Disclaimer: Firefly is Joss's creation, not mine. I just like to play with it.

Authors Notes: Once again I have to thank Reginaroadie for allowing me to use his character Shooter, as well as for helping me out with the character's dialouge. Thanks!

Past, Present, & Future

By KaySky

Part Ten

The Frye’s threw parties for every occasion. However, in the case of a wedding reception, it wasn’t just a party. It was a gorram festival. Good food, good booze, and good music were just a few elements to Danielle’s well planned out event.

Most of the guests had begun getting settled and enjoying their dinner. The tables had been placed underneath three large tents. Each tent had strings of white lights wrapped around the supports. Elegant and practical, the lights would shine after the sun had set, and glisten like tiny little stars in the night’s sky.

Soon bellies began to fill and food became scarce. Cole Frye gently tapped his spoon against his champagne glass. The guests turned their attention to him. “It’s that time where the father is supposed to give some profound speech. Well, I am the father, but I ain’t guaranteeing anything about being profound.” He paused while the guests chuckled. “Thirty years ago Katie and I started our lives together as one. Six children, ten grandchildren—almost eleven, and many years of gained wisdom later, I stood here today and watched my baby girl take the same vows I did. There’s not a doubt in my mind that thirty years into the future, Kaylee and Simon, will be standing before family and friends, giving a similar speech to their own child.” He paused slightly. “I’m sure Simon will come up with something more profound,” he joked and raised his glass in the air. “To Kaylee and Simon, may you have a lifetime of happiness.”

* * * *

The announcement of the bouquet toss triggered a stampede. Herds of single women pushed and shoved their ways into position.

Inara was not the type to partake in such an event, but she was given little choice. F