Noah
No matter how hard I try to hide the grin that wants to split my face, it won’t stay hidden. Ramon’s blundered words have caused confusion and, after a few minutes of everyone talking at once, I put everyone straight because I think Ramon doesn’t know who to confront first, “Everyone quiet.” A hush falls over the room. “What Ramon is trying to say, but didn’t in his nervousness, is that last night we decided to get married, which will take place, if we can arrange it, on the first of January.”
Pippa sighs in relief. “I thought you meant you’d gotten married last night without me.” Her lips tremble.
Ramon releases my hand and moves to his mom. He pulls her up and wraps his arms around her, fitting her under his chin, which he rests on the top of her head. “I’d never do that to you. I promise. You’ll have to come to New York with us, but of course, we want you and Dad there, and anyone else who doesn’t mind the traveling.”
“Why New York?” Lucien asks.
“We have an apartment there and it’s legal for us both to be married there. Lexington doesn’t allow gay marriage,” I answer.
“You don’t need to go that far away to get married,” Michael offers, smiling. “It was on the news a while back, that it’s now legal in West Virginia, and Huntington is what, two…three hours away. A lot easier for everyone, especially those of us with kids. We can drive instead of having to do the whole airport thing…but, if New York is where you want to tie the knot, then I’m sure we’ll all be there.” Michael stands and pulls Ramon in for a hug. “Congratulations, brother.”
It takes a while but eventually all the congratulations are out of the way and I find myself on the back porch with Carla.
I’ve missed her and I’ve been a dick for not spending more time with her since I’ve been back. I know she’s missed me as well.
Pulling her in tight to my chest, I smile when her arms wrap around my waist and we both stare out at the mountain range. It’s a beautiful vista but I don’t think either of us are really seeing it right now.
“Are you really happy, Noah? I mean, really, really happy?”
I don’t need to think about her question. “I’m really, really happy because I have my sister who is married to a good man who adores her, and more than anything because I’m finally going to be married to the man who holds my heart, and always will.”
She sniffles into my chest.
“Hey, sis. Please don’t cry,” I beg.
I’ve never known how to deal with Carla in tears. She scares the shit out of me.
“I’m really happy for you, Noah. I love Ramon like a brother, so it’s more special.” She sniffles again. “I love you, and I’m so glad you came back.”
“I love you, sis, and thank you for always being here for me, even when I didn’t know it.”
Holding my sister, I let her softly cry into my shirt until I feel her tears abate.
“Is it safe to come out here,” Ramon asks.
Carla pulls away and accepts the Kleenex from Ramon to wipe her face.
“Have you asked her yet?” Ramon raises a brow in question.
“Asked me what?” Carla looks between us.
Feeling emotion come over me at what I’m about to ask Carla, the words get stuck in my throat.
Ramon moves to me. “Breathe. You’ve got this.” He rubs my shoulders.
I offer my sister a wry smile. “Will you stand with me at our wedding?”
Oh, God. Her tears are back and this time they’re stronger.
She nods her head and wraps herself around me. I do the only thing I can and comfort her until Sebastian appears and takes his wife into his own arms.
“She’s standing for Noah at our wedding.”
Sebastian smiles now that he knows why his wife is in tears. “I’ll take her home.”
“C’mon babe.” He lifts Carla into his arms and heads toward his truck.
“Oh, boy.”
I sag into Ramon.
“I know it’s been an emotional day all around.” Ramon takes my hand and pulls me down beside him against the brick wall.
Looking out into the distance with quiet all around us, Ramon whispers, “This is the beginning of a new chapter in our life, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.”
I agree wholeheartedly with Ramon’s observation.
THE END
Catch up with the McKenzies and join in the wedding celebrations for Ramon and Noah in “A McKenzie Christmas” coming Winter 2015. This will be in the POV of each of the five McKenzies.
Keep reading for the Prologue of Blade, a McKenzie spinoff novel.
Prologue ~ Blade
Sylvia
“Talya, I’m not sure about this,” I moan, worrying at my bottom lip with my teeth.
“Look, you said you wanted to change. So I’m helping you do that.” She grins. “You were hot on that pole at class, which makes me think you’ve done something like that before.” She raises a brow in question.