Since he was clearly the father of the baby, I paused to wonder which came first, the wedding or the baby. .
In direct contrast to the YM, the YW was somewhat disheveled. She wore very little, if any makeup and had the faint blue circles under her eyes of a new mother. Although she seemed genuinely happy and her smile definitely reached her eyes, it was a tired smile. Her hair was pinned up in a haphazard, twisted bun with a few tendrils escaping the confines of the up-do. She was wearing a slightly wrinkled (from carrying/feeding/burping the baby?) but very cute short sleeve blouse over a summer-weight peasant skirt and flip flops. Although her finger and toenails were painted, the polish was not shiny and new and there were a couple chips. She too had a very shiny, thin, gold band on her ring finger but no diamond. YM waited by her chair with his hand resting lightly on her lower back. After she got the baby carrier settled into the high chair, she sat down with a sigh that sounded like she was settling into a long, relaxing bubble bath. YM leaned over, kissed her on the top of her head and whispered something that I couldn't quite hear before he too took his seat. She smiled up at him with such sheer love and adoration that my heart skipped a beat. .
When everyone was seated at the table, men on the backside, women on the aisle with the baby in between them, the waiter brought water for everyone. The men ordered beer and the MAW ordered a glass of white wine. The YW did not order a cocktail so I assumed she was probably nursing. I have to admit to a little mental hurrah for another woman who puts her baby's well-being before her desire to have an alcoholic beverage. At the same time I was mentally congratulating the young mother, the MAW softened her eyes, tilted her head in approval, offered a compassionate smile, reached over and held YW's hand for a moment. The young mother lowered her eyes but not before I saw her smile too.
