At this point, Kenzie leaned over and whispered, “Yes you do.” She handed Kip a dark platinum band with a single large matching stone embedded in the middle. “It was our father’s.”
Kip took it and held it in her hand, staring at it like it was a miracle, and maybe it was. No preparation was needed. She put it on his hand and said. ‘This ring means you’re mine Trace Daniels, forever.”
After the rings were exchanged, they joined hands while Pastor Shep prayed over them.
Finally, Pastor Shep announced, “I now pronounce you husband and wife…again. You may kiss your bride.”
Putting one hand behind Kip’s back and the other to her jaw, he dipped her across his knee, kissing her deep and hard and long. Hekissed her until her knees gave out, but he held her tight, only breaking their kiss long enough to whisper against her lips. “Mine. Forever.”
Pastor Shep eventually cleared his throat to end the kiss, drawing a cheerful laugh from all concerned. He then motioned for them to turn towards the audience. “I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Trace Daniels.” Everyone clapped and cheered. All the Littles were sobbing. Ruby and Kip’s mom were dabbing at their eyes with tissues that were in dire need of changing.
The globe doors opened, and music began to play. Trace winked at her and said, “I picked this one out myself.”
Kip braced, because honestly, it could be anything. Tears slipped down her cheeks when Spencer Crandel’sMy Personbegan to play.
Trace pulled her close, arms locked around her waist, and they danced while snow fell and her family watched, crying happy tears. On the second verse, Boone and Chance joined them. Soon all the Daddies and Mommies held their Littles and Wilder glowed around them.
Kip pressed her face to Trace’s chest. She felt his heartbeat under her cheek, with the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen on her finger. Her days of running were over.
She was settled.
She was loved.
Shewas home.
THE END
