Page 73 of Loved By Tandy

“I’d feel better if they were here.”

“And as for where we get married, I have an idea.”

“Okay?”

“What better way is there to christen a matchmaking business than with a wedding? We should get married here, down by the couple’s cabin near the river.”

“That’s a perfect idea.”

“We’ll have to use a tent because the rec building won’t be finished for a month or more, and I don’t want to wait that long.”

I inch up and kiss him again. “Neither do I.”

CHAPTER 30

MATTHEW

Icouldn’t have ordered better weather for today. It’s cool, but the sun is shining, which makes it warm enough to be comfortable outside. With my back to the water, I stand next to Mad Dog, waiting for the music to start.

The rows of white folding chairs are filled with our friends and family, and when the music starts, everyone turns to look at the cabin.

The door swings open, and Jeremy, Josh, and Trixie step out. Josh is holding Trixie’s hand, and she tosses rose petals with the other. Jeremy holds the light blue pillow that has cheap plastic rings tied to it because as much as I love those boys, I was not going to trust them with our wedding rings.

Zach and Eli are beaming but sitting at the edge of their seats, ready to spring into action if any of the kiddos take off toward the water.

When the kids get to the front, Josh and Jeremy both shake my hand. Trixie gives me a big hug. And then all three run to their parents.

The music changes, and people stand. My gaze is glued to the doors.

Dallas swings it open, and then Tandy comes into view.

Sunlight reflects in the sparkles on her dress. Her smile is just as bright.

When Dallas gets to the front, he shakes my hand. Mad Dog skips the line asking who is giving away the woman. It seems silly for people our age.

I reach for Tandy’s hands, and she glances around for a place to lay down her bouquet.

Jeremy runs up to take it. “You look really pretty, Grandy.” Then he races back to his seat, clutching the bouquet.

Tears brim in Tandy’s eyes.

“He’s right. You look beautiful. Absolutely dazzling.” I clasp her hands in mine and look at Mad Dog.

The sooner he starts talking, the quicker I’ll get to kiss my bride.

He walks us through the traditional vows and delivers a short homily about unending love. Then he gets to the part I’ve been waiting for, and after I kiss my bride, he addresses the crowd.

“It is my great pleasure to present for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Matthew and Tandy Gallagher.”

While everyone cheers, I sneak another kiss.

Then Jeremy runs into the aisle, screams “Yay!”, and tosses the bouquet into the air.

Rose catches it just before it smacks Dallas in the face.

Tandy squeals. “And now I don’t have to toss the bouquet. Thanks for catching that, Rose.”

Arm in arm, Tandy and I walk down the aisle and tuck into the cabin.

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