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She blinks. “Actually, I guess I do. Huh.”
There’s a knock on the door. The nurse pokes her head in. “Let’s wrap it up in here. Our patient needs her rest.”
I hold up a hand. “Five minutes.”
The nurse grumbles something but closes the door.
“So, there’s one more thing I wanted to talk to you about.” I reach into my cut and pull out some documents, which I toss on the bed.
“What’s that?”
“Well, maybe this ain’t the right time. But given everything that’s happened today, I ain’t all that inclined to wait any longer.” I clear my throat. “We’ve been living for years married on paper, but not in real life. I figured it’s about time to take care of that shit.”
Rory pales. “You mean…”
“I mean,” I say, interrupting her, “either we’re married or we aren’t. What do you say, Rory?”
I pick up the documents on the bed and unfold them, spreading the sheets out on her lap. She looks from them to me, her eyes searching my face.
“When we ran off and got married, we were young and dumb,” I begin. “We didn’t know what the hell we were doing. But turns out, the day I said I do to you was the smartest thing my dumb ass ever did.
“Thing is, though, we got all fucked up by life.” I look into her eyes, take her hands in mine. “And I guess we were too young to sort that shit out. But we’re not those kids anymore. And even though it took me a while to stop being so goddamn dumb, I think I finally pulled my head out of my ass.
“I’d marry you again in a heartbeat, Aurora. And it’s time I showed you that.” I nod toward the papers. “How about we do that vow renewal thing people do, and go on that honeymoon we never took?”
When Rory realizes what I’m saying, tears spring to her eyes. She blinks to try to stop them, but they’re rolling down her cheeks before she can manage it.
“Where would we go?” she chokes.
“Well, I thought maybe we could go up north. Get a cabin somewhere.” I smile. “Maybe if we’re lucky, we’ll see those northern lights I used to tell you about when we were kids.Aurora Borealis.”
“I’d…” Her voice breaks, and she tries again. “I’d really like that.”
“So, just to be clear, you’re saying you’ll marry me?” My voice is hoarse.
“Yes!” It comes out in a sob.
It’s then that I catch a glimpse of the thin chain around her neck. Gently, I reach for it and pull it out from under her hospital gown. Unclasping it, I take the rings off the chain.
“‘Bout time these found their way back to where they belong,” I say gruffly, sliding them onto her left ring finger.
“I love you, Brody,” she whispers.
“I love you too, babe.” Now I’m the one fighting tears. “I’m sorry it took us so long to get back to each other.”
For a couple minutes, I just hold her. We don’t talk.
The nurse comes back in, and this time, I can tell she isn’t gonna take no for an answer. I decide to leave, and let Rory get her rest.
I’ll be back tomorrow, as soon as they’ll let me.
I’ve got Rory back. I’ve finally got her back.
The only woman I’ve ever loved. The only one I ever will love.
My wife.
EPILOGUE
