Page 114 of Rescuing Mary

Epilogue

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant announced. Then turned to the second couple and repeated his words. Then he said, “You may kiss your brides.”

Beatle leaned down and kissed Casey, while Blade took Wendy in his arms and tilted her backward and kissed her.

The congregation cheered and clapped as the two couples straightened and faced them.

Rayne dropped the curtain she and Mary had been hiding behind and smiled at her friend. “Are you ready?”

“The question is, are you ready?” Mary countered. “Truck and I are already married. Renewing our vows isn’t the same as getting married the first time.”

“Are you sorry?” Rayne asked.

“About what?”

“About having a quickie courthouse wedding the first time?”

Mary immediately shook her head. “No. First off, I didn’t think I was going to live long enough to really enjoy being a wife in the first place. Secondly, I was sick as hell. I couldn’t have done this even if I’d really wanted it. And third, even though I knew what I was doing would hurt you…I wanted to marry Truck. I wanted something beautiful for once in my life, and that was it.”

Rayne’s eyes filled with tears.

“Oh, shit, don’t cry!” Mary ordered. “You’ll ruin your makeup before the pictures!”

Rayne chuckled and looked up and blinked quickly, beating back the tears. Then she looked back at her best friend. “Nothing could be more perfect than this day,” she declared. “When we met at that bar all those years ago, I never ever thought I’d be standing here with you like this. I mean, we promised we’d get married together, but I never really thought it’d happen. I love you, Mare.”

Mary rolled her eyes. “You’re awfully sappy today, Raynie.”

Rayne smiled at her. “Yup. It’s my wedding day. I’m allowed to be.”

“I guess.”

“And it’s more than that too.”

“Yeah?” Mary asked.

“I’m pregnant,” Rayne whispered.

“Holy shit! Really?”

“Really.”

“You better tell Ghost. He’s gonna expect you to get shit-faced at the reception, and if you refuse to toast him, he’ll get worried.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m planning on telling him in the limo on the way to the reception hall. It’s my wedding present for him.”

“Oh, jeez,” Mary huffed. “You’re so going to be late.”

“As if you should talk, Miss I’ll Be at the Church in Plenty of Time to Get My Makeup Done.”

Mary couldn’t help the blush that blossomed across her cheeks. She’d had every intention of being at the church early, but Truck had different thoughts. He’d refused to sleep away from her, claiming that since they were already married, he didn’t have to cater to the tradition of the groom not seeing his wife before she arrived at the church. He’d kept her up late the night before, and then that morning, showing her several times how much he loved her.

“Yeah, okay, you’re right,” Mary told Rayne. Then she hugged her tightly, and refused to let her go when the hug went on a little too long. “I love you, Rayne,” Mary said quietly. “I’m so happy for you.”

Rayne sniffed, but said, “I love you too, Mare.”

“Come on, you guys,” Kassie said as she entered the little room right off the nave. “It’s time.”

“How’s everyone doing?” Rayne asked. “Do they need a break?”