Still Human

Chapter Twenty-three Danny This ain't no ordinary shindig!

“You are just perfect, do you know that?” Liv says, grabbing my face and kissing me. The car has just come to a stop outside our venue. I help her from the car and one of the two photographers is already at work capturing her reaction. The other guy is on one of the buses.

“How did you know?” she asks incredulously.

I smile, I’m so happy she likes the idea. “It was obvious I guess.” I shrug. “It wasn’t about the money.” I’m suddenly worried she’ll think I’m mean. “I looked around at what was available and nothing suited us. I just knew you’d want to have it here.” I stop and kiss her lightly. “Are you happy?”

“Ecstatic!” She beams.

“Me too.” I lead her through the open gate, past the sign saying ‘LADY LUCK’S IS CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE FUNCTION’ and into the garden.

Home.

“Wow,” she whispers as she soaks up the scene. We kept her out all day yesterday and then when she came home she went upstairs and then only came out into the garden, she didn’t see anything in the bar and I had people on standby to stop her if she had tried to go in. The staff worked late on the decorations and started again early this morning. Most of them came to the service, but a couple were here finishing up.

They come out to greet us and we let Liv have a good look at what we’ve done. The stage is back inside, set up for the live music. All the doors of the bar are open and both inside and out the tables have all been decorated with flowers and candles. There are no table settings or place cards, and there is plenty of room for milling around. It’s a really casual affair.

A table is set up inside with our cake, a huge pile of doughnuts. Jen has made tiny flags to stick all over it indicating which ones have jelly and which ones have jam. Liv thinks it’s great. I love watching her laugh as all over the place she is finding the little touches that make today so personal to us. On every table, tucked in the flowers, Jen has printed cards with all the movie quotes I gave her. All the classics, like ‘Nobody puts Baby in a corner.’ (We put that one in a corner!), she loves it!

We have a real old-school photo-booth set up for some fun shots later, because it reminds me of our teens. In fact, on an easel beside it there is a grainy, enlarged strip of Liv and I. We must have been about seventeen and we’re kissing, sticking out our tongues, laughing and then kissing again. It’s one of the few things I allowed myself to hold onto.

“Oh my God, look at us!” she squeals.

The buses will be here any minute and I just want her to myself for a moment, so I pull her over to Baby’s table in the corner and sit her down.

“Okay, here’s the deal,” I say hurriedly. She frowns. But I have to get this out before everyone comes. “I chose to do this here because there is nowhere more perfect for us than this world you have created. You made it like this because it made you feel at home, but without knowing or realising, you built me into it as well. The two of us are all over this place and I wanted to celebrate us, in our home. But I know you, and you need some rules. So, the conditions are: You don’t work here tonight, you’re here as the focus of everyone’s attention, the guest of honor. Everyone knows what they’re doing, you don’t need to help. You are mine tonight and I won’t share you with a bar. Everything is paid for, we won’t be discussing that again. I have everything under control. It’s all planned. Don’t interfere. Do you understand?”

She visibly shudders. “Uh-huh.” She mutters as she lunges at me. Our lips lock and I feel her tongue brush against them. I succumb for a moment, parting them to allow her exploration. Then I hear the damned buses pull up.

“Liv.” I halt her. “They’re here.”

“Shit!” She giggles. “You got me all turned on and now I can’t have you.”

“How did I get you turned on?” I ask, pulling her to her feet.

“You don’t know what it does to me when you lay down the law!” She laughs, not quite believing it herself.

“Sometimes with you, it’s the only way.” I tug her hand so that she is pressed against me.

“Well, it does things to me.” She laughs ruefully. “You’ve messed with my brain Danny Morgan. I’ve changed.”

“Things?” My face moves close to hers until we are sharing air. "What things?"

She nods. “Rude things.”

I run my fingers up her back until my hand is at the back of her neck, poised to make her close the remaining inch between us. “I’ll have to remember that,” I whisper, breathing harder, just from the closeness.

Just then, Scott and Max walk into the bar. “Get a room!” yells Scott.

I close my eyes and sigh. “Later Mrs. Morgan,” I say kissing her forehead instead and prising myself away. I don’t let go of her though, we hold hands all night.

She seems to love everything. I’ve arranged an American feast from our American diner. Jake has done all of the best stuff they do here in smaller versions and it’s being served canapé style. Except these canapés will actually feed you and I've told them just to keep it flowing. No half bottle per head here. Everyone is enjoying it, it’s way better than a sit-down meal.

We manage to take some group photos. I didn't ask for all that formal stuff, but having everyone together like this it seems ridiculous not to. But they are not the posed, stuffy kind. We are all laughing at each other and having fun. I know the shots will be animated and full of life. The photographer gets a great shot of me and my groomsmen showing Liv our matching shoes. Then one of just Liv and I with our ‘his and hers’ shoes. She loves the shoe thing best of all I think. Every photo I’m aware of (and I'm sure there are so many I'm not aware of) makes me think of the house that we will fill with them. I can't wait to be living there now, with any luck we'll sign the papers before we leave on our honeymoon.

Liv is laughing with Connie about Dave and Connie's husband, Jack, wanting to be 'down with the kids' and insisting on getting Converse too. I wasn't planning on it becoming a feature, but as I’d mentioned it to lots of people, everyone seemed to get involved. I would say over half of the guests are wearing them or at least pushing the accepted formal footwear boundaries. I’ve seen some Vans and one friend of Liv's is wearing velvet Doc Martins. This is just what I wanted. No pretences, just us.

I spot Ali and Carla coming out of the diner. Ali nods to confirm their job is done. I asked them to fix up the flat for me. When I decided to have the wedding here, I also gave our wedding night some thought. Although it would be nice to go to a hotel, then we'd have to leave the party. I decided Liv would prefer to be at home, so I asked the girls to tidy away all the traces of everyone getting ready there this morning. They said they would make it romantic for us, I trust them, they seemed really into the idea.

Max taps my shoulder and tells me it's time for the speeches, so I gather Liv and some drinks and head inside to the stage. Everyone either files in or finds a spot in the garden where they can see. Liv and I step up onto the stage and join Max and Jen.

"Hello everyone," Max says into the mic, to settle the crowd. "Where are the bride and groom's parents?" We wait while they position themselves either side of us. "I think we'll start with Dave."

Dave gives a wave as friends cheer. "Thanks!" he says. "I only want to say a few words about this wonderful girl. She was ten when she came barrelling into my life. I was already in love with her mum, so I knew I would love her girls easily. We have certainly had our ups and downs, becoming a family. Being a step-parent is a constant test. Some days you pass, some days you don't. But Liv is one of those people that doesn't make things more difficult than they need to be and I’m very grateful to have her as my daughter. She has made her mother and me so proud with her accomplishments. We’ve watched her grow into a superb business woman. She has a rebellious streak, sure. But we’ve never needed to worry about her. We’re so happy that she found Danny again, because we have always known that they are perfect for each other. Danny doesn't need to be welcomed into our family, he knows he has always had a place with us. So let me just say, we’re glad you’re back where you belong. Please raise your glasses to our girl and her perfect man." Everyone, murmurs 'to the bride and groom' as Liv hugs Dave and then her mom.

I'm slightly surprised to see my dad then step up to the mic. We hadn't planned for him to say anything.

"Hi everyone, I know it’s unconventional for the groom’s dad to join in, but hey, I'm in unconventional company. I just wanted to add a few words about Danny, while we are doing the proud parent thing. I hope you don't mind?" He looks to Dave as he says this and Dave laughs and signals that the floor is all his.

"Most of you know that Danny is an American, which may or may not have inspired Liv's path in life," he says waving at the surroundings. "But you may not know that I was born here, a couple of roads away as a matter of fact. Like Liv, I too know what it is to be infatuated with all things American, so I decided to study there. I met Pam in the library at Stanford and the rest, as they say, is history. But when we were given the opportunity to come back here, I jumped at the chance to bring our boy up in my hometown. He settled in straight away, no doubt because on his first day here, literally his first day, he fell in love. We always knew we would go back to California eventually, but we didn't fully appreciate how difficult that would be for Danny. We are so proud of the difficult choices he’s made. He followed us home when we suspected he might refuse and took the opportunity to get the finest education and become an expert in his field. But we always knew his heart got left behind. So we are so pleased that he has finally made himself whole again. Being so far from your child isn't something you necessarily want as a parent, but we have divided our life between two places, so as far away as it is, at least it's home. Danny, we are so proud of you for coming home." I bite back tears as my parents hug me. I really need to keep my shit together, I still have to speak.

Next Jen and Max step up together. Jen goes first.

"At this point we usually hear from the best man. But as you already know, this ain't no ordinary shindig! Max and I are totally used to explaining the relationships we have with these two by now, so just to clarify, I'm Jen and I'll be your best man today and the lovely Max will be your Maid of Honor!" Cheers and whistles erupt as the whole room laughs. Jen lets it settle then continues.

"Danny and I were babies together, our parents are best friends. But he moved here when we were so young I hardly had any memory of him. When I heard he was coming back, I thought, oh no! I just knew straight away, I would be expected to show him around, have him come out with my friends and knowing our parents, eventually marry him! I didn't know him but I knew he was an eighteen-year-old boy, how hard are they to figure out? Well...what I got was not what I was expecting. For a start he was gorgeous! But he wasn't like other eighteen-year-old boys. I dragged him around to parties and the movies, but he only went to keep everyone off his back. Hell, I only took him to get everyone off mine!" She giggles.

I laugh. "Thanks babe, I love you too!"

"It took me a while to realise and an even longer time to get him to admit that he had a broken heart. But once he opened up, we instantly became friends. Then it wasn't a chore to be with him at all. I like to think I helped him to get back on his feet and get back out there. But even though he forced himself to forget, he never really did get back out there. He has great friends and was enjoying life, but no one ever came close as far as love was concerned. I was getting worried that this would go on forever, when Liv landed in our lives with a bang. All I can say is, on that day, Danny came alive. It was like someone switched him over to HD.

"Danny has been my best friend for twelve years. I’d never been friends with a guy before, but Danny wasn't a guy, he was Danny. He has looked out for me, laughed with me, cried with me, even found me a husband. He has been the most loving, supportive, generous best friend a girl could ever have. I love you, Danny," she says directly to me, lifting her glass.

"But Bob was right, he left his heart here and although it sucks that you left it so far away, Danny, I'm glad you came to find it." Murmured agreements come from all around as I wipe tears from my eyes. Liv dissolved ages ago and is on her third tissue. "I'm so glad you’re finally happy," she says rushing into my arms as she too gives into the emotion.

Once we’ve composed ourselves, I go back to holding Liv's hand, but I keep hold of Jen’s too. Max steps up.

"Hey everyone. I'm not sure about this Maid of Honour business, but...'I am what I am, I don't want praise, I don't want pity'..." Max croons.

"Oh God! Don't sing!" groans Liv beside me. Everyone laughs.

Max rolls his eyes, "Alright, I won't steal your limelight. I'll make it about you," Max tells Liv, ignoring the crowd. Then he turns back to the room and shakes his head.

"Like Jen, I met Liv straight after Danny's departure…and like Jen, what I got was a broken heart. She was a mess." He turns to Liv and shrugs. "Sorry, but you were!" he continues. "It didn't take me any time at all to get the whole story out of her though, Liv is a sharer! She tried very hard to put it behind her and move on, but most of it was just for show. She never got over him. So instead she started to reinvent herself. Liv was up for a bit of self-discovery and I was into that too, some might say we overindulged! But we found ourselves together and I will love her forever for being part of my journey. When the chance came to start this place, I was IN, no question and it has been the best job ever, doing something I love beside my best friend. I'm so proud of her, for everything she has done and I'll be behind her wherever she goes from here. I love you Liv, but you know that." Then he calmly picks her up, twirls her around and kisses her before he sets her down, to rapturous applause. He’s so cool despite the crowd, but then this is his crowd.

"I haven't finished!" he shouts and most people quieten down to hear him out. "I just wanted to say that, while I may have been part of the conspiracy to get these two talking again, my co-conspirator and I could not have predicted the impact Danny would have on all our lives. The love these two have for one another was one thing on paper, but seeing them lay eyes on each other for the first time in twelve years stopped me in my tracks, I even dropped table three's burgers! It was electric, you could feel the atmosphere change in the room. I realised then that nobody could have ever filled the space left by Danny, but Danny."

He focuses on me now. "Danny, I feel very lucky, you see, when you have a relationship like Liv and I, it’s rarely understood by partners. But you didn't just get it, you enriched it. We have been through a lot, you and Liv and I. So now I'm not just able to say I like my best friend’s husband, I can say I consider him to be one of my closest friends. I wish you a lifetime of happiness together and I know I’m going to be there to share it." He raises his glass. "To my best friends," he says and the crowd responds. "Danny and Liv." He pulls me into a hug and claps me on the back.

Now it’s me. Taking a deep breath, I hold Liv's hand and pull her with me to the mic. I’ve a speech written in my pocket, but after those, it just seems too stuffy. I don't even get it out, I'm going to wing it. "Whoo!" I breathe, just to let everyone know I'm struggling.

"Okay, this is harder than yesterday!" I glance at Liv, she is quietly drying her eyes. She gives me a look, like, 'come on, you can do this'. So I suck it up.

"I just want to say thanks. Thanks to everyone for whatever you did to help me. For a month, people have done favors, kept secrets, lied, hidden things, travelled in secret, put people up secretly who have travelled in secret! The list of things to thank you for is endless. So thank you all for making today happen for us. I had to do it this way because this girl WOULD NOT let me propose to her." I laugh trying to make light of the facts, but I do want to talk about it because it’s our story.

"I’ve nearly missed out on this future twice in my life, so it was very important to get it right this time. I couldn't leave it to chance. You see, I was only half living without you," I say, turning to Liv. "I'm certain it was the same for you.” She smiles in agreement.

“As we’ve already covered, I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. You were sitting on your front step, brushing your Barbie’s hair. You were so beautiful I couldn’t speak, but you just waved like it was nothing. I’ve never been the same again. I tried being without you, life is nothing without you.”

I swallow hard, desperate to finish before this emotion takes over. “Thank you for giving us this chance, Liv, you’ll never regret it, I swear.” I draw Liv in for a lingering kiss, while people clap and make approving noises. “I love you,” I tell her. Then I turn back to the mic. “Now, I’m going to dance with my wife!” I start to move off the stage but Liv pulls me back.

“Hold on!” she exclaims, pulling the mic out of the stand. “You didn’t seriously think I would say nothing did you?” She grins. I shake my head in wonder. She’s incredible.

“Hi everyone.” She waves. “I just wanted the chance to speak…I can’t believe this. Yesterday I was wondering what Danny would cook me for dinner tonight and if I should clean the bathroom today, or let him do it as it’s my birthday. Now here I am at my dream wedding with my one true love.” She looks at me and laughs when she sees me no longer able to hold it back. She hands me her tissue.

“Danny said that he’s loved me since we were six years old. Well, of course I have too. But let me tell you, it’s hard when you find your soul mate so young. Circumstances pulled us apart before we found our voices and although we both tried to make a life apart, something was always missing. We needed a second chance because we just weren’t ready for the first one.” She wipes a tear with her finger and smiles softly at me. “Okay, so perhaps we needed a third chance too. You see we did doubt and we did underestimate and we did believe the worst, but only because we were too young the first time and too hurt the second time.

“But we’ve changed and if we’re not the same, things can only turn out differently.” I swallow hard, she’s going to finish me. She takes my hand again. “Thank you for offering me this chance, of course I know I’ll never regret it. Thank you for this perfect day and for knowing me inside out. I always knew you were perfect for me, but today proves it beyond doubt.” She laughs and adds, “I didn’t know that you’d planned a first dance and we’ve never had an ‘our song’ but I’ve had the perfect one in mind since I was seventeen. I just asked for it to be played… and I was informed that we've picked the same song!…So please will you dance with me to our song?” she asks leaning in to my chest as I wrap my arms around her.

“Did you seriously pick the same song?” I ask in disbelief, as everyone cheers.

“Uh-huh.” She grins. I lead her down the steps as people move off the small dance floor in front of the stage.

“Why?” I ask, wondering if she would realise why it’s significant, we never discussed it.

“You know why,” she says close to my ear.

The music starts with the word ‘Wonderful’ and I hold her close as the bass drum sounds once. ‘Some kind of wonderful’ by The Drifters, fills the bar and Liv and I dance as if no one else is there. She looks in my eyes as we move. We aren’t great dancers, but it doesn’t matter.

“Why?” I ask her again. “Say it. I need to know that it means the same to you.”

“Because it was playing the first time we…our first time,” she replies, her smile glitters. I close my eyes and pull her tight. I never realised she even knew that, let alone remembered it. It was always on in her room, the ‘Dirty Dancing’ sound track, it was just chance that that track was playing. But I’ve never forgotten and apparently neither did she. While I’m lost in thought, her lips find mine.