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I beckon them both over and they seem to remember what’s happening. They hold hands again, walking forward, the ripples of laughter dying down.
“Happy kids,” the priest says. “Good to see.”
“Yeah,” I reply. “It is.”
Isobel leads Sophie to the vacant seats in the front row just as sunlight hits the stained glass windows, turning the aisle all the shades of the rainbow. At that moment, the door at the back of the church opens, and the organ plays.
There she is. Clarissa, my bride. Her dress fits her perfectly. My first time seeing it and I’m blown away. She looks incredible. The dress is ivory mikado silk, and it flows from her waist into a long train. The Bardot neckline exposes her smooth shoulders and just enough cleavage.
A wave of warmth washes over me, like I’m connecting with her for the first time. I get a flash of everything we’ve been through together, everything that brought us to this moment, and I can’t help but smile. From feeling nothing to feeling everything. All because of her.
She smiles back at me, her arm hooked around Morgan’s as he walks her through the rose petals. The guests all smile, watching her approach. “Mom looks pretty,” Sophie whispers.
“You look great,” Isobel shouts, giving her a thumbs up.
She waves back. “Thanks!”
When they reach me, Morgan gives me a nod, kisses Clarissa on the cheek and then heads to the empty seat in the front row next to Mrs McCain. I see the look they exchange. Maybe he won’t be alone forever after all.
The priest calls our attention forward. “We’re gathered here today to witness the union of these two blessed souls. First, I am required to ask if anyone has any reason these two should not be married, to speak now or forever hold your peace.”
“Not a peep,” I say to Isobel and Sophie, making them both giggle.
“Good,” the priest says. “Clarissa Marino, do you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband? To obey him in all things until the day you die?”
“I do,” she says, squeezing my hand, leaning over to whisper in my ear. “Might have the plug in.”
I give her a raised eyebrow, saying nothing. She knows the punishment that will come for doing that without permission. She grins at me as the priest addresses me. “Do you, Jack Greene, take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to honor and respect until the day you die?”
“I do.”
“Do you have the rings?”
Isobel reaches into her pocket, pulling out the ring box and holding it up like it’s the Ark of the Covenant. The priest thanks her sincerely, lifting the lid. “Can you pass Jack his ring?”
Isobel nods, giving it to Sophie, who sticks her tongue out as she passes it up to me.
“Slip this ring halfway onto Clarissa’s finger, Jack.”
I do as he says while he continues to talk. “Repeat after me. With this ring.”
As I say the words, I look at Clarissa, thinking of everything we’ve been through, together and apart. I realize I never want to be apart from her ever again. I couldn’t feel happier than knowing that she’s going to be my wife. A smile breaks out on my face as I finish my vows.
“Good. Now, can you pass Clarissa her ring?”
The same ritual takes place. As Clarissa speaks, I watch her closely. She couldn’t look happier. I’m going to spend the rest of my life trying to be the husband she deserves, make up for lost time.
The rings are exchanged, and the priest continues. “Now it is my great honor to declare you legally husband and wife. You may kiss.”
I grab hold of Clarissa, plunging my tongue straight into her mouth before she can react. As I pull back, I growl in her ear. “You’ll pay for putting that plug in without permission.”
* * *
Mrs McCain and Morgan are dancing together. Imelda has found the most taciturn member of the organization and is grooving around the dancefloor with him, much to his shock. Kevin’s asleep in a corner, half drunk beer on the edge of the table in front of him. Maddy’s nudging him to wake him up but he keeps growling like an angry dog.
I join Clarissa at the top table, watching everyone she knows enjoying themselves. “Go okay?” she asks.
“Both fast asleep. They’re worn out.”
