CHAPTER THIRTY
“Stop fidgeting!” said Patrick.
“The collar on this uniform sucks!” said River. “I’ve always hated full dress.”
“Well, you don’t have to wear it much longer. Just keep still for now.”
“Shit, there are so many people here,” he mumbled to his father. He stared at his brothers, also in their dress uniforms. It was always like looking at a mirror, their smiles identical to his own.
“Of course there are a lot of people. We’ve got a whole fucking city here,” said Patrick nervously.
“Why are you nervous? I’m the one getting married,” he said looking back down the aisle and not seeing Priscilla yet.
“Because I want you to understand that this is not something to take lightly, River. Marriage is a lifetime commitment. One that you go into happily, with love and hope filling your heart. I adore Priscilla for you. I just want to be sure you understand all of this.”
“You bring this up now? Shit, Dad, don’t make me nervous or anything.” He smiled at his father, shaking his head. “Dad, I have no second thoughts. I love Priscilla and we’re going to make you a grandpa as soon as we can.”
Patrick looked at his son, shaking his head and then laughed, nodding.
“Hey, Dad? Thanks for being my best man today.”
“Any time. Besides, it stopped a fist fight with your brothers.”
When the doors opened, Priscilla stood in her custom winter-white gown, a bouquet of flowers that River couldn’t even name at her waist. But what had him tearing up was the man who was holding her arm.
“Tony,” he whispered. Quinn leaned toward him smiling.
“She wanted it to be a surprise. Had us go and get him yesterday. We’ve been hiding him from you.”
“You bastards,” he laughed. The priest cleared his throat and River looked at him apologetically. “Sorry, Father. Thanks, Quinn. Thanks, Finnegan.”
“Any time, brother.”
The walk down the aisle was slow and meaningful, each step drawing Priscilla closer to River and to the future they would build together. Tony gave Priscilla’s hand a reassuring squeeze before placing it in River’s.
The exchange was subtle yet deeply symbolic, marking the transition from one chapter of life to the next, surrounded by the people who mattered most.
The priest welcomed everyone and spoke about the significance of love and partnership. Priscilla and River exchanged heartfelt vows, promising to cherish, support, and respect one another for the rest of their lives. There was not a doubt in anyone’s minds that the vows were true.
Their words, spoken with sincerity and emotion, moved many guests to tears. Tony watched proudly, knowing Priscilla had found someone who truly appreciated her gentle spirit and strength. He said a silent prayer to her father, letting his old friend know that she would be taken care of now.
When the rings were presented, Priscilla’s hands trembled slightly with excitement as River gently slid the band onto her finger. She reciprocated, her smile lighting up the chapel. The symbolism of the rings—a circle with no end—echoed the eternal bond they were forging.
When they were pronounced husband and wife, it prompted a shower of applause and joyful laughter throughout the room.
Their first kiss as a married couple was met with cheers and clapping from family and friends. The newlyweds walked back down the aisle together, hand in hand, their faces radiant with happiness.
The guests followed, eager to congratulate Priscilla and River and celebrate their union. Tony lingered a moment, quietly grateful for the honor of walking Priscilla down the aisle and witnessing her happiness.
“Weddings here are always special,” smiled Angel.
“I can tell,” grinned Tony. “It’s nice to see you again, Angel. You boys know how to make things happen, that’s for sure.”
“Always a pleasure seeing you, Tony. Thank you for helping us out on this one.”
“I’m always available, Angel. Always.”
“Come on. You’re about to experience a south Louisiana wedding feast that you’re not soon to forget.” He slapped the man on the back and they laughed, walking toward the wedding tent with the others.
The reception that followed was filled with heartfelt speeches, dancing, and laughter.
“What do you say we sneak out and start our honeymoon a little early?” said River.
“Where are we going for our honeymoon?” she asked with a grin.
“Well, around here it’s a bit different. But I promise you no one will bother us, we’ll have the place to ourselves, and we can spend as much time there as we want.”
“River, you have to go back to Coronado in three days. That’s not as much time as I want,” she smirked.
“Let’s just say we’ll spend the first part of the honeymoon here and then we’ll head back to Coronado for a few days while I wrap up my exit from the SEALs. In fact, we’ll have my brothers as escorts.”
“I’m not sure how I feel about that,” she laughed. “I’m still having trouble telling them apart.”
“As long as you know which one is me, we’ll be fine,” he said kissing her.
“I will always be able to know which one is you.”
“So, ready?” he asked.
“As I’ll ever be. Let me just say goodbye to Tony.”
“Priscilla? I was really happy to see him. He’s a good man and I know he cares about you,” said River.
“I know,” she smiled. “I heard what he did for all of you. Remember, I have comms now as well. I hear all.” She wiggled her eyebrows and River laughed, his brothers coming up behind him.
“She’s a winner, dude,” said Quinn. “You ready to be out of this uniform for good?”
“You know, I think I am,” he chuckled. “How about you guys?”
“A big yes for me,” said Quinn.
“I’m working on it,” said Finn. “I may not have a choice. Apparently they’re pissed at all of us. But I’m ready to at least hear what they have to say and then make my decision.”
“Well, we’ll be there together, just like always,” said River gripping his brothers shoulders.
“Always,” smiled Quinn.
“From the beginning,” said Finn
Patrick and Margo stared at their three sons, so identical and yet so very different.
“One down,” she smiled. He nodded, laughing at his wife.
“At least they’re not girls. I’d worry more about them if they were.”
“That’s the difference between you and me, honey,” said Margo. “I’d worry about them no matter what sex they are.”
“Maybe you and I should consider a second honeymoon for a few days,” he grinned.
“You know, I’m up for that. Let’s start now.”