Page 57 of Courageous Demands

Captain Marks, Austin, Andy, Kyle, and even the chief, were up at the front in a massive line, putting their hands behind their heads, patting their arms, and then jumping around once more.

“HEYYYY MACARENA!” the men yelled – and all jerked down their jackets to reveal letters on their backs.

BECKETT VOTE FOR JUDGE

“Nitwit! You’re outta order,” Chief Reese hissed loudly, pointing and waving his hand at Alec, whose eyes widened in alarm as it finally dawned on him. Everyone was laughing wildly, watching the display with awareness, and Willow saw Judge Stevenson get up, leaving the sanctuary in a snit.

“Awww shoot!” Alec yelped before kissing her on the cheek – and running to take his place at the end of the line, reordering the phrase.

VOTE FOR JUDGE BECKETT

“I am proud to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Alec Beckett – even if he’s over there,” the pastor began, only to burst into laughter as Alec raised both arms, pointing at himself.

“I’m over here!” he cried out happily. “My better half is the hot woman over there in all white, lookin’ like a million bucks.”

“Alec…” she began and saw him point at the pews.

“Wife, do your thing,” Alec interrupted, winking at her – as the firemen started doing the macarena once again.

“Everyone, please join us in the reception hall for gifts, music, dancing, and donuts…”

“Lemon?” Captain Marks asked loudly.

“Always for you, Chase,” Mary hollered, waving at him and blowing the line of firefighters kisses. “You all are my boys – even if I can only claim one of you.”

“Let’s get this party started!” Alec announced, dancing her way and taking her hands. “Follow my lead, wife.”

“Always,” she laughed as the two of them danced down the aisle, waving at the children to come join them, almost like the Pied Piper… except they were leading them to sugar, sugar, and more sugar.

“Everyone follow us to the reception hall for treats!”

“Tricks are for later,” one of the guys shouted as laughter erupted once more. Oh yes, this would be a wedding none of them would forget, and an anniversary they would always celebrate like this – full of treats, laughter, love, and maybe a trick or two up their sleeves.

Alec led Willow out onto the dance floor as the music started with a little spin, and as he pulled her into his arms, he gave a little nod to his head, indicating she should look to her left. She saw the children were excitedly getting the little bags of candy, and their parents were helping serve the donuts, and everyone was smiling.

“No one will remember Ol’ Sourpuss trying to drag our name through the mud,” Alec said softly. “They will always remember seeing a couple desperately in love with each other, smiling, laughing, and dancing… and those memories will last a lifetime.”

“Despite the political twist at the end?” she teased, not even upset with him in the slightest. It had been extraordinarily clever and light-hearted.

“Are you mad at me?”

“Never,” she replied, letting him spin her slowly on the dance floor. “I could never stay upset with you, and if anything – I wish I had thought of it.”

Alec laughed easily, pulling her close and curling her hand against his chest. His tender gaze held hers as he smiled once more.

“You always amaze me and always will. I knew you had a diabolical, crafty streak in you – but coming up with the charity event? Heck, I am truly impressed, Willow. Remind me never to make you upset.”

“I think we both know that isn’t possible,” she whispered softly, leaning up to kiss him. “You are my heart, my soul, and my weak spot… but let’s keep that between us.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he murmured, kissing her once more as they danced slowly together as man and wife.

… Finally.

14

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WILLOW

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