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“Henry Walsh, you look like the cat that ate the canary.” The older woman clucked her tongue. “What brings you in?”
“We need a marriage license.” I looked over at Miranda. “And the judge or mayor.”
“Do you now?” Annette pushed her glasses up on the bridge of her nose. “And what says you?” She looked at Miranda.
“Right now?” Her voice came out in a whisper.
“Right now.” I nodded. “You said quick and simple.” I reached into my jacket and pulled out the ring box, setting it on the counter. “This is as quick and simple as it gets.”
A smile spread slowly on her face. “Right now.”
Miranda let go of my hand and, with trembling fingers, she opened the box. Her hand flew to her mouth as she gasped, looking down at the sapphire surrounded by opals. “Henry.”
“It reminded me of your eyes. If you’d rather have…”
She took the ring out and handed it to me, along with her left hand.
“A diamond?”
“It’s beautiful.” A tear slid down her cheek.
“And looks like it’s a go.” Annette clucked again and picked up the phone. “I need either you or Aaron to meet a young couple.”
I slid the ring onto her finger and watched her move her hand around, admiring the sparkle.
She placed the phone back on its base and pulled out a small stack of papers. Annette whipped through the list of id and signatures she needed from us and then sent us into the courtroom.
Judge Gates entered from his chamber door on the side of the courtroom and held out his hand for the papers. “Just slipping in at the end of the day?”
“As long as you have time, we’re ready.” I smiled at the older man. He’d been our judge in Port Stella for as long as I could remember.
“How would you like the ceremony?” He looked at us.
“Can we say our vows and you do your thing?” Miranda wiped a tear away.
“Works for me.” He winked at her, then nodded to me.
“Miranda, I was dumb when I was younger. I promise I’ll be better and love you until my dying breath.”
“Through everything?” She shifted on her feet.
“Everything.” I cupped her face. “Be my best friend, partner in crime, and lover until the end.”
“Henry, you were really dumb when you were younger.” She laughed. “But that was then. And now I can’t see my life without you. I want it all. And I want it with you.”
I heard the judge say something, but I was lost in her blue eyes as I leaned in and kissed her. Her arms wrapped around my neck and when we broke the kiss, we were alone with the signed paper in the courtroom.
“Let’s go file this, get dinner and then get our boys.” My thumb brushed over her lips.
“We’re married.” She giggled.
“Hell yeah.” I pulled the ring box back out from inside my jacket and lifted the padding, taking out the matching wedding bands. “This is for you.” I held the thinner, smaller band between my fingers.
Miranda pulled her sapphire off and let me slide the band on before replacing her engagement ring. Then reached for my band.
“Guess it’s my turn.” She smiled at me and my heart melted.
I held out my left hand and this time when a band was slid into place; it felt natural and right.
