Page 71 of Margo and the Faux Good Luck Beau
As we descend the steps, people in the parade must notice because they start cheering for us. All at once, we’re ushered into a horse-drawn carriage.
On the back is a sign that says,Just Married.
“Wait, did you plan this?”
He answers with a wink.
At the reception, Beau and I step up to the Irish band’s microphone to make the customary toast.
He says, “Ladies first.”
“We’ve only known each other since around the new year and have only been married for a few hours, but I already know a lot about Beau. He sticks up for the people he cares for. He watches the sunrise on his birthday. He’s a loyal friend and teammate, and an outstanding hockey player. He always keeps his promises.” Turning to him, I add, “And I’m looking forward to many years of doing life together, making memories, and getting to know you better.”
He kisses my temple and takes the mic. “There are people—women—that you can live with. Then there’s the one that you can’t live without. You’re that girl, Honey Butter. My wife.”
Something about those last two words untether me from the past, and bond us together in the best of ways. I float onto my toes—last time I’m wearing high heels—and kiss him.
Then he adds, “But there is one more thing.”
I feel my face falling. A secret?
“You’ve never heard me sing.”
My lips rise again because is this about to happen?
The band begins to play and then Beau croons a song, telling me all the ways he’s going to love me for the rest of our lives.
Had this been a few months ago, I would’ve been mortified, wishing to crawl into a hole and hide, completely resistant to everything he professes simply because I wouldn’t believe it could be possible. At least not for me.
But the sincerity in his eyes and the smile on his lips tell me every word is true. I receive it, right into my heart.
When the song ends, everyone goes wild with cheering and clapping which soon shifts into them chanting, “Drop the Hammer.” That morphs into the MC Hammer song that plays when the Knights’ goalie blocks a shot.
We join hands and I take one, landing right on Beau’s lips and then we have our first dance as husband and wife.
EPILOGUE 1
Unfortunately,I’m not lounging on a beach somewhere under the sun with a frilly, fruity drink in my hand. Instead, I’m in a chilly hockey arena as the Knights take to the ice during the Stanley Cup Final. They barely made it, shaving into the Conference Final by a single point. But that’s hockey for you, the advantages are slim. I can’t claim to fully understand the game, but it’s grown on me.
So have the other players and their wives and girlfriends. In fact, the Nebraska Knights are one big happy family and I’m glad to call Cobbiton home again. Thankfully, I live across town from my mother and sister.
After my sister’s episode at our wedding, I haven’t so much as gotten an apology. I considered sending her an olive oil cake—like an olive branch for peace, only tastier. It’s a new product at the Busy Bee Bakery. I’ve partnered with them since getting the Knights special events contract.
Yep, Margo A Go-Go now plans special affairs for the team. It wasn’t a case of nepotism either. Cara is Coach Badaszek’s assistant and solicited applications for a special events planner. I applied and got the job based on my presentation and not because I’m married to the goalie.
Speaking of, back to the game. Juniper sits beside me and we both jump to our feet as the center for the Cascades makes his way toward the defensive zone. Everyone starts chanting, “Drop the Hammer.”
Even though I can’t see Beau’s face beneath his helmet (thank goodness for the protective gear), his posture coils as if he’s daring McMillan to take the shot.
“Close the gap,” Juniper yells as if Beau can hear her.
The Cascades’ center passes the puck to one of the wingers and he takes the shot. Thanks to my fabulously talented husband with lightning-fast reflexes, it’s an empty-netter.
“Did you see that?” Juniper asks.
“No, I’d fallen asleep,” I joke.
The arena is lit with electric energy. The MC Hammer song comes on and the crowd goes wild, cheering for Beau.
