Page 88 of Forever to Fall
“Your toast back there, what did that mean?”
Beckett flushed but didn’t break eye contact. “It was something Gramps had made me promise. He wanted me to go get my girl, and I was just telling Evan I was happy he found his as well.”
“That’s very sweet,” Mallory said, her heart swelling at the thought of sweet old Gramps. “Now take your girl home.”
“With pleasure.” Beckett leaned in and kissed her, short and chaste on the lips. She watched him round the car and slide behind the wheel, his free hand resting on her knee for the whole drive back to the farm.
As they drove down the gravel drive to the familiar house in the distance, Mallory felt something click into place. She was happy, really and truly content in the moment. All her fears had melted away when her family congratulated them that night. She and Beckett were about to start their lives together. Throughout it all, they’d found each other. They’d found their forever.
EPILOGUE
One Year Later
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“Inow pronounce youhusband and wife,” Evan said, an infectious grin plastered on his face. The sunlight caused his blond hair to appear as white as the bride’s dress.
It took them over sixteen years, but the trio was back under the old oak tree. It felt so familiar, yet so new.
“You were my first kiss, Mallory. And I’m happy to say you’ll be the last.” Beckett’s hands raised to cup Mallory’s cheeks, although he was careful of her veil. The antique lace was another part of Nana Lawson that was here for the day. Just like before, the ruby ring sparkled from her left hand—although now the fit was perfect. And even more perfect, it was officially hers. Beckett looked forward to decades of watching that ring sparkle on his wife’s hand.
Mallory closed the remaining distance, her lips eagerly finding her husband’s. Beckett felt the tug of his tie as Mallory yanked him closer. “Careful, Mal,” he whispered between kisses. “These old ties aren’t as durable as you think.” He winked when she flushed and dropped the fabric.
To go with the theme of honoring their grandparents, he’d worn Gramps’s favorite tie. The fabric was black, and from a distance, it looked like it was peppered with little red spots, but they were apples. It was a nod to the man who built the land they stood on from nothing. It was a nod to love.
“Time for pizza?” Beckett asked, his dimples popping as he held back a laugh.
“I’d say I’d race you, but you know.” She held up the hem of her dress, wiggling her foot and the kitten heels that weren’t made for running through orchards.
Beckett looped his arm around her waist and tugged her close. Despite the photographer in their faces, he whispered, “I’ll save you a slice.”
Mallory had insisted on keeping everything casual, everything just like they were in their everyday lives. That meant that most of Buckeye Falls had come out to support Mallory and Beckett. Alice and James were in charge of decorations, and Mallory was pleased to see her bestie’s husband delivered on the artful floral arrangements. Max and CeCe were in charge of food, naturally, and Mallory could hardly wait to get her first piece of French bread pizza.
Since everyone wanted to be a bridesmaid, Mallory and Beckett decided not to have attendants. Instead, they wanted all their favorite people in the front row watching them make it official; make a commitment to last a lifetime. That didn’t mean her sisters and Alice didn’t gripe about a missed opportunity, but Mallory didn’t mind. What mattered was having everyone she loved here.
CeCe leaned over and whispered in Alice’s ear, “I can’t believe we’re about to serve pizza at this wedding. I feel like I’m back in grade school.”
Alice patted her hand and shook with suppressed laughter. “Relax, you know that’s just the appetizer. Calm her jets, Madam Chef.”
Mallory clasped Beckett’s hand in hers, unwilling to step away from the moment—although she could smell the pizza from where they stood. “I love you,” she whispered, leaning close enough to catch a whiff of his cologne.
“I love you more,” her husband replied, closing the distance for a very un-family friendly kiss. Finally breaking apart, he added, “C’mon, let’s party so we can go home.”
Her gaze swung back to the house, their house, waiting for them to start their new life together. It may have taken them two decades, but Mallory and Beckett were finally home. Forever started right now.
The End
