Page 37 of Be My First

James shakes his head. “I’m enjoying the reprieve. Everyone is tired of hearing me talk. Go ahead, Declan.”

We all turn our attention back to Declan. “Maggie and I just wanted to thank you for coming today. It’s so special to us that everyone came on this adventure together. We’ve loved having you here, and I hope this is the beginning of many big family trips to come.”

Zadie picks up her spoon and clinks it on her wine glass. Will whistles in approval, and Keene calls, “Here, here!”

“We are looking forward to having some fun together tonight, but I have one quick thing I need to do first.” With that, he drops on his knee in front of Maggie. Elizabeth squeals, and I clamp my hand over my mouth.

“Maggie, I love you more than life itself. I’ve loved you for years. You make every day an adventure and every adventure more exciting. I know we’re already living our forever, but will you make it official? Maggie, will you marry me?”

She smiles down at him not looking the least bit surprise and says, “Of course.”

He kisses her hand and slides a ring on her finger. She pulls him up toward her so they can kiss. When they pull apart, Maggie says, “So Dex, when do you want to do this?”

A big smile grows on Declan’s face, and he says, “I don’t know, Mags. What about right now?”

Celeste gasps and Elizabeth claps her hands.

Maggie is smiling as brightly as Declan now. “Sounds perfect. What are we waiting for?”

Declan reaches behind a table and grabs a bouquet and veil and hands them to Maggie. She puts on the veil.

“Is this really happening?” Eli calls.

“Right now,” Declan says. “Help us with the chairs.”

Everyone scrambles to move the chairs around. A few workers bring out a floral arch and a harpist appears and starts playing music. I take a seat between Bode and Eli. “Oh my god, I’m so excited. I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Our family does love a surprise wedding, don’t they?” Eli whispers. I smile thinking about Will and Olivia’s wedding.

James stands at the front of the floral arch between Maggie and Declan.

“You knew about this?” Elizabeth calls.

He shrugs. “You didn’t really think I could sit through a whole family gathering without giving a speech, did you?”

Everyone laughs.

“We should have been suspicious,” Zadie calls.

James lifts his hands to get everyone to settle down and then starts. “They told me to keep this short and simple.”

“Why didn’t they have Eli do it then?” Zadie calls.

James ignores her and starts into a traditional but short wedding ceremony. They recite vows. I cry. They exchange rings. I cry harder. Toward the end, James says, “Maggie, you’ve been a part of this family for years, but we’re all excited to make it official. Welcome to the family.”

Tears roll down her cheek. Celeste hands her a tissue. James continues, “Declan, I didn’t think you’d settle down until I was long dead and buried.”

Declan laughs loudly.

“Who knew you’d already settled down years ago, but just kept it a secret? We’re so glad the two of you found each other and have created a beautiful family together. We’re also happy you aren’t sneaking around anymore.”

They both laugh.

“Me too,” Maggie says. Declan nods his head in agreement.

James looks at Declan and says, “What are you waiting for? Kiss her.”

Declan’s smile grows and he wraps his arms around Maggie, kissing her deeply. When Declan breaks the kiss, he holds Maggie tightly for a moment and kisses her forehead. Bode hands me a tissue, and I wipe my eyes.

---