Theo looked dashing in his traditional black and white tux, cuffs rolled up and unbuttoned collar. He couldn’t stop smiling. By the look of joy on his face and the way he held his bride as they danced, it was obvious to everyone he felt like the luckiest man alive.
Creed’s gift was to sing a beautifully raw, baritone version of “Ave Maria,” for the couple during the ceremony. His voice brought tears to even the most stone-faced metahumans attending.
The love the two shared was clear to everyone watching as they celebrated late into the night. Tiki-style torches specially designed by Evan held his blue orbs—illuminating the beach for the hundred wedding guests. Once night had blanketed the sky, he put on a pyrotechnic show the likes of which no one had ever seen. Revelers danced all night to an eclectic collection of music—compliments of Cole.
Using his eidetic memory, Alik had spent hours recreating dozens of the lost family photographs—presenting them to his parents in a framed collage.
Theo smiled at the memory of watching Meg nervously tucking her renegade curls behind her ear that night on the beach as she gave her toast to the couple. She explained how worried she’d been over finding just the right gift for her parents, but wasn’t at all surprised when the idea came to her in a dream.
She went on to thank Alik and Evan for their help before she held up a small, red flash drive. “We all know we have none of the photographs or memory-filled journals you’d kept.” Meg had spoken directly to her mother. “So my gift to you both is this.” She looked at the seemingly insignificant object in her hand. “I’ve spent most of the past six weeks writing our family memoirs. With Alik and Evan’s help, I tried to breathe life back into our early years on the first Texas ranch—our lives before we even knew what a metahuman was. Theo, um...I mean, Dad, I hope you read our story and feel even closer to us. Mom, I know you’ll read and enjoy our shared memories.” Meg had shrugged humbly. “I love you both and am honored beyond words to be your daughter. God bless your marriage and the new family we’ve created.”
Of course, Margo was in tears by the end of her daughter’s thoughtful toast. Never one to feel the need for protocol, Margo leaped from her seat of honor and rushed to the handmade stage to tackle-hug her little girl. Wordlessly, the boys rushed to join in the family hug.
“We’ve come so far,” Margo whispered to her children.
“Thank God for you, Mom,” Evan gently squeezed her shoulder.
“We did it—despite everything—we survived!” Alik’s long arms could nearly encircle them all.
“By the grace of God,” Meg added. “But, I’m afraid it’s not really over.”
Margo locked eyes with her precious daughter. “Whatever happens, we face it together—as a faith-filled family. But tonight,” she touched each of their faces gently, “tonight, we celebrate!”
“Amen!” All four stepped back from each other, noticing for the first time the roaring applause from their guests.
Lost in his reverie, Theo didn’t hear Margo calling for him until she walked up, her beautiful silhouette framed by the sunlight at her back.
“Theo? Are you all right?”
“Hm? Oh, yeah.” He stood and stepped closer to his bride. She smelled like sunlight and saltwater. His heart squeezed with joy in his chest.
“I was just saying I think it’s time for Danny’s nap.” Margo tipped her head to the side as she studied his unshaven face before standing on tiptoe to kiss the smile on his lips.
Theo reached out and lifted the little boy who had been holding his mother’s hand. “Well, let’s get you cleaned up then, buddy. As for naptime, I think I’ll join you.” He winked over his shoulder at Margo.
They made their way back to the new beach house at peace with their children and extended family enjoying their last day in the sand. They would all be flying back to Texas in the morning. Everyone was excited to start their new lives and, though there were countless unknowns, they were sure of two things: family and faith. Together the Winter family would walk with confidence into their future days.
THE END