“Why to me?”
“Because you kept the family together when I couldn’t. You took care of TJ when I wasn’t there. You did the right thing for him and I will be forever grateful to you for that.”
“I’m his mom. I’d always take care of him.”
“You would, yes. Which is why I love you so much. You’re my hero, McKenna. You’re the one who gives me hope and strength—”
“Trey.”
“And I might not be the man you always want me to be, but I am your man, heart, mind, body and soul.” He rose up on his elbow, and leaned over TJ to kiss her, and kiss her again. Maybe it was the Cray in him, but he loved her the way he loved water and air, wind and rain, the sun and moon. “I think we made a Christmas memory,” he murmured.
She smiled against his mouth. “And if we’re lucky, a Christmas baby.”
“Then it’s a good thing we’re getting married this week,” he growled.
Epilogue
‡
The wedding took place on January 1st, in the big Emerson barn, even though there were only thirty-five guests attending.
But it was a beautiful wedding, even if somewhat unorthodox with the bride in a ‘vintage’ gown that had been chopped off at the knees, the beaded bodice covered with a red flannel shirt tied at the waist. She wore red boots to match the flannel topper and carried a bouquet of lilies, red roses, and hay.
The groom wore all black—black trousers, black shirt, black boots—and a wickedly handsome smile.
There was a ring bearer, but the five year old grew restless immediately and chased his friends around the barn and ignored the adults who told him to knock it off, be good, and stand still.
The Douglasses were there, and Aunt Karen who didn’t call the groom Satan or a Convict, which pleased the bride to no end.
The Sheenans were all there, too, including Callan Carrigan who delivered the shocking news that the five Sheenan boys had two Carrigan half-sisters, thanks to Bill Sheenan’s decade-long affair with Bev Carrigan. It wasn’t easy to hear, and it stirred up the past, but no one could blame Callan, and they’d all known her for so long, since she was just a baby.
There were hugs and a few tears, and then dinner, music, dancing, and cake, too.
But most of all, there was love.
So much love.
Because after all, what God had brought together, no man could tear asunder.
The End