Chapter Thirteen: The Reception
Stan clinked his fork to his glass, but instead of getting to see his sister kiss Maxwell, he got two very annoyed glares.
"Knock it off, Stan," Sandy growled.
"Aww... C'mon! Just one more?"
"No," Maxwell said, timidly, but nonetheless sternly.
"Aww... geez. You guys always have to ruin my fun!" Stan pouted. Sandy and Maxwell rolled their eyes and chuckled.
The DJ began playing the first song, which was dedicated to the bride and groom. Maxwell held out his arm and Sandy grabbed it. They drifted to the middle of the floor. Stan floated over to Candace.
"So, how are you gonna sit out this shindig?"
"Like this," Candace replied, wrapping her arms around Stan's neck as she giggled.
Stan grinned as he placed his paws on her back, slowly inching down to her waist. It was an amazing feeling, finally getting to touch the parts he had yearned to for so long. Candace smiled up at him, her soft, brown eyes twinkling as he swayed her body with his. Stan made a point by connecting his eyes with hers. She quickly looked away, out into the room. Stan frowned.
Candace gasped, beginning to laugh.
"What?" Stan asked.
She pointed to the right where Stan could see Cappy and Penelope sticking their fingers in the cake's frosting. They laughed.
"Kids..." Stan sighed, twirling Candace, causing her to squeal in delight.
-.-.-.
As the newlyweds danced, the bride took short glances at her surroundings. Her brilliant green eyes fell upon something that gave her good chills with its surprise.
Sandy had never seen a more intimate expression on her twin's face. Stan put his nose to Candace's as they slow danced.
"Stan! What are you doing?" Candace giggled.
"Getting a better look at those pretty eyes of yours," was Stan's reply.
"Oh Stan..." Candace sighed.
Another song began to play, which set the mood even more. Stan recognized it and sang the first four lines, making Candace laugh.
"If
you're not the one then why does my soul feel glad today?
If
you're not the one then why does my hand fit yours this way?
If
you are not mine then why does your heart return my call?
If you
are not mine would I have the strength to stand at all?"
I'll
never know what the future brings
But I know you're here with me
now
We'll make it through
And I hope you are the one I share
my life with
As they continued dancing, Candace spoke.
"You know, Stan? You're a very special guy. No one's ever made me so happy before... I'm so glad I've met you." She looked into his eyes and vowed she wouldn't look away if he returned the glance.
He did. Their eyes connected. Stan felt like kissing her, but he told himself to wait until he told Candace how he felt.
'You're waiting, right bud?' he asked himself. His self wasn't listening. 'Right?'
'Yeah. Sure, dude...'
I
don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't
understand
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell
me that I am?
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?...
-.-.-.
After a while of dancing, the next of the festivities began.
All the women crowded together as Sandy turned her back to them, raised her arms, and got ready to throw the bouquet.
Stan, like a few other men watching this for amusement, glanced around and noticed Candace wasn't there. He found her at a table.
"Aren't you going to join 'em?"
"Nah. I have terrible grip, I can't catch for crap. That, and I never really believed in this stuff." So Stan, wanting to keep her company, stood by the table and chatted.
The bouquet was in flight. At first, Pashmina thought she'd get it, but then Sandy's Aunt Tiffany nearly intercepted it. It flew past the both of them, the crowd, and into... Stan's arms.
"Huh?" Stan stumbled to keep it off the ground. Candace laughed hysterically, as did many others.
Once Stan caught his balance, he slowly walked over to Candace. Everyone was still looking.
"So, do you believe in this stuff, now?" he asked as he leaned in, making Candace's laughter stop and she grew nervous. Stan kissed her for a good half-minute. He pulled away, not wanting to over-do it. Everybody was quiet, waiting for her reply.
"I-I-I..."
