Epilogue
Heath sat on a hard bench in the reception area of the register office, waiting for Rhett to appear. Their timeslot was fast approaching, and his nerves were at an all-time high. He concentrated on breathing slowly and the thin vein running through the golden wood by his thigh.
It was still there. That old grain in the wood that nobody bothered to sand and varnish. A five-minute job in his hands.
He glanced over at the toilet door and thought it best to remain seated until Rhett appeared.
The huge clock behind the main desk was still going strong, ticking loudly as if to remind visitors they had a schedule.
Heath loosened his navy tie and unfastened the top button of his crisp white shirt, then leaned back against the cold stone wall and focused on the scratch in the bench.
Come on, Rhett.
He felt happy to his very core. Never in a million years did he expect to find himself sitting in that exact spot ever again.
Well, here I am.
He glanced at the clock. It was almost time. He checked the two platinum rings snug in his pocket, awaiting their big moment. He’d checked on them more times than he could count, sure he would lose at least one.
‘Mr Silver,’ said the receptionist. ‘You should head inside now.’ She gestured to the honey-coloured door to her side.
He nodded and stood just as Rhett stepped into the foyer, taking his breath away once more.
Her long, ivory dress was plain and suited her frame perfectly, and the daisy chain in her flowing strawberry-blonde hair completed the understated look.
Josephine Walker stepped into view, blocking out Rhett for a moment. Her friend, Nora, was huddled to her side, grinning widely.
‘Hello, Josephine,’ Heath said politely. ‘Nora.’
Beady eyes glanced his way. ‘Do you need a witness or two, son?’ asked Josephine, whilst Nora nodded, spinning around to face Rhett.
Rhett gave a slight shrug as she smiled their way. ‘Sure.’
Josephine winked at Heath. ‘Your dad’s here. So, chin up, shoulders back, and go get yourself a wife.’
Heath glanced around as Josephine and Nora went over to Rhett. He smiled to himself, feeling his father watching over him.
Rhett approached, taking his arm in hers. ‘Come on, love. It’s our time.’
They entered the room. Vows were exchanged. Then Heath got to do what he had wanted for so long. He went home to Silver Wish Farm with Rhett as his wife.