Wedding Day Back in Los Angeles Mhiya chased Reggie around in the backyard.
Amanda spoke and laughed with Edwith as they sipped wine.
Amanda left Edwith to come to me.
"Congratulations, Carter, on your wedding." Amanda hugged me.
It was my wedding day. I was happy but had a void in my heart.
I wished my mother and Giani were there. However, I knew they were here in spirit, celebrating this once-in-a lifetime moment with us.
"Thank you," I said to Amanda quietly.
"I have a favor to ask you. I am thinking about taking my retirement. So I want you to take my place...I want you to be the conductor of the orchestra."
God does exist. Everything happened at once. My hard work had paid off. I almost fainted when Amanda asked me to replace her as the conductor of the orchestra, a Negro like me.
But I assumed race, size, and appearance didn't really matter if you worked hard enough, kept up your confidence, and believed in yourself. I was speechless. I didn't know what to think or say.
"You don't have to thank me. You really deserve it. You have a unique and incredible talent. You are the perfect choice."
She embraced me once again.
"I hope you're going to practice more tonight to be a conductor," she joked before she went to get more wine.
I looked at Peter, Peggy's father. He had two glasses of wine and handed one to me.
"So you won. My daughter married you, huh? And the same time you proved me wrong... I misjudged you because of your skin color.
I should have known better. I hope you forgive me for my behavior.
I'm so proud of you, son." He hugged me tightly.
Peter just hugged an ape, I joked to myself.
"Congratulations, son! And you take care of my beautiful daughter."
"I will, sir."
"Come on. Don't stand here. Go find your wife."
He put his hand on my shoulder, walking with me toward Peggy.
Sherley ran up to me. Peter tapped my shoulder and moved away.
"The bride and groom have to have the first dance, Carter, or no one else can dance. And I can't wait to shake my ass. Come on!" she shouted.
Then she realized I was quiet and cold. She knew right away what kept me silent.
"Carter, they're happy for you as well. I bet they are smiling down upon you right now, celebrating with us. Giani is probably making fun of you in this suit," she laughed.
"Yeah, I know. He is probably like... 'Look at him trying to be like me.' "
"But I wish they were here, Sherley. I wish they were here with us for this big event. I miss them every day."
