Deeply, thoroughly, pulling her close and kissing her like he'd been waiting his entire life to do exactly this. His hands cupped her face, and Rachel melted into him, her arms wrapping around his neck, her clutch falling to the ground forgotten.
She tasted like champagne and chili dogs and happiness.
When they finally pulled apart, both breathing hard, Mac was grinning so wide his face hurt.
"I love you too."
"You do?" Rachel's eyes widened, searching his face for the catch.
"Are you kidding? Rachel, I've been trying to tell you for days. I had this whole plan for tonight. I was going to wait until after the dancing, find this perfect quiet moment, say something romantic."
"What were you going to say?"
"Doesn't matter now." Mac's thumb brushed away a tear on her cheek. "Because you beat me to it. And that's perfect. That'ssofucking perfect."
He kissed her again, softer this time.
"Rachel Morrison," Mac said, pulling back so could see her face, "I am so completely in love with you. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me.”
She kissed him again, and it took everything he had not to break.
They stood in the garden holding each other as the sunset faded to twilight, the sounds of the reception drifting out, laughter and music and celebration.
"Hey lovebirds!"
They broke apart to find Jamie standing in the doorway, looking delighted.
"They're cutting the—OH. OH!" Jamie's eyes widened as he processed what he was seeing. His face split into an enormous grin. "Did you two—"
"Yes," Mac said, unable to stop smiling. "We did."
"FINALLY!" Jamie pumped his fist in the air. "I'm telling everyone!"
"Jamie, wait—"
But Jamie was already gone, running back inside yelling atthe top of his lungs, "THEY SAID I LOVE YOU! MAC AND RACHEL SAID I LOVE YOU!"
Rachel laughed, that bright, free sound that Mac loved. "Well. So much for a private moment."
"Do you care?"
"Not even a little." She kissed him softly, sweetly. "Come on. Let's go back. I want to dance with my boyfriend who I'm very much in love with."
"Boyfriend? That's official now?"
"Very official." Rachel took his hand, lacing their fingers together. "Unless you don't want to be."
"I want. I very, very much want to be your official boyfriend." Mac pulled her close for one more kiss. "Come on."
32
Mac
They walked back into the reception hand in hand, and it was immediately obvious that Jamie had made good on his threat to tell everyone.
Luke spotted them first and let out a whoop that probably violated noise ordinances. "FINALLY! I've been watching you two dance around this for WEEKS!"
He barreled over and hugged them both so hard Mac heard his ribs creak.
