Epilogue
One year later…
They were going to be late, and that wouldn’t do.
But Inez had misplaced Murphy, and she was determined that the stuffy wasn’t going to miss their big day.
“Did you take him outside on the swing set?” Vince asked.
They were all mobilized, searching high and low for the cherished toy, which wasn’t anything new. Inez took the dog-eared bear everyplace she was allowed, and invariably Murph ended up lost.
“Nope.” Inez, looking puzzled, got down on her hands and knees to gaze under the living room couch. “Nothing,” she declared.
“How about Nana and Papa’s? Did you take him there yesterday?”
Those were the names Inez had settled on for Vince’s parents, whom they’d just had lunch with the day before, for some last-minute planning for today.
“I did,” Inez tapped her lip, emulating something Lace did all the time, which made Lace smile. “But I remember I had him coming home.”
“Wait.” Vince snapped his fingers. “You took a bath last night. Is he—”
“—on the shelf next to the tub,” Inez shouted triumphantly.
She’d been so wiped out after her bath, and after maintaining a level of excitement for what would be happening today, that she’d practically fallen asleep on her feet and they’d had to carry her to bed.
And they’d forgotten Murphy.
Inez tore off to the bathroom and came back victoriously; her best friend cradled in her arms.
“Can we go now?” she questioned.
Vince laughed. “Yes. Let’s hit the road.”
On the way to their destination, Lace actually pinched herself.
Was this her life? Was this really happening?
She looked at her watch. In a mere twenty minutes, she’d be marrying Vince at the local courthouse. Then, as soon as that ceremony wrapped up, they’d be going to another judge next door where they’d sign papers and make their adoption of Inez, final and legal.
Lace Heiger would become Lace Heiger-Sothard, and Inez…
Oops, not to forget Murphy.
Inez and Murphy would become Sothards, as well,
It all seemed like a dream.
Or a miracle.
Just like both their cancer prognoses.
Neither one of them would be considered cancer free for another few years, but all the signs and tests were pointing toward complete remission. Their doctors were very encouraged, and encouraging.
Lace had undergone her breast removal surgery following her chemo, and after her radiation regime, she’d eventually opted to have reconstruction surgery with one permanent implant. She’d kept her other breast, which was given a spiffy up-lift so it would match her new one.
Her boobs, both new and old, looked perky.
It had been the right decision for her.
Looking down at the front of the short, white dress Bobbie had helped her pick out for her wedding, she felt nothing but peace and happiness.
Today was something she’d never expected to happen; her health, a husband, and a child all bundled into one.
If life threw them curveballs from here on out, at least they’d have each other.
The crowd in front of the courthouse was all for the three of them.
Friends and relatives had come out of the woodwork to celebrate.
All the close-knit Sothard families were there, for sure, along with many, many Sothard cousins, aunts, and uncles whom Lace had gotten to know over the past year.
Obi-Wan and Zita were also cheering them on, along with a man Lace had met just a few months earlier.
Tex.
He’d insisted on coming; saying he could spare an hour or two for them, but would be flying out before the reception. Nobody questioned him on his tight schedule. He had people to help, and worlds to save.
Both ceremonies were joyous, short, and sweet, which was just the way Lace and Vince had wanted it. By the time they all had rings on their fingers—because, of course, Inez had been given one, too—they were ready to party and let their hair down.
Lace and Inez’s hair had grown back; curly and fluffy for the pair, which made them both laugh, since previous to losing it, their tresses had both been stick-straight.
The festivities were being held at the Sothard compound, naturally, even though Bobbie had nixed Ellen doing any of the food prep. Bobbie had also taken the day off, and instead left everything to her highly competent catering staff.
They ate and ate, laughed and joked, talking until they were almost hoarse. And just when Lace thought they might sneak away, Kyle, bouncing on the soles of his feet, approached them and loudly announced, “It’s time for presents.”
Vince actually groaned. “Kyle. I think we’ll wait until tomorrow to do that, in the comfort of our own home, if that’s okay. We’re beat. We can just load up my truck.”
Lace had seen the pile of gifts, and it was impressive.
“Okay,” Kyle agreed. “All but one. You need this one, right now.”
He gestured toward the door with a sweeping hand.
Lace nearly groaned. Please, no practical jokes today.
But Kyle wouldn’t be stopped.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Vince, Lace, and Inez. I’d like to introduce you to…Celeste.”
Celeste?
The door opened with a flourish, and Kyle’s wife Rowan walked through, carrying,,,
…a dog with a huge red bow around her neck.
“What?” Vince looked gobsmacked, and Lace knew her face mimicked his.
Not so, Inez.
“A dog, Uncle Kyle? You got us a dog?” she screeched ecstatically, running over to hug the pup who was all wiggles.
Wow.
Lace and Vince had talked about adopting a dog. Had planned on it. But life had gotten in the way every time they got close, so they were always “just another month” away from pulling the trigger.
Kyle beamed. “You’ve been prevaricating about it for so long, it was pathetic.
And you weren’t getting off your a—, uh, keister to do anything about it,” he cleaned up.
“So we all made an executive decision. When this little rescue arrived at the local shelter where Gram volunteers, we decided she was the one.”
Vince had previously speculated to his family about what kind of mutt he wanted, so everyone was aware he preferred a mixed breed, part cur, part lab, and…
Here she was.
Tears appeared in Vince’s eyes, and he quickly dashed them away to hug his brother.
“Thanks, Kyle,” he allowed gruffly, right before Lace saw the cheeky side of him struggling to get out. “There is just one thing, though,” he complained, backing up.
“What’s that?” Kyle asked, rightfully wary.
“A long time ago, I declared to Lace that I was going to be the one naming our dog,” he posited with a deliberate pout.
“Oh,” Kyle responded, blinking. “Is that all. Well, I guess you can re-name her, then.”
“So, what will it be?” Rowan asked, bringing the dun-colored pup over for scratches and kisses.
Vince took the dog into his arms and looked like he’d never let go.
“I’ll guess I’ll call this dog…Celeste,” Vince stated with aplomb.
Everyone in the room laughed…
It was perfect.
And this was truly a happily ever after.