Chapter 6 Lisa #2
Stone rose to his feet with a huge smile planted on his face.
“I’m not in show business and not worthy to follow either of those speeches.
So I’ll keep it simple, like me. Rafael, you’re the best guy I know.
I’m proud to be your friend, business partner, and best man.
There’s no man I’d rather be with in a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean.
Fortunately, those days are behind us. Ahead of us are lives with these phenomenal women by our sides.
From one lucky bastard to another, cheers. ”
The room filled with jubilant cheers.
David, as the other groomsman and Lisa’s twin, went next.
His blue eyes, so like her own, met hers.
He gave her a small shrug, as if in apology for his poor public speaking abilities.
Not that it mattered. He didn’t have to say words out loud for her to know his thoughts.
However, what he said surprised her. “When we were kids, my mother always bought a new puzzle to do over Christmas break. We’d open it Christmas Eve and then spend the next week putting it together.
I was good at it—spatial awareness and all that.
” A playful smile splashed across his even features.
“My sister wasn’t. I always figured she was too busy taking in the emotional dynamics of our family to have any room left for something as mundane as a puzzle. ”
She flushed and inwardly cringed as she remembered his wife’s funeral.
Her brother was starting to become infamous with his overly truthful public speeches.
He was, however, correct about their varying talents.
He’d become an architect and she an actress.
Dad had also been good at puzzles. Not surprising, given his talent with woodwork.
Mom had come by occasionally to put a piece in here or there before scurrying off to complete a household task.
“One year, Dad and I finally had the thousand-piece puzzle put together. That is, all except for one piece. We couldn’t find it anywhere.
After a thorough scouring of the house, we figured Mom accidently vacuumed it up or maybe the dog ate it.
Lisa said to me—and I quote, ‘There’s always a missing piece, isn’t there?
No one can expect to have everything.’ We were like twelve at the time.
I was taken aback by both the profundity and the sadness in her statement.
It stuck with me all these years, which brings me to my point.
” He picked up his wineglass and held it against his chest.
“Rafael, you’re like the brother I didn’t know I wanted or needed.
The first time I met you was the worst day of my life.
I was a bit of lunatic, as I’m sure you remember clearly.
” He gave a rueful smiled before continuing.
“On that awful day—the day I buried my wife—you did something I’ll never forget, and I swear to God, it was like this lifeline to a better place.
” He rubbed his eyes before continuing. “We were at my parents’ afterward, diving into the gritty, dirty-laundry family stuff, and you offered to take my son and daughter into the kitchen for ice cream.
They went right to you, and you took hold of them with such gentleness that it gutted me—in a good way.
I know it might seem like a small thing, but it told me everything I needed to know.
You were the missing piece for my sister.
You were the one she needed. Since we’re twins, your presence extends over to me as well.
You were the missing piece for both of us.
We found you at just the right time—when we needed you most. Cheers to you, man, and to my lovely, lovely twin.
May the years be as kind as you have been to me. ”
Through tears, Lisa looked down at her mother. Mom wore a stiff smile as she stared into the middle of the table with glazed eyes.
Mama Soto got up next. “English was not my first language, and I don’t really care for speeches.
When Rafael was born, my life began. He has been the best thing I’ve ever done.
Not once has he disappointed me. Lisa, you are the girl I prayed for.
We’re blessed you’re here. May the Marriage Curse never come again.
” She blew a kiss to Lisa, who pretended to catch it and pull it to her heart.
Dad ambled to his feet. “Lisa, I’m happy for you and your fella here. I look forward to many good times to come. Rafael, take good care of my baby girl.”
“Yes, sir, I will,” Rafael said.
Mom pressed both hands into the table and rose to her feet. “I suppose I should make a toast to my daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law. I’m the mother of the bride, after all.” A hiccup ended the sentence.
Was Mom tipsy? Her glass was almost empty. She never drank, so a half glass might put her under the table. Lisa clenched her jaw and prayed for the best.
Mom turned to them, holding on to the table with one hand.
“Rafael, my daughter has all the attributes discussed here today. I’d like to also add that she’s forgiving and loves to please people.
My advice to you is this—be careful not to take her for granted.
It’s easy to do when someone is accommodating and gracious.
Watch and listen to her carefully. You’ll have to do that to gather clues, as she might not always feel she has the right to ask for what she wants, especially given how much she loves you.
She will never put herself first. When she becomes a mother, this quality will multiply.
It will be your job to make sure her needs are met.
Don’t fail her as I’ve done. Be diligent. Do you understand?”
“Yes, ma’am. I truly do,” Rafael said.
“And you, my daughter.” Mom put her hand over her heart.
“You remember the way you feel tonight when you’re up in the middle of the night changing diapers and doing the second feeding and you’re feeling fat and worn down and depleted.
Remember this man loves you and you love him, and with that as your foundation, you’ll indeed have a happy life. ”
Mom raised her glass with a wobbly hand. To Lisa’s surprise, everyone stood. Stone shouted out, “To a happy life.”
And everyone repeated after him.
To a happy life.