CHAPTER ELEVEN
The smiles on the faces of Mitch’s family told Marnie all she needed to know. They were happy about their relationship and totally supportive of their moving in together.
However, the ghost that appeared to question Mitch and his intentions wasn’t so happy.
“You got to marry that gal,” said George.
“George, I know. I only convinced her yesterday to let me love her. Give me a day or two to convince her to marry me.”
“Boy, you don’t get all day to think on these things. Make that gal yours. If you make her cry though, I will haunt your ass until the end of time.” Mitch stared at the friendly ghost tribe and grinned. Mama Irene had her arms folded across her chest staring him.
“That goes double for me. Don’t test me boy.”
“Yes, ma’am. As soon as she’s ready, I’m ready.”
“Make her ready, son,” said Matthew with a knowing smile. Mitch stared at him, tilting his head left and then right. He looked back at Marnie, laughing with Lennon and Marissa, his mother and aunts laughing as well.
“No. No, fucking way. She’s pregnant already?”
“Give it time for her to figure that out but yes. You boys are more powerful than you know,” said Matthew.
“Is it, is it three?” he whispered.
“Let’s save that for the docs to tell you. Just put a ring on her finger.”
“Mama Irene? Can you get me the biggest sapphire and diamond ring you can find? Money doesn’t matter. I need food and services prepared for tomorrow. Wait. Today is Friday right?”
“Yes, baby. A Saturday wedding is a good idea,” smirked Mama Irene. He turned to talk to Matthew and George again, then turned back to see Mama Irene re-appearing from somewhere else. She handed him a box.
“This ring should do,” she smiled. “It’s one the jeweler showed your brother for Lennon. She chose something different but I knew this was meant for a Jordan bride.”
“It’s beautiful. Thank you,” he smiled. He tentatively reached for a hug, always worried that she might disappear at any moment. Instead, he felt her warmth and love absorb into his body, making him laugh out loud.
Turning, he ran toward the table, sliding to a stop on his knees.
“Marry me!” Marnie stared at him open-mouthed. “Oh, shit. I fucked that up. Marnie, I’m crazy about you. I love you now and forever. Please. Please, marry me.”
She smiled down at him touching his cheek. She briefly looked at the ring but that wasn’t important. Turning, the other women all looked at her with tears, nodding.
“Yes. Of course, I’ll marry you.”
“I’ll make you happy, I promise. I’ll never raise my voice or touch you in anger or…”
“Dude, shut the fuck up,” laughed Brooks. “She said yes.”
Mitchell looked at his brother, then back at Marnie who was still smiling at him. He lifted her from the chair screaming at the top of his lungs and others joined in. He never believed he would feel this kind of happiness and joy.
He believed it wasn’t meant for him.
The noise was so loud in the cafeteria, the glass rattled with it.
“Mitch, you have to let me down. I need to get to the hospital and start my shift. Fridays can be pretty crazy around here. We already know there’s a big crew coming in from the gulf and they’re liable to have cuts and bruises and all sorts of things.”
“I’m coming with you,” he said. He hugged her tightly, tears coming down his cheeks. “You’ve made me the happiest man alive.”
The rest of the Jordan family watched as they left, Brooks, Finnegan, River, Quinn and Joey following. She would not be alone. Not today or any day after.
Marnie was a Jordan.
“I’d like to think it was the dress that made that happen,” smirked Angel hugging Mary to his side.
“You always did have great style,” she grinned. “She’s a beautiful girl. Perfect for him. And a great doctor. We need her.”
“Yep,” he nodded. “Now the boys need to find that lunatic and bury him in a deep, deep grave.”
“No chance of turning him over to the authorities?” asked Ramey.
“I seriously doubt this is a man that can be reasoned with. His history tells me there were other things happening there. It could have ended very differently for Marnie had she not reported it to the hospital.
“Don’t worry. The boys will make sure she’s safe. God help the lunatic.”