Page 142 of Rumor Has It

“Thank you.” I take his hands in mine. His eyes snap to mine. “I need to tell you something … actually, I want you to have something.” I release one of his hands to grab the paper. It’s a plain white envelope with her name on it. Rumor Baker. He stares at it, finally looking up at me. “I want you to have it. I know in my heart and soul who her father is. No paper nor test will ever tell me anyone else could ever love her more than you. So, you take it. It’s more for you and her anyway. I want you to have the opportunity to know before we’re connected for the rest of our lives.”

“We already are.” He reaches up, catching my tear as it tumbles down my cheek. “I’m not going anywhere. No paper or test can override what’s in my heart. Rumor is my daughter, whether she wants to be or not.” I touch his face, loving him more now than ever in my life.

“Okay.” He leans in, kissing me. “But if you decide to look at it, I’m fine with that.”

He gazes into my eyes. “Can we get married now?”

“Yes.” My smile is as wide as my face. “Go tell that other fella he can go now; you’re not bolting.”

“Ha! You’re funny.” He slips from the room, letting Maisyn in.

“We good?” Her brows are as high as her hairline.

I nod. “Always.”

***

Boone stands in front of the Atlantic Beach guard tower, dressed in gray with a blue tie to match my eyes. I’m practically dragging my dad down the aisle to Boone’s delight.

“Good evening! The bride and groom would like to welcome you to their long awaited nuptials. My understanding is it took all of heaven to get these two here, so this must be one great love if so many people knew it should be witnessed.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join together Boone Anderson Hatcher and Mackenzie Grace Baker in holy matrimony,” the minister, Reverend Van, begins.

Rumor stands between us, holding our rings, as he asks the all-important question. “Who gives this bride in marriage?”

My dad kisses my cheek. “Her mother, brother, Rumor and I do. Besides, she ran down here; who’s gonna stop her.”

Our guest, family and friends, laugh with us as Boone takes my hand from my dad. He pulls me in, gazing into my eyes. The entire beach stops and watches as we pledge our love.

“I understand you’ve written your own vows.” The minister nods.

Boone does a double take. “Were we supposed to write them down?”

“Are you kidding me?” Maisyn quips.

Boone winks. “Yes.”

“Boone, you have the beach,” Reverend Van says.

Boone locks eyes with me. “Kenzie Grace, what a ride we’ve had. Some would say we’re crazy to do this considering everything we’ve been through. I don’t see it that way. If we can come together after so long apart, with the same amount of love, withstand every storm, and still look at each other the way we do, to hell with what anyone else thinks.

“You are my soul mate, if there ever was one. You make me a better man, you show me how to be a better parent, and you love me for who I am. I feel as though I’ve waited my entire life for you, and I know I’d wait twice as long to have you by my side. I love you, and our daughter Rumor, with everything in me. There will never be another like ours. You are and will forever be my … always.” Boone kisses my hand, followed by Rumor’s. She giggles, beaming up at her dad.

“Mackenzie,” the minister prompts me.

I point at Rumor, still gazing up at the man who is her father. “That. The pure and utter love you have for her and one another is what made me fall in love with you because you have given it to me. Boone, you love with your entire being. You’re good, deep in your soul; you are as pure as any human can be. Loving me like no one else can, or ever will.

“Your love for Rumor feeds my soul. Your love for me completes me. At one time, I didn’t think I had enough to give you because your love filled me up. It wasn’t until recently I realized it was because I was half a person without you, but I am whole with you. You give me your love, unconditionally and irrevocably, filling my cup until it runneth over. You are my life, my greatest love, my other half, my daughter’s father and our future children will be as blessed as she is to know and have such a good man to love them. I am, and will always be, yours. Always, Boone.” I lean in, kissing him.

“The rings please,” Reverend Van asks.

Rumor pulls them loose, blinking. She peers up at us, her eyes wide when Boone kneels beside her. He takes the rings, separating them. Reaching for her hand, Rumor proceeds to drop the pillow behind her to a round of giggles.

“Rumor, you are mine. From the tiptop of your head, to the soles of your feet. I’ve loved you even when we didn’t know if you were a girl or a boy. I didn’t care, you were a part of your mother, and I loved her so much it overflowed and planted my heart in you. I want you to know this ring represents our family. A circle, ever moving, complete, and together forever. Always, Rumor McKenna.” He places the ring on her finger, tilts his head to kiss her, but she falls into him, crying. He wraps her up, holding her like only a father can. As soon as they part, the minister continues.

“Boone, do you take this woman to be your wife?”

Boone flashes my favorite smile. “I do, always.”