Not Broken: The Happily Ever After(119)

Macy looked over at us when she heard his comment. “I’m sure trying to organize all this wasn’t easy, and I don’t recall you doing anything other than sneaking tastes.”

Malcolm flipped her the bird. Momma D looked over, frowning at both of them. They both pointed to each other, trying to put the blame on the other one. They’d never change, not that I wanted them to.

Malcolm and Macy gave me a strange look when I pushed my chair back and stood. My stomach did flips. I hated being center of attention.

“Excuse me. I just need a moment.”

The chatter died down, and all eyes were on me. Shit this was a bad idea.

“I, um, I wanted to say thank you for coming. It really means a lot that you guys are all here to share the first holiday with us in the new house.” I played with the ring on my finger, taking it on and off. Twirling it around. I could do this. “With you all here, this seems like as good a time as any to let you all know that Malcolm and I are getting married.” I transferred the ring from my right hand to the left, before stealing a nervous glance at Malcolm.

A flurry of questions and congrats rang out. Malcolm and I continued to stare at each other. I gave a shrug. He laughed.

“I can’t believe you kept this secret from me. When did he ask you?” Macy asked.

He continued to look at me as he answered Macy’s question. “I didn’t.”

The excited talks turned to confused murmurs.

“I don’t understand. What’s happening?” This time it was Mom who spoke.

Malcolm stood, reaching out for my left hand. His thumb ran across the ring he’d given me months ago. Everyone else faded away. Their questions went unanswered. In that moment, there was only us.

“Are you serious right now?”

I nodded. “When a girl knows what she wants, she goes for it.”

“This is so sudden. I...man, am I ready for this step?”

I frowned, suddenly worried I’d just made a huge fool of myself. That was until a huge smile spread across his face. He slipped his arm around my waist, pulling me to him. His lips covered mine, and I was lost in him until I heard a long drawn-out “ew” from one of his nieces. Everyone started laughing, and claps rang out.

“So, that’s a yes then?”

“Hell yeah. Are we hopping a plane to Vegas later?”

“Hell no, you’re not,” Macy answered for me.

“I think we’d have to go into witness protection if we tried.”

“Sounds like it,” he agreed.

Everyone got up to give us hugs and congratulations. Dorian stood and came over to me. She stood there for a moment and I hoped she wouldn’t ruin this. To my surprise, she hugged me.

“I’m happy for you. You deserve this.”

Hearing her say those words made me emotional. “Look at you, still finding ways to make me cry.”

“It’s what I do best.”

She pulled away, and it almost looked as if she was close to tears herself. All the nerves faded away.

When I sat back down, Mal reached over to take my hand, and brought it up to his lips.

“We can go ring shopping whenever you want.”

“Why? I have a ring.” I glanced down at the infinity ring he’d given me. It looked at home on my left hand.

“Really? You don’t want something different? A traditional engagement ring?”

I shook my head. “This one’s perfect. The words you said to me when you gave it to me. The deep meaning behind those words. Why would I want something else?”

He kissed the top of the ring. “Long as you’re happy.”

“Always, long as I’m with you.”

There wasn’t any more over-thinking or second-guessing of my choices. Being with Malcolm, agreeing to this relationship, was the best decision I could’ve made, even if I hadn’t known it at the time. He was everything I’d ever wanted.





Epilogue


Malcolm





The bridal march music started, and the guests all stood. Hearing it sent my stomach into a freefall. Any second now I’d lay eyes on my one and only. The doors opened in near slow motion, but there she stood. Ginger. My Ginger. An absolute vision of beauty. I’d not seen the dress. Macy wouldn’t allow it. As Ginger walked toward me, smiling the whole way, I drank in the sight of her.

The vintage lace dress hugged her body to perfection. Simple, and elegant, letting her beauty shine through. The beaded belt around her waist was the only embellishment. She’d opted for a hat veil, which added to the overall vintage look. My eyes went to her lips. Bright red lipstick. Damn she was a vision to behold. How in the hell did I get so lucky? This woman was about to become my wife.

She and Collin reached me. I let out a slow breath. So close. Ginger turned to give her bouquet of flowers to Macy.

Collin placed her hands in mine. “Take good care of her.”

I nodded, locking eyes with my soon to be wife. “I plan to.”

Collin gave me a pat on the shoulder before going to join Sandy on the front bench. He put his arm around her because she was already in tears.

I stepped forward, and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Damn, woman. You can’t spring something like this on me.”

She laughed and stepped back, mouthing at me to behave in the process. The officiant started the ceremony. A lot of what he said went unheard, with all my focus and concentration on the woman in front of me. What I did hear, it was time for the vows.