Two Against the Odds by Joan Kilby

too,” Lexie said. “Look at Mother glaring at her. What’s she doing as part of the family group? We’re not even up there.”
    â€œLady friend?” Renita said sharply.
    â€œMum seems to think so—” Lexie broke off as Steve cleared his throat in preparation. “I’ll tell you later.”
    Steve adjusted his glasses and glanced at the cards in his hand. He cleared his throat again, smiled nervously. “Thank you all for coming this evening to help celebrate Jack and Sienna’s up-coming nuptials.” He spoke too fast, running the words together.
    The blond woman made a discreet signal with her hand. Yep, she’s the one from Toastmasters, Lexie thought; she was coaching him.
    Steve continued to speak at a slightly more leisurely pace. “I’d like to welcome Sienna’s parents, Barbara and Neil, who’ve taken leave from their work at the Mayo Clinic for this special occasion.” There was a brief round of applause before Steve continued, “I couldn’t ask for a more wonderful daughter-in-law. And having a doctor in the family will be handy.”
    He glanced at Sienna’s parents with a smile. “Make that three doctors.” Everyone chuckled. “I’d also like to welcome Sienna’s son, Oliver, to the family.”
    The boy blushed to the roots of his thick blond hair.
    Lexie saw Hetty smile up at Steve, conveying her support. But Steve was looking to Susan Dwyer for approval. Hetty followed the direction of his gaze and her smile faded. Uh-oh, Lexie thought.
    â€œAs you all know, Jack and Sienna planned a small private wedding ceremony in Bali, preceded by this reception,” Steve went on. “A few weeks ago Jack came to me and said they changed their minds. When they travel to Bali in a few days’ time it will be for a honeymoon, as husband and wife. Tonight, in front of their family and friends, they will exchange wedding vows.”
    Startled gasps went up from the crowd.
    â€œDid you know about this?” Lexie asked Renita.
    â€œNo! I can’t believe they didn’t tell us.”
    â€œNow I’d like to introduce Susan Dwyer,” Steve said as the blonde stepped forward. “As well as anaccomplished Toastmaster, Susan is a marriage celebrant.”
    Calling Jack and Sienna forward, Susan conducted a brief but moving ceremony. Then Jack and Sienna faced each other, hands clasped between them, and took turns speaking heartfelt vows. The throb of emotion in their voices brought a lump to Lexie’s throat. Jack’s fingers trembled as he slid a gold band on Sienna’s hand. And Sienna’s tremulous smile as she gazed up at him was one of absolute love. She lifted her face to be kissed and Jack’s arms went around her.
    Lucky, lucky couple to have found each other. Lexie brushed away a tear. When she glanced up she saw Rafe watching her. His expression was un-readable. Did he think this was all too romantic and sentimental? He’d better not. Jack and Sienna had both been through difficulties and deserved a second shot at marital happiness.
    With the ceremony over, the guests erupted in cheers and clapping. Sienna and Jack broke apart with wide smiles. Steve called for all the unattached women to come forward as Jack stepped back and Sienna prepared to throw her bouquet.
    â€œGo on, Lexie,” Renita said, giving her sister a gentle shove. “And don’t give me that ‘married to your art’ rubbish. It’s about time you hooked up with someone. Mum let it slip about you and Rafe. He’shot, I’ll give you that. But you always pick guys you would never marry.”
    â€œI do not,” Lexie protested. “Anyway, catching a bunch of flowers won’t lead me to the man of my dreams, if he even exists. I’m not going up there. I’d feel silly. Let the young women and the girls take part.”
    â€œYoung women? You’re not