Page 134 of Luck Be Mine
Hooting followed, and Cait dropped her head to the table. She knocked her forehead multiple times and muttered something Hunt couldn’t hear.
Doogie patted her back. “Hush, you. Don’t give yourself another concussion.” He turned back to the crowd. “I made a replica of their original marriage license. We will now re-sign the document.”
He put a large piece of art paper in front of Cait. Hunt read the print over her shoulder. It was indeed a copy of their marriage license. How did Doogie have this? Etched at the top was a quote: “When I saw you I fell in love and you smiled because you knew – William Shakespeare.”
Grinning, Doogie handed her a pen. “Since I was there when you met, I know this quote to be true and correct. Happy Anniversary.”
Cait was reading, too, and she turned to whisper. “Is this real?”
Hunt muttered under his breath. “Looks like. Sign it.”
Cait picked up the pen and studied her old signature. “This writing looks like I was on drugs.”
Hunt glanced at the unsteady lines. “Accurate. You were.” He watched the flourish she added to her signature this time and stayed simple with his own.
“We’ll have this mounted on the remembrance wall in your living room,” Doogie announced. “See it even has a blue frame. Matches the décor.”
Cait sighed, but her smile broke through. “Thank you, Doogie. Thoughtful like the red sofa.”
Adele joined them and slapped Doogie’s shoulder. “Pffft.”
Doogie held up a hand to defend himself. “Hey, that’s a great sofa.”
Cait widened her eyes. “I’m not arguing, am I? It’s still in my house.”
Adele rolled her eyes and went to the dance floor, leaving Doogie to flounder by himself.
Cait grinned. This family.
Jackie scooted next to the big man. “Lord have mercy on that red sofa.” She stole the mic. “Get your drinks, folks. We’re about to do toasts.”
Cait leaned into Hunt. “Did you coach Quaid on what to say?”
Hunt grimaced. “Nope. Man did not want any pointers, so be prepared. What about Jackie?”
“Said she had it.”
“Meaning?”
“Anything goes.” A waiter went by and handed Cait and Hunt glasses of punch.”
It took a few minutes for everyone to get appropriate drinks, but then Jackie stole the moment.
“I would like to confirm I was there for the first marriage, and I remember all of it.” The DJ hit a sound bite that played drums. Da-Dum.
“Hooyah!” Doogie would never remain silent.
Jackie raised her hand to quiet everyone and continued. “But neither of these two have ever had trouble honoring the vows and what they meant to each other, and this inspires the rest of us – us single people, too. So going forward I wish for you, my beloved family, good fortune, good times, and good memories. May your future be brilliant and shining.”
She raised her glass and drank, the champagne bubbling. Doogie started the hand clap and foot stomp, and it took on a life of its own. The DJ contributed withAll the Single Ladies, and the roar left Cait laughing in his arms.
Doogie took the mic and Hunt figured he was toast. “I arm wrestled Quaid for this pleasure.”
Quaid raised a drink. “Oorah!”
“Damn Marines,” Doogie groused.
Hunt relaxed as much as he was able.
