Matt Howells, do you promise to love and take care of my sister for life because if you don’t, I will hurt you?
“Tan,” Frankie hissed.
“Not sorry, sis. It needed saying.”
“I do.”
“And Frankie, do you promise to love and look after Matt, even when he’s even older and his muscles go all soft and mushy?”
Frankie rolled her eyes at her brother. “I do.”
Then I can now pronounce you married. You can kiss… again.”
I leaned into Frankie, placing my hand against the small of her back. I’d chosen this outfit deliberately. The memory of the identical red jumpsuit had been burned into my mind since the day she wore it, but this white one was even better because this time she was mine. I wasn’t hiding or running from my past. She knew it all and she still wanted me. I kissed her hard, as she melted into me.
Eventually, I pulled away, aware we had an audience.
“I think that might have been the least legal wedding of all of you so far,” Addi cried out.
“Rings,” I shouted, totally forgetting my last surprise.
Lori passed me the white purse I’d left for Frankie. Opening it, I pulled out a pouch, tipping its content into her hand. She looked down and gasped at the two rings that spilled out. I’d had hers made, so it fitted against her engagement ring, and they were both engraved. She picked up my ring, noticing the inscription, she laughed.
“That’s perfect,” she grinned, taking hold of my left hand and sliding the ring on my finger.
Taking hers, I did the same.
“What did it say?” Tanner asked.
“Bear + Rogue 4eva.”
“I went old school, you know, ‘cause I’m old and all that shit,” I replied to Tanner with a wink.
“Hey, you said it, old man.”
“I know. Why don’t you punch me in the shoulder and show me who’s boss again,” I suggested, offering him my arm.
Tanner shook his head. “Angel, they’re being mean to me. Make them stop.”
“Not on your life. I like you being tormented,” Emmy laughed.
Frankie leaned into me, burying her face into my chest. “Bear?”
“Yes, Mrs. Bear.”
“Now I’m your wife, can I ask you anything?”
“Always.”
“Can we get some food because you promised me dinner and I’m starving?”
I laughed loudly, taking her hand in mine. “Come on guys, my wife needs to eat, and we all know how dangerous a hungry Frankie can be.”
Frankie
Wewentfordinnerat an amazing fish restaurant that Matt had arranged to stay open late for us. We ate, we laughed, and they explained to me what had gone into setting up this wedding and how they’d all been out here for five days arranging things and enjoying the sun.
“I don’t want to leave,” Emmy sighed. “Can we just buy a house here, Tan?”