“Are you ready for this?”
Mandy nodded. “I am. I have been for a long time. I’m so glad Rocco’s ready, too.”
Owen held the door for her. “He’s had a long road to healing. I think the two of you make a great couple.” He held his arm out for her.
She took it, glad for the support. “Thank you, Owen.”
They went down the hall. Her hand tightened on Owen’s arm as they went down the steps. She moved faster than Owen once they began crossing the living room.
He slowed her down. “Let’s make Rocco wait. Let the anticipation build.”
Mandy smiled up at him. “I just want to run in there and say ‘I do’!”
Owen laughed. “Soon enough.”
Mandy and Owen reached the French doors just as Kit walked Ivy down the aisle to her place at the front. Zavi looked back and saw her. “Mom!” He tilted the ring pillow as he ran to her. Mandy bent down and gave him a hug, then righted his pillow and sent him on his way. He smiled and waved at Rocco as he walked between the two narrow rows of seats. Once he stood beside Rocco, Casey, wearing a sundress with a lightweight cream shawl, went down the aisle next, tossing out peach rose petals.
Greer switched the music to the Wedding March. Mandy felt her stomach tense once again. They stepped outside. Her gaze instantly went past everyone to find Rocco. He stood with his hand on Zavi’s shoulder. His dark brown eyes were filled with a complex mix of emotions. Relief. Joy. Anticipation. He smiled at her. She couldn’t make herself smile back—she was too overcome with happiness. Everyone stood as she and Owen stepped down the aisle. There were only five rows of two seats on each side, so it was easy for Mandy to look at everyone.
Owen delivered her to Rocco’s side, kissed her cheek, then took his seat. Rocco smiled at her, drawing a grin from her at last. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered before they both faced the justice of the peace.
Mandy tried to listen to the JP, but it was hard to make herself focus. This was really happening. She was finally linking her life to Rocco’s for real. For good. Forever.
“…Rocco and Mandy have each prepared their own vows for the ceremony today,” the JP said to the gathering. “Rocco, please face Mandy and hold her hands as you say your vows to her.”
Rocco took Mandy’s hands and looked into her eyes, then glanced at their small audience. “Mandy wanted me to write my vows down, but I didn’t. I couldn’t. I didn’t know what to say.” He looked at her again. “And it seemed to be less genuine if I couldn’t open my heart and let the truth spill out. So here goes.” He smiled at her.
“Mandy Fielding, when we first met, I was holding on to life by the very tips of my fingers, like a free-styling rock climber who had lost his hold and couldn’t fight gravity much longer. Looking down, it seemed as if peace was waiting at the bottom of a long fall. But you made me look up, reminded me why I was on that mountain in the first place. When I couldn’t hold on any longer, it was your hands that grabbed me and pulled me the rest of the way up. Your tenacious belief in us as a couple and a family saved me. Your strength and grace humble me. I look forward to all the wonderful experiences that our life will bring. And I know that together, we’ll meet its challenges with strength and courage. It’s an unbelievable honor to bind my life to yours. I love you.”
Mandy sniffled. “Oh, Rocco.” Ivy reached over and handed her a tissue. He smiled down at her as she dabbed at her eyes, then tucked the tissue in the pocket of her jacket. She took hold of his hands and looked up at him. “Rocco Silas, when I first met you, I thought you were a Neanderthal.”
Rocco laughed. So did a few of the guys. “I remember.”
“But in the time since, I’ve discovered how deep your emotions run, what a rich, hidden river of love and hope flows through you. I look forward to learning all the beautiful nuances of you in our lifetime together. I’ve never known a man to be a more caring father or so generous a lover. It’s a great honor to be your wife. I love you.”
Rocco leaned over and kissed her. “That was beautiful,” he whispered.
The JP cleared his throat. “Now, I believe young Zavi has the rings?”
Mandy leaned over and waved Zavi and his little red pillow forward. Rocco picked up her slim band of white gold.
“Rocco, as you place the ring on Mandy’s finger, please repeat after me: On this day I marry my best friend…”
Rocco held her left hand and placed her wedding ring just to her knuckle as he began repeating the words the JP said.