It’s a small crowd with just fifty of our friends, and the Granite Ice team. I spot Margie up front, already sniffling into a tissue. My maid of honor, my best friend, even if neither of us ever used that word before today.
And then there’s Bill, already standing at the altar.
He looks…as good as he’s ever looked, and when his eyes meet mine, they lock in.
Noah and I take small steps up the aisle, and when we reach Bill, Noah stops as we had rehearsed. Bill’s hand twitches, like he’s about to extend it toward Noah for a handshake. But before he can, Noah steps forward and wraps him in a hug.
I actually gasp because Noah’s tolerated Bill well, but he’s always held up his guard. My eyes tear up as I watch Bill’s shoulders sag in relief. He pats Noah’s back once. I hear a few sniffles ripple through the pews, and even Margie blinks a few too many times.
When they pull apart, Noah clears his throat, straightens his tie, and leans in to hug me, and I hold my breath because it’s the only way I’ll ever get through this moment. And it is a moment. One that will be burned into my brain forever. It’s the endingof my life with just Noah, and the beginning of a whole new chapter. Noah whispers into my ear, “Love you, Mom.”
I try to say it back, but my throat is so tight. I nod and mouth with no audible sound, “Love you too.” He’s first to pull away, and he waits while Bill takes my hand, and we step up to the altar together. Then Noah steps to Bill’s side, now assuming the best man’s spot, his other role in this wedding.
Noah gives me a wink like he’s saying, “We’ve got this, Mom.”
And somehow, that’s all I need.
Bill squeezes my hand, and I look forward to the preacher, knowing nothing will ever be the same after this.
thirty-seven
Bonus Epilogue
Extended Honeymoon Bonus Scene:
Steam curls around me as I step out of the shower. I’d always heard horror stories about the long flight to Hawaii, and they’re true. It’s a long flight, and it feels good to shower. I take a moment to twist my hair up into a towel. I’ve never been one of those women who can make this look appear effortless, and as soon as the towel is wrapped, it starts to hang to one side, making me feel off balance. Our hotel bathroom smells more like a spa with the high-end soaps blending into the ocean scents wafting in through the cracked window.
I can’t believe this is real.
I’m on a honeymoon with my new husband.
Ourhoneymoon.
And I got married again. Something I swore I’d never do, but fate had other plans, and I’m so grateful for every blessing these last couple of years have brought. I reach for the silk dress hanging from the back of the door and smile, as I’m already picturing Bill’s expression when he sees it. First night in Hawaii, and we have reservations at one of the best restaurants. My stomach actually rumbles as I shimmy into the dress and pull the straps over my shoulders, making sure everything is in place. Out of habit, I reach for the counter where I left my ring, because I never like to leave it off, but—
It’s gone.
I freeze. Blink. Then frantically scan the counter to see if maybe I moved it. Nope. It’s definitely not here, and my heart does a swan dive straight into my stomach.
“Okay, okay, don’t panic,” I whisper, as I lift my makeup bag and still don’t see it.
My wedding ring is gone!
I drop to my knees and run my palms over the tile floor, crawling like a lunatic to look behind the toilet…and still nothing. I push the bath mat aside, even stick my hand in the trash can, but it’s completely empty.
This can’t be happening!
A knock rattles the bathroom door. “Babe?” Bill's voice is muffled. “Is everything okay in there? Should I push dinner back a little?”
I stare at the door. “No!” My voice cracks. I clear my throat and try again. “I mean, I’m just trying to look extra special for tonight. You know, it can’t be rushed. Everything is going according to plan.”
This isn’t the plan!
Time is ticking.
I stand back up, grab my powder and brush, slap on makeup with one hand while the other hand ransacks the counter again. I peek in the shower drain. I shake out my towel. Nothing, but I’m out of time. If we want to keep our table, we need to leave now. I don’t want to alarm Bill. It has to be here somewhere.
“Dinner,” I whisper to myself. “Go to dinner, and I’m sure as soon as you get back, it will stick out. You’re just flustered right now.”
