“There’s something else,” I continued. “I want you to know that your little girl will grow up knowing all the best stories from her father. And even though you’re not here with us, she’ll always have a father’s love. She isn’t mine, not by blood, but I’ll always take care of her.”
“Grey ...” Finley’s voice broke. “What are you saying?”
“We’re going to be a family. I’m going to marry you.” I gave her left hand a squeeze, stroking the naked ring finger.
She laughed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Are you sure about that, Mister Archer?”
“I’m positive, Finley Sutton Archer. You two are mine, and I don’t want to live any more of my days without you. Now come on, let’s go home.”
I kissed Finley’s temple—she was still staring at me—and then picked up Maple.
The bird continued its magical song the entire walk back to the car.
As if Marcus were really here, as strong as ever, looking down on us. Watching over us. I laced my fingers with Finley’s, feeling lighter than I had in a long time. We had our whole lives in front of us—and Marcus wouldn’t want us to waste them.
Epilogue
Finley
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present the new Mr. and Mrs. Archer!” the emcee called.
A burst of applause greeted us as Grey led me into the reception tent. The spring sun warmed my shoulders, left bare by my wedding gown, and the breeze played with the curls of my updo. The opening chords of Sinatra's “The Second Time Around” rippled into the open air.
Surrounded by friends and family, we started our first dance. I spotted Nolan and Lacey with Maple among the sea of cheerful faces. It amazed me how much Maple had opened up over the last six months. While she could still be shy at times, she had welcomed “Aunt Lacey” and “Uncle Nolan” into her circle of family. She sat happily on Lacey's lap—what little was left of it. Mrs. Maxwell was due any day now, and she still looked stunning in her pink satin maternity dress. Maple had been fascinated by that bump when she first saw it, gently touching Lacey's belly and staring back at me with huge, questioning eyes. It was a sweet moment.
“You having fun?” Grey murmured as he guided me through a graceful spin.
“Of course,” I chuckled.
“So the 'big fuss' was a good idea after all.” He gave me a knowing smirk.
I rolled my eyes, though I was still smiling. I had suggested that we just go down to the county courthouse, file our marriage certificate, and be done with it. But Grey had tempted me into a real ceremony with all the trimmings. I want the world to know, he'd persuaded. Just let me spoil you. And I had to admit, this was awfully nice. I closed my eyes to feel Grey's heartbeat against mine. My husband might be a badass ex-Navy SEAL, but he was also tender and sweet. What a combination.
The song ended all too soon. Our guests clapped again as we took our seats. Maple hopped off Lacey's lap and toddled towards me at warp speed. Somehow her poofy, frilly white dress hadn't gotten dirty yet. I thought she was the cutest flower girl in the history of weddings, but then again, I was pretty biased.
After the buffet was unveiled and everyone had filled their plates, we stood up briefly to thank everyone for coming, then yielded to Nolan for the best man's toast. He stepped in front of the microphone and smoothed his tie.
“I'm going to keep this short and sweet,” Nolan said. “My name is Nolan Maxwell, and on behalf of the bride and groom, I'd like to thank you all for coming today. I have the honor of standing with these two fine people as they start their new life together.
“I met both Greyson Archer and Marcus Sutton in my Navy SEAL platoon. Let me say, Finley, that you really know how to pick your men. I've never met two more upstanding soldiers. I trusted them with my life. We've been through hell together...and as many of you know, not all of us made it back.
“But as we honor the fallen, we must never forget to keep on living. Today is a day for celebrating love, happiness, and new beginnings. It was truly the greatest luck that brought you two together. Everyone, please join me in a toast to Mr. and Mrs. Archer: May your marriage be as long as the bride is beautiful.” Nolan raised his eyebrows exaggeratedly at Grey. “So I'm afraid you're in this one forever, buddy. Make it count.”
Blinking back tears, I laughed and cheered along with the rest of the audience. The emcee waited for the applause to die down before announcing the father-daughter/mother-son dance.
Maple squealed when Grey swept her up. “You ladies enjoy dinner,” he said with a wink. “I've got a hot date.”
My heart swelled as I watched them on the dance floor. Maple stood on Grey's feet while he held her tiny hands, shuffling back and forth to the music. My bighearted husband, who had once represented the end of my world and now began it anew. My precious daughter, who looked so much like her father sometimes. Past and future together.