“I’ll hook you up later, buddy,” Vegas promised, removing the wedding rings without honoring his word.
Rory barked in a loud, “Woof!”
Tyler blinked. “Rory! I didn’t know you could bark!”
Of course, on my wedding day. Show off.
“Please take your seats,” Joe repeated. “Cary, your vows are first.”
Cary took her hand, smiling that smile.
“Babe, I promise to cheer for the Jets and the Blue Bombers—even when they break my heart.” The guests chuckled and booed in equal measure. “But seriously, I promise to be the best dad to our baby. And to Rory. And I promise to put us first. Always. You’re my everything.”
Vegas passed him the ring.
“Do you take Tyler Robertson to be your wife?” Joe asked.
Cary smiled. “I do.”
“Tyler?” Joe probed.
She held his hand and exhaled slowly. “I promise to listen—yes, even when you’re rambling about gear setups or vinyl pressings. I promise to tell you when I don’t like your songs.” Laughter rippled through the crowd while Dylan sobbed beside her. “I promise to be the best mom to our baby. And to Rory. And I promise to put us first. Always. You’re a national treasure, after all.”
Cary laughed, shaking his head. “What am I going to do with you?”
Marry me!
“Do you take Cary Kingston to be your husband—”
“I do!” she cried.
Joe raised a bundle of white sage, the scent rising as he offered a Cree blessing for new beginnings. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
And Cary did.
After the wedding pictures, the bride and groom headed upstairs to change into comfortable clothes.
“We did it!” Cary said, walking into their bedroom. “I’ve got an idea.”
“Uh-oh,” she teased.
“Maybe I should take your picture?”
“We just had a million pictures taken, Cary.”
“You were holding your bouquet.” He mimicked her, clasping his hands in front of his waist.
“I was trying to hide my bump.” She pulled her dress taut against her belly.
“I’m aware.” He held onto her hips. “I thought you were beautiful before, but I’m talking about pictures of your bare belly.”
“Are you trying to get me naked?”
“Always.” He slipped off the strap of her dress.
“Cary!” She moved his hand away. “We have guests.”
“We haven’t consummated our marriage yet.” He circled her breasts through her silk dress. “But we can wait.”
