Cecilia, Trevor, Daniel, Ellen, Adam, Heather and Frank were all in attendance. As a surprise, I had flown in Tracy, who was thrilled to be there. I felt she had played a significant part in Rabbit’s life, and especially in her escape and wanted her to be there to see Rabbit happy. Rabbit was overjoyed to see her and I noticed Frank seemed rather taken with her as well. He was noticeably close to her at all times, and from the glances she kept sending his way, the attraction seemed mutual. Also in attendance were Dave and his wife, as well as Trina, Anna and Dr. Sue and their respective partners. Rabbit had insisted that our pilot, John, and his wife join us since he was so instrumental in helping her come home.
I smiled as I looked around at our friends as they talked and laughed. I was still nervous away from the house, but today was an especially good day and I was managing well. I wanted today to be special for Rabbit. She had told me how sterile her wedding day with Brian had been and I wanted today to be nothing like that. I wanted it filled with love and laughter and good memories for her; for us. I had given Cecilia strict instructions that anything Rabbit mentioned or wanted, she was to have today. The only time I had stepped in was when Cecilia told me about a dress Rabbit had seen but bypassed due to the price. I told Cecilia to buy it and Rabbit’s excitement when she saw it overrode the lecture I’d been subjected to for canceling the ‘perfectly acceptable one’ she had decided on and ordering this much more expensive one. I smiled, remembering how her eyes had shone with tears when I told her ‘perfectly acceptable’ wasn’t good enough for her any longer as I kissed her into agreeing to keep the dress. But seeing how beautiful she was in it more than made up for the scolding. Cecilia had outdone herself, keeping things simple just as Rabbit wanted but still evoking a sense of occasion. The candles and flowers that filled the room were perfect. A photographer wandered around snapping pictures and, as per my instructions, made sure Rabbit was in most of the shots.
Rabbit’s lovely dress flowed and swirled around her, somehow managing to emphasize her baby bump, which I loved. Its soft yellow color reflected the light that shone from her eyes when she looked at me. Carrying the twins made her seem further along in her pregnancy than she actually was. Her glow was beautiful; her happiness evident. Her left hand now glittered with a bezel-set diamond eternity band. She hadn’t wanted a large engagement ring, but I did want her to have something stunning and her reaction to my offering had been nothing short of effusive. My own left hand carried a heavy, wide band of gold. Looking down I smiled as it glinted in the light. The symbolic gesture of our exchanging rings was so simple, yet so meaningful that it had taken my breath away. I looked up to see Trina standing beside me.
“You are doing very well, Joshua,” she commented quietly.
I nodded. “I still find it easier when Rabbit is close,” I admitted.
She smiled. “It will get less stressful as time goes along. I’m proud of your determination. And your success.” She paused for a moment. “Maggie would be as well.”
The sudden lump in my throat made it impossible for me to answer right away. She leaned forward with a quick but warm hug. “Go and find your lovely wife. Congratulations, Joshua.”
I nodded silently and sought out Rabbit, needing her close. As I slipped my arm around her waist, I sighed in quiet relief at the feeling of her nestled into my side. My free hand immediately went to her bump, caressing the surface. I loved the feeling of her soft, full curves which changed and grew fuller with each passing week, and I smiled knowing our healthy children were the cause of them. Leaning closer, I checked to make sure she was okay. “Do you need to sit, my pretty wife?” I asked quietly.
She glanced up me. “I’m fine, Joshua.” Her brow furrowed slightly. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
I nodded, leaning down to steal a soft kiss. “Just an emotional day, Rabbit. A good one,” I assured her.
Her hand cupped my cheek. “A very good one. I love you, Joshua.”
My lips sought hers again, the kiss deeper this time. “I love you, Rabbit.”
Daniel appeared beside us. “Okay, my friends. Enough of that. Unless I’m mistaken, that is what got you in trouble in the first place.”
I chuckled as I felt Rabbit’s cheeks get warm. I adored her shy blushes.
“Dinner is being served. Come join your guests. We have a lot to celebrate today.” He grinned at me. “What changes your life has seen in only a few months, Joshua.”
I smiled.
He was so right. The beginning of the year had seen me alone and trapped in a prison of my own making with no key to be found. Then a snowstorm had brought me my salvation. Now, with the snow long gone and late spring around us, I was married to the wonderful woman nestled into my side, two babies due to be born in the fall and surrounded by love and laughter. Rabbit was my key.
“Lead the way, Daniel. I’m ready to celebrate.”
And proudly, I escorted my wife toward our friends who were waiting to celebrate with us.
A few days later, I was smiling so widely my face was beginning to hurt.
“Really?” I looked at Dr. Sue, who was smiling back at both Rabbit and me, as she pointed to the monitor. I was seated beside Rabbit’s head since Dr. Sue refused to allow me to stand during the scans since my slight mishap. “A boy and a girl? One of each?”