Aurora Hills continued on life's path, enduring the same ups and downs as those across the country – the world. Next to Malcolm's Canada day event, which was a resounding success in spite of little potholes here and there, was the wedding of Roy and Jill. It was a public wedding with no invitations necessary, held in the gazebo in the park.

Families from all over town gathered, happily taking part in the novel event, some even bringing gifts in tribute. Ted walked his daughter through the park and up onto the sheltered pavilion, his steps steady, supported by Jill, his face fixed, calm and serious.

As arranged by Elizabeth for a wedding gift, 'Lectrik Thunder played a beautiful soft rock version of the wedding march to everyone's surprised approval. Some children managed to join in, getting both cheers from onlookers, and scolds from parents. Car horns sounded from some passing traffic as a salute.

Andrea was Jill's Maid of Honour, and she doubled as Ted's escort for the rest of the time. The reception was also held in the park, the ladies auxiliary catering with a vast array of finger food and beverages, the alcohol allowed without a permit in deference to the occasion.

Some of the money from Ted's carriage sales paid the bill, along with voluntary donations from many in the crowd. The gazebo was used for dancing, and the crowd clapped and cheered as Roy twirled Jill around in their first dance as a married couple, both grinning so hard their faces hurt.

Andrea even managed a short dance with Ted, who nodded agreeably to all who greeted him, afterwards asking her who they were. As the evening approached, the newlyweds left to change and the party wound down, kids running amok, and volunteers helping to clean up the park and pack things away. The band continued playing the entire time for those couples who didn't want to quit.

General Sledge had insinuated himself into the celebration through the Scout Troop. The boys had been recruited to assist in the park cleanup, and with a desire to regain his reputation, he had them trembling as orders were delivered with a thunder equal to the band. Troop leader Bonaparte stood helplessly by as his scouts raced to and fro, some almost in tears, gathering litter, presenting it for inspection, and depositing it in the various waste receptacles.

Roy led Jill out to their car, which had been decorated beyond description, and they drove back to the park. The remaining folks gathered about with more cheers and best wishes, some handfuls of rice found their way into hair and clothes. Jill found Andrea and her father, and she hugged them both fiercely.

"You going to be okay for a few days while we're gone, dad?"

"You going somewhere?" Ted looked puzzled.

"Our honeymoon, dad. We just got married." Roy came alongside and gripped Ted's arm.

"Honeymoon! Does your mom know?"

She choked out her reply. "I'm sure she does. Andrea is going to stay with you until we get back so you be nice to her, okay?"

Ted humphed and looked at them. "Just don't you keep her out too late, young man."

"I promise, Ted." Roy held Jill's hand in assurance.

"Okay then, guess you better get going – it's a pretty important night ahead." The wink startled them all, then brought them to laughter.

Hugs and kisses and then into the car, and horn blowing, they waved goodbye.

Andrea took Ted's arm and whispered in his ear, "You are a lucky man, Ted."

"Yes, and I have a daughter who's getting married."

She squeezed his arm. "Yes, you do, Ted – you certainly do."

******

General Sledge ordered a few bewildered parents to the sidelines, and stood at rigid attention as the tiny scouts marched unsteadily past, uniforms soaked in sweat, and heads down. Troop leader Bonaparte trailed, wondering how he had lost his authority to this military dilettante.

In a bold moment of stealth, as darkness descended and the cleanup proceeded, Clive and Wilma stood in silent disbelief as they heard ominous groans coming from the shadows beneath the gazebo.

"Uufff- Esther . . ."

"Yes, Wilfred . . . yes . . ."

END