Chapter 19 #2
“He called me from Germany. I’m happy to help.
He didn’t want to bother the others. Kassie and Chase have watched over Catherine, and I heard they’re planning his funeral this morning.
He explained why he wanted to do this. There’s nothing wrong with bringing joy into the family.
They’ll be happy for you, and we’ll celebrate again next year.
Enjoy today. I have set up a wedding supper with Ty.
Bryanna included a small cake, and she promised not to say anything. ”
“You didn’t have to do this,” Claire said with tears in her eyes.
“Don’t cry. You’ll ruin your makeup, and you’re stunning. You’ll knock Patch’s socks off.”
“Thank you.”
“Come out when you’re ready. I called the hospital, and Gabby’s still having contractions, but not dilated far enough yet. I’ll keep you posted if something happens. I’m headed to Catherine’s.”
“It seems almost tacky to get married today knowing she’s burying the love of her life,” Claire said guiltily.
“Nope,” Samantha said, shaking her head. “She’d tell you to seize the moment. Leo would demand it. Your family comes first.”
Claire smoothed her baby bump and glowed. “My family,” she whispered. “Patch and I will have a family.”
“Yes. Now go get married,” Samantha said, laughing. She gathered her things and closed the door, leaving Claire alone.
Walking to the mirror, she gazed at herself, checking her lipstick one more time. Spraying on her perfume, she took a breath and then entered the living room where Patch waited for her in a dark blue suit.
Seeing her, he rose from the couch, and his eyes slowly took her in. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered. Handing her a bouquet of wildflowers, he said, “I picked these from the mountain this morning. Since you love this place, I wanted something from home.”
“Thank you. It’s perfect,” she said, smelling them.
“Do you need anything else?” he asked, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her.
“I’m ready,” she said softly. “I’ve waited my whole life to find you.”
“I hope it didn’t require you fixing anything. I have a knot on my head from the shower head when it popped off the wall this morning,” he teased.
“I’m sorry,” she said, feeling the lump at the back of his head. “I’ll kiss it later.”
“I’m counting on it,” he murmured. “Let’s go.”
He helped her inside his truck, and they drove to Seattle.
“After we’re married, do you want to have a wedding breakfast?” he asked. “Or maybe a brunch since you already ate one breakfast this morning.”
“I’m not turning you down,” Claire said. “I hope I don’t spill anything on this dress. It’s white, which means it has a homing beacon for stains.”
“I gotcha covered. I brought along some comfortable clothes for later,” he assured her. “When we get to the courthouse, there’s a small park adjacent to it. I hired a photographer to take a few photos. I know it’s not the wedding you dreamed of, but I want to remember this day forever.”
“Honestly, I’m almost relieved. I hate all the planning and preparations. What if we skipped a formal wedding and held a reception instead? We can use Bear’s barn and have a family-style meal. After all, I’ll always think of today as our official wedding day,” she informed him.
“Really? You won’t be mad at me for ruining all those lists you have attached to those bridal magazines?” he teased.
“You know I’m a planner. Every time I think I’ve narrowed it down, I find something else. I’d rather save the money. After all, we’ll need an electrician, a drywaller, a carpenter, and a floor man to fix everything I broke while you were away,” Claire said, grinning.
“You’re right. Hopefully the baby will have my mechanical skills,” he said, laughing. “I can’t wait for the contractor to see how you tied the French doors shut. He’ll think I married you against my will. It appears like you kidnapped someone in there.”
Claire smiled as he pulled into the parking lot. Walking around the truck, he helped her down and turned to greet the photographer, Jenny.
“I’ll take a few photos during the vows, and then we’ll walk over to the park for a few more,” Jenny explained. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” Claire said, holding Patch’s arm. He led the way to the courthouse, walking slowly to accommodate her pace.
They checked in at the desk, where the receptionist said, “Judge Barnes will be a few minutes. If you want to freshen up, there’s a bathroom down the hall and to the right.”
“I need to use the restroom,” Claire whispered. “I’ve got the jitters.”
“I’m coming with you. I don’t want you changing your mind and escaping out the window,” he teased, leading her down the hall.
“As if I’d fit,” she snarked as she pushed the door to the ladies’ room and handed him her flowers.
She washed her hands, reapplied her lipstick, and adjusted her stray hair. “In a few minutes, you’ll be Mrs. Claire Hawkins. Then, we’ll have a baby. You’re the luckiest girl in the world.”
When she opened the door, Patch handed her the flowers. “They called our name.”
“You ready?” she asked.
“I’ve been ready,” he assured her.
They entered the judge’s chambers with Jenny.
“I understand you two want to get married today,” Judge Barnes said as he walked in front of his desk. He opened his book and cleared his throat to begin.
“Wait,” Patch said, placing his hand over the judge’s book. “I talked you into doing this, but I don’t want some standard words. I want to say my own vows.”
Judge Barnes glanced at a surprised Claire, who nodded her agreement.
“Then you can begin,” he said, closing his book and putting it on his desk.
Patch turned to her. “May I go first?”
“Yes,” Claire said, moved by his gesture.