And then

 Finally, the day arrived with a chance of rain. But at the moment the clouds projected a sunny day. Surely, there was nothing to worry about. Cori kept that in mind. Although, he knew WORRY might as well have been Megan's middle name and where did she get all this from? Her grandmother, of course.

There was no way he was not going to see Megan on his wedding day. Of course, Meme said he should stay somewhere else the night before. "It's your wedding day!" She talked about this for weeks on end.

"I'll just stay in the pizzeria, then." Cori didn't have anywhere else to go, even if Deano was his best man, he wouldn't want to sleep over at their little condo. Naturally, Megan nixed the idea too. It was always good to have her come to his defense. Although he was full of solitude, thinking it would have been a great day to have his family here, but that wasn't happening either.

As many changes had happened in his twenty-something life, some things did not change. There was a pause. A silence. Really, he was happy they were not coming. After all, Megan had plenty of colleagues and college friends. She was the bride. He was the groom and he had his own posse of Deano, Frankie and Mario. What else did he need?

So there they were on the beautiful roof, revamped by Mario. Honestly, it made him laugh through and through. Cori didn't think it could look so posh on a Dollar Tree budget. Just their luck the moment they said I DO the whole place would be sucked up into a tornado.

Yes, there might be storms later in the evening, but it was enough time for a small ten-minute ceremony and then a small celebration of finger foods, pizza, wine and of course, cake. It was happening.

Cori smiled so hard, he wondered if he would remember this moment. Damn, if he couldn't figure out when to say I DO. Megan gave him a nudge. He knew then she thought he was already drunk, but only intoxicated by the event. Finally, he coughed out the words, but he knew that look on her face, what am I going to do with you?

But she was beautiful like a delicate flower and he was happy to be a part of her world. Yes, he had months of practice. It was official now. They were now husband and wife. He was her family. That was all he'd ever wanted. After all, his own family didn't want him.

Gradually, there were hesitant hugs and handshakes. And there she was at the end of the long chain of guests. His brother Cody's girlfriend arrived with the baby. 

Cori felt he never really knew Ali, even if he'd crushed on her early on when Cody first met her. She looked tired and not happy at all, but even in her tears, she smiled brightly as if he had done a good thing.

"I wanted to come sooner," Ali said as she grabbed Megan's hand. "I'm glad you sent me the invite."

Cori nodded with a surprise, but why hadn't Megan told him. 

"Thanks for being here," they both assured her there was food and the little girl was ready to get down and explore, but she kept holding on to her as if they were the two last standing.

"I've left your brother," Ali said.

Suddenly Cori choked. He hadn't expected that, but he remained even lipped, sweating in his black tux. He wanted to ask What are you going to do? But instead, she handed off the toddler to him.

"I think this is for the best," she then said. "Take care of Cora."

"What? What do you mean?" Megan spoke up then. Cori was in complete shock.

"Things are not good there. I know she'll be better off with the two of you," Ali stepped away.  She was gone before they could get to her in the crowd.