Chapter Thirty-Four
Sam
“You ready.” Rose adjusts my veil.
“What if a tit falls out?” I adjust the strapless bodice, not at all convinced the girls will stay put for the duration.
She laughs and sticks a finger into the sides. “It’s really tight, Sam.”
“Well, it doesn’t feel like it. Not only that, I feel naked without my weapon under my arm.” I reach for my missing holster and sigh as she tsk-tsks.
“It’s just one day. Think of your mom.”
I sigh as my younger cousin grabs yet another hairpin and stabs it into my up do. “Ow!”
“Sorry.”
“No, you’re not.”
The organ starts the pre-wedding song and because everyone stands, I can’t see the front of the church. “Is Suds there?”
“Of course he is.” Rose clucks her tongue.
“You sure he didn’t run?” I stand on tip toes, jump up and down on my three inch heels. And almost topple over.
My cousin grabs my arm in the nick of time. “Why would he bolt? You’re already married.”
“But if he bails from the second, I think it nullifies the first.”
Mia shakes her head. “Stop fussing, cuz. It will all be over soon.”
My dad, amazing in his dress blues, kisses my cheek, appearing from out of nowhere. “Hey sweetheart. It’s time.”
“Hi Daddy.” I bump elbows. “I’d hug you but I’m not supposed to do anything to spoil the pictures.”
Rose fluffs my bouquet, adjusts my long train, and as I wait at the back, the wedding march starts. My four year old niece-once-removed drops red petals down the aisle and I take a deep breath. I’d much rather be shooting criminals than have a church full of guests watching me.
When my father holds out his arm, I put my lace-gloved hand in the crook, and he squeezes. “I am so proud of you.”
My eyes tear and I blink hard because if I ruin my makeup, the female members of my clan may never forgive me.
Near the altar, a million miles away, Father O’Connell beckons us forward. Mia takes two steps, then Cousin Tilly, then Rose. The men in tuxes are next.
“Smile, honey.” Daddy and I follow as a b’zillion cameras shoot pictures.
My feet freeze about half way down the aisle until I see Suds. He eyes me the way he did the first time we met, full of lust and southern charm. He doesn’t wear the boutonniere my mom chose, rather one simple daisy. Only he would know what that means to me. I’m brought back to a summer breeze, a small upstate church, and a handful of wildflowers. Our first and real wedding.
Back in the present, the sun shines through the stained glass behind the altar, lighting up my man like an avenging angel.
We’re already married and said our vows, but this time, it’s for our family and friends. If I’ve learned anything since meeting him, it’s this.
Without them, we are less.
His stepmom and dad sit in the front seat across the aisle from my side. Behind them, Silver Moon smiles my way and wipes her tears. I’m so glad they all came. It’s time for healing and what better time than a wedding?
The music stops and without knowing how I got here, I stand at the altar. Suds steps down, holds my hand, and kisses my knuckles.
I whisper, “You clean up nice.”
