Billy leapt out of his seat and took her hand as she reached him.
“Can I walk with you?”
“Counting on it, buddy.” Macy settled him between them.
They walked out into the sunshine and pretty much everyone who hadn't been in the church was out there to welcome the new Mr. and Mrs. Gelderman.
“Only in Howling,” Buster said as everyone started to clap and cheer loudly.
“I love this town.”
“Me too. No place I’d rather be.”
“Can I go see Mikey, Mom?”
“Sure, but don’t go too far, okay?”
Billy nodded and then ran through the guests to find his friend.
Rose petals were thrown, and Macy managed to reach the newlyweds before the crowd of well-wishers arrived.
“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Gelderman.” Macy hugged her friend.
Annabelle's golden-brown hair was styled in a mass of tumbled curls, and she wore a small circlet of flowers on top. Her eyes sparkled, and her smile was wide.
“I'm so happy!”
“As you should be, look at that man,” Macy said.
“He has faults, Macy, but damn he's fine.”
“I heard that.”
Ethan's blue eyes twinkled as he looked down at Macy. Slipping a hand around Annabelle, he pulled her close, kissing her softly on the lips.
“How's my other girl doing?”
“Good, Ethan. I managed to stay dry-eyed during the service but Buster made me cry after.”
“Want me to hurt him?”
Shaking her head, Macy then hugged him hard.
“You know I love you guys, right?”
“Right back at you, baby.”
“Same goes.”
And she had this too. The love of her friends, and that should be enough.
“Who is that?”
Macy turned as Annabelle whispered the words, and saw the man from the church. He was heading their way.
“Damned if I know,” Ethan said.
“Not sure,” Macy added, and wondered why her heart had suddenly picked up its pace.
