Page 41 of Small Moments
Epilogue
Mid-June, near the picturesque stream where Mike had taken her for their first picnic, with the sun smiling down upon them, the wild flowers in bloom, and a light breeze keeping any bugs away, Rin Hayashi joined her life with Michael Myers as his mate, partner, and wife. They had dressed casually, Mike in khaki trousers and a polo, Rin in a simple white sundress, her only adornment, her beloved locket around her neck, and upon her wrist, a delicate charm bracelet with a tiny wolf and fox that Mike had given her as a gift. She didn’t need a fancy gown, and she certainly had no desire to torture Mike with a tuxedo. Because this day wasn’t about what they wore, but rather who they were with, and what they felt for each other.
They had decided to exchange their own heartfelt vows. Mike started, while Tim, beside him as best man grinned like a loon. Taking Rin’s hand in his, he spoke clearly, his voice deep with emotion, words that Rin would never forget. “My Rin, from the moment I first saw you, I recognized my other half. But having come to know you, I’ve learned that you are so much more. You’re my heart, my soul. If I lost you, I wouldn’t lose only half of myself, I would lose all of me. Your strength and courage inspires me, your fierce heart humbles me, and your core goodness motivates me to be a male worthy of all that you are. Here, today, in front of these witnesses, I give you my love, my loyalty, and my life, forever.”
Ginny, at Rin’s side, as matron of honor, had sniffled and dabbed at wet eyes throughout. Rin, likewise was feeling the impact of her mate’s words and when it came time for her to say her own vows, she could barely get the words past the lump of emotion that had stuck in her throat. With all the love she felt for Mike shining from her eyes, Rin spoke the words that were in her heart. “My Mike,” she began, needing to stop and swallow and take a breath, but still the tears escaped. “When I first came to Malsum Pass, I felt scared, insecure, and I had no idea where my place in the world was. You gave me my courage back. You let me find my motivation, and you not only supported me when I tried to stand, but you gave me the strength to help me fly.” Needing to stop for another shuddering breath, she gripped those calloused hands that gave her so much more courage than she ever thought possible. “I love you, Michael Myers, today, tomorrow, and for every moment after that, and in front of these witnesses, I give you my love, my loyalty, and my life, forever.”
The rings they chose to exchange had been Rin’s parents’ rings, and though they hadn’t lived long enough to see this day, Rin knew in her heart they would have been proud. Proud of her, proud of her choice of mate, and proud of the home she had chosen for herself.
The entire pack had come out to see the couple wed, the town shutting down in favor of the event. They all stood, gathered around the couple in support of their union, many of them dabbing at damp eyes with tissues. Even the frosty Sherry Pierce was seen discreetly turning away, handkerchief in hand, as well as the big, burly bear shifter, Christian Black, who stood toward the back of the group, could be seen swiping at his eyes with the back of his hand.
And as the officiant declared them husband and wife, Mike pulled her into his arms, dipped her low, and with a whispered “I love you,” for his bride’s ears alone, joined his mouth to hers for a deep kiss. Her new pack threw back their heads and howled.
Smiling, unbelievably happy, Rin held Mike’s hand as the crowd parted, voices raised in congratulations to the happy couple as they made their way to the Dodge Coronet given to Mike as a wedding gift, now strung with crepe paper streamers, and shaving cream wishes, ready to take them into the next moment of their lives with the cheery clank of cans trailing behind…
The End
