really cute, all dressed up and neat. Mommy was absolutely beautiful, wearing a white dress. It was sleeveless, too, and was silky and sleek. She didn't want a veil, only a flowery crown made from the lilies and carnations. She still looked pretty. I stood to the side of Mommy while the preacher started the ceremonies. They said their vows and before I knew what happened, they were kissing. Mommy and John were married!
We had a small party after the wedding. Everyone talked and laughed and joked. There was a cake and punch and wine. I was the youngest one there, but I didn't mind. We were all crowded around one big picnic table. I had seen on TV that someone always gives a speech at weddings and I wanted to make one. I clinked on my glass like I'd seen them do, but no one paid attention. Adults were like that. I guess I have to be really obvious. I stood on my chair, which, of course, the adults noticed.
"I want to say something. " Everyone stopped talking and stared at me. I looked down at my feet and started.
"I'm Chloe, Samantha's daughter. I wanted to talk about what I think about them getting married because that's what people do at weddings. I'm only 9 and a lot of people thinks that means I don't know anything, but they're wrong. If anything, I notice more than adults do. I always knew Mommy and John were supposed to be together. I could just tell. Mommy smiled a lot when John was around. After my daddy died, Mommy was especially sad. We all were. Mommy hid away from everything. She was lonely. But Uncle Bailey asked her for some help. She stopped hiding and started working and she started smiling. I met everyone at the VCTF and I knew John was special. He liked to play with me and he didn't act like I was just another little kid. He made us smile again. John was cool and I realized he had a crush on Mommy. Over two entire years, Mommy and John pretended like they didn't have crushes on each other, but they did. I could see it. Things were hard with the bad man messing everything up, but Mommy was still glad when John was around. So was I. I may have lost a daddy, but now I have a new one. I love you both a whole lot."
I jumped down and hugged Mommy and Daddy. Daddy kissed my cheek and I knew I'd made them feel good.
Mommy and Daddy left for their honeymoon a little while ago. They were going to Jamaica. Angel and I went home to the firehouse and started to pack. Angel was going to move back to her farm with Denzel. I was going to move into our new house. John, I'm still getting used to calling him Daddy. Anyway, Daddy bought us a new house that has a yard to play in and stairs and everything. We're moving in when they get back from their honeymoon. I'm really excited about it. I just hope they won't have to work when they come back while we're moving.
I think this will be my last entry. I'm moving to a new life. I think I'll have a new journal. I'll miss writing in this one, but I'm going to a whole separate life. It makes sense. So, good-bye.
Love,
Chloe Waters