Love, Claudia (BWWM)

Epilogue

It was the night before Claudia and River's wedding.

The night before everything officially changed.

Things had changed vastly since the Poetry Night turned proposal happened four months ago.

Claudia's talent opened a door for her to write for Gracious Poet's Magazine.

It was a remote job which would allow her to live as she pleased. Time with River, their future family, and most importantly, time to stay connected with God.

She was grateful for little beginnings in her bedroom that led to being scouted at her first Poetry Night.

"I knew you wouldn't be using that home for long," David poked his head into Claudia's bedroom. "I come bearing cookies and ice cream," He sang.

Claudia took a pillow and threw it at the door for old time's sake.

David came in with a tray along with Isaac, Denise, and Adrian.

"Oh, well, come on in," Claudia laughed lightly and made room for them all on her bed.

David took a seat beside her and placed the tray between them. "I never thought my youngest, little sweet potato, would be the first married," He said wistfully. "But you're marrying the best man I could think of for you,"

Claudia rested her head on his shoulder and simply listened.

It wasn't easy leaving them behind. But they would always be her family, and River's house was ten minutes away.

The first time she visited River's house was last month to get a feel for how she wanted to decorate the place, and she only stayed for two hours.

River was serious about keeping his word, and Claudia appreciated him for being earnest.

"I'm next, dad. I can't have my baby sister being married before me," Isaac said. "Though I knew this was coming when I saw their stare-off at the country club,"

His tone was light, but his eyes spoke of the loss they were all experiencing in the departure of Claudia.

"Guys," Claudia didn't like the somber mood. She was getting married in the morning. "I'm not going to war! I'm getting married. I don't want to have swollen eyes from crying because of you all," She explained pointedly.

Denise rolled her eyes and took a cookie. "We didn't even get a turn to be sad," She sneered teasingly. "There's a bright side to this; we don't have to live with dad anymore."

"I don't see that as a good thing, except I'll be relieved from your attitudes and snark," David said while pointing at all his children. "That means this old dude's got to get himself a woman, or a parrot, something to keep me company,"

Claudia took her pillow and smacked him with it. "Dad, no. No women and stuff, just be here, work, tell your cheesy jokes every time we have family dinner, and maybe get the parrot."

She wasn't against her father dating. It was just weird hearing him talk about the possibility.

"I second that notion. We can put you in a retirement home if you want some company," Adrian suggested.

David deadpanned. "I'm not old enough to be 'put' anywhere by my children; give me twenty-five years," He added twenty-five to his current age mentally. "I'll be eighty-four,"

"Next topic, please." Denise groaned but got an idea. "Claud, since you said we never ask about your feelings, which I agree with, I'd like to know something."

Claudia knew Denise was up to something mischievous. Something to make her blush and wanted to knock her in the head with a pillow.

Yet, she had to take the bait. She enjoyed the teasing.