Inspired by the wedding I bartended last night. Below I put an Amazon link to the version of the song I mention. If you’d prefer, this should link you to the track in Spotify or this should take you to the iTunes store as well.  

Regina stood just off the edge of the dance floor watching family and friends of her brother and his new wife dancing badly to “Uptown Funk.” The DJ followed it up with an unusual choice – Lykke Li’s recent cover of the song the Everly Brother’s made classic: “Unchained Melody.” Regina let out a melancholy sigh and crossed her arms tightly across the front of blue bridesmaid’s dress to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over.

“You always cry at this song,” the voice came from behind her.

“It reminds me of dad,” she said. “And you, Terry. And I love this new version.” Without moving she continued with a tight smile, “I was wondering if you’d make it.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for anything, sis,” the man said coming even with her, watching the couples dance slowly. “May I have this dance?”

Her brow creased in a moment of confusion which instantly turned to joy. “Absolutely.” They stepped onto the dance floor.

As they started moving together to the music, Terry asked, “Where’s Joe?”

“He’s on the fires in Napa,” She said.

“Ah, I thought he’d make it.”

“I hoped he would, but the fires are bad up there. I’m just worried.”

“I know. I’ll keep an eye on him,” Terry said, smiling.

“You can do that? Really?”

“I’m always watching you guys.”

“I’ve felt that,” she said as a tear broke loose and started down her cheek.

“No crying, sis! It’s a happy day!”

“Don’t worry about me,” she waved a hand at her face and sniffled, “Waterproof. I planned ahead.”

Terry chuckled. “Bryan and Emily look so happy,” he said gesturing towards the bride and groom dancing.

“Yeah,” she agreed. “They were worried about going ahead with the wedding with the fires up north but…”

“You have to keep living,” he smiled.

She repressed a sob.

“No crying!”

“I miss you, Terry. Bryan does, too – you were supposed to be his Best Man. That was always the plan,” she kept fighting back the tears and increasingly losing the battle.

“I know, sis. I know… This wasn’t supposed to happen. But what can you do?”

Regina took a deep steadying breath before saying, “Enjoy this dance,” she said “That’s what I can do,” and she pulled him tight as the music played and she let the tears fall.

When the song ended Terry gave her a tight hug then wordlessly walked into the crowd and disappeared from sight.

“Who was that, dear?” Aunt Margaret tapped Regina’s shoulder.

Regina started ahead to where Terry disappeared into the crowd, “My best friend.”