Page 119 of A Hard Fit

“I, Kate McCurdy, by the powers vested in me by the city of Oakport, do hereby pronounce you to be married. I wish you long life, happiness and prosperity, and may the vows you made to each other today sustain you forever. You may celebrate your marriage with a kiss.”

Finn took Rory in his arms. Their lips met in a whispered promise of the love they would always have. Then his tongue touched Rory’s, an expression of how much he wanted them in every way. Rory kissed back, heated and urgent, their hearts beating in time with each other. Finn imagined, later, in the quiet of their house, pressing his ear to Rory’s chest, listening, until the rhythm of Rory’s blood echoed through his entire body. Then…then he would taste them, savor them, soak them into each and every cell of his body.

Luka and Thomas hooted and clapped, an abrupt reminder for Finn that they were in fact still in City Hall, and the wedding was not quite over. The four of them signed the register, then the clerk offered to take some pictures. Finn wrapped his arm around Rory and smiled so hard his face hurt.

“Wait, you know what pose we need to do?” Rory asked. Before Finn could reply, Rory slid one arm under his, then bent down to lift his legs.

“What are you—” Finn said, then he was in the air. “Rory!” he squeaked, slinging both arms around Rory’s neck and holding on for dear life.

Rory giggled, staggering under Finn’s weight, managing to hold him still enough for a couple photos, then they heaved Finn back to his feet.

“So strong.” Finn laughed and kissed Rory on the cheek.

Luka and Thomas were deep in a quiet conversation a few steps away, much too serious for the situation. A sudden surge of affection for the two hit him hard. Because they were his family too, weren’t they?

“Hey, you two. Get over here!” Finn called. He put an arm around Rory and held the other one up in invitation. “Family photo.”

The four of them lined up, smiling, while the clerk captured the best moment in Finn’s life.

They tumbled out onto the sidewalk afterward into one of those perfect early spring nights. The rain had stopped, and the air was warm, moist and scented with beginnings and wet pavement.

Finn held his arms wide and asked the city, “Who’s ready to celebrate?” Three voices bounced back, rippling around him like drops in a puddle. They were ready.

Finn had never been toL’Empeurerbefore. Even if he could technically afford it now, for special occasions anyway, it was still drilled into him that a fancy French restaurant like that was ‘too expensive.’ There were only a handful of tables in the place, each tucked into its own little world in a plush alcove with small bow windows and thick, cream-colored drapery. The maître d’ sat them on button-tufted velvet chairs and draped linen napkins on their laps. Quiet violin music played in the background, the lighting low and soothing.

Dimitri appeared as soon as the maître d’ left.

“Rory!” He kissed them on both cheeks. “Toutes nos félicitations! And Finn.” Kisses for Finn too. “Bienvenu dans la famille.”

The family.

“Thank you so much, Dimitri. And thanks for getting us in tonight!” Rory said.

Dimitri waved a hand. “C’est rien. I am thrilled to be a part of your wedding day!”

“These are our friends, Luka and Thomas.”

They exchanged greetings, then Dimitri breezed around the table, collecting the menus the maître d’ had just left. “You won’t be needing these,mes amis! I will take care of you. This evening, for hors d’oeuvres, we are featuringPalourdes au Gratin, baked clams with garlic butter and bread crumbs, and Quiche Lorraine. I will bring those out with some fresh bread and a bottle of red for the table to start.Bon?” Dimitri was only gone a few minutes before he came back with water, wine, and a basket of warm crusty rolls with herb butter.

“How have you been, Dimitri?” Rory asked, taking a roll.

“Ça va, ça va. Max got nipped by a yorkie at the park the other day,mon pauvre bébé. He had to get stitches. But he will be okay.”

“Oh, yes, Rory mentioned you have four dogs?” Luka asked.

They chatted about Dimitri’s dogs—five now, actually—as he poured the wine and they dug into the bread.

“Your parents must be so thrilled for your marriage!” Dimitri said to Rory.

“Er…” Finn and Rory shared a look. “They actually don’t know we got married today,” Rory admitted.

Dimitri froze with the wine bottle halfway to Rory’s glass. “Eh?”

“We weren’t even going to tell them we got engaged yesterday, but then Jackson…” Rory trailed off. Dimitri had missed Bailey’s party.

“Jackson…?” Dimitri prompted.

Rory told him the whole story, while Dimitri gasped and sighed throughout.

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