We made a deal for that night. She and the girls could go get into whatever trouble they wanted if they let me supply the transportation and the driver. I made sure they would be protected and taken care of no matter where in the city they went. The driver told me when he dropped everyone off at Maggie’s, and I told him I would pay him double if he stayed parked out front until they all passed out.
That poor man didn’t get to go home until almost five in the morning.
But now, it had come. The day I was going to watch Abby come down that aisle in her beautiful gown. Ted was standing at my side as Maggie marched down the aisle, looking beautiful in her own regard, and I readied myself for the moment. The music struck up and everyone stood, and when my eyes landed on Abby being escorted by her father, I felt tears crest my eyes.
She was breathtaking. The beautiful ball gown fit her perfectly. The strapless bodice had an intricate bead and pearl design. It was a mixture of cream colors and champagne. A bit of white and some shimmering thread. It clung to her curves and shaped her breasts beautifully, then spilled over at her hips with tulle and fabric. She looked like a princess with her veil fluttering over her shoulders. Her beautiful brown hair was piled high in curls and her pouty little lips were a crimson red.
I couldn’t take my eyes off of her as she made her way down the aisle.
There was a professional photographer in place, as well as three trusted reporters snapping pictures in the background. I told them to keep their flashes off and promised them the room would be well lit for their photographs. I didn’t want anything spooking Abby, nor did I want anyone in the press skewing this beautiful day for us.
I told them if they got this right, then I would put them on the top of the list to get scoops about us. With Abby’s consent, of course.
“Who gives this woman away?”
“We do,” Abby’s parents said.
I watched as her father flipped her veil over her face before he kissed her cheek. He turned towards me and held out his hand for mine, and I took his to shake. He then placed Abby’s hand within my palm, then cupped his hands around them both as his eyes met mine.
“Take care of her,” Jack said. “There’s a no refund policy in our house.”
“Whatever it takes,” I said, as my eyes traveled to Abby. “Whatever it takes.”
The ceremony was perfect. The room was filled with stained glass light that tie-dyed Abby’s beautiful dress all sorts of colors. We reiterated our vows in front of everyone as I tried to keep my tears at bay. My chest was swelling with love for this woman. This woman who had run into me before trying to run away. This woman who, for reasons I still couldn’t explain, had put her faith and trust in me time and time again. Who had opened herself up to me even when the world had shown her that trusting someone resulted in nothing but hurt.
She had chosen to take one last chance on me, and I was going to make sure she knew I understood that.
“By the power vested in me by the State of California, I declare the wedding vows of Mr. and Mrs. Murphy officially renewed.”
The audience of our friends and family erupted into applause. People were cheering and throwing flowers at us as I scooped her up into my arms. Our lips connected as I walked her down the aisle, her arms threaded around my neck as she wiggled her feet in delight. Never had Abby looked more radiant than in that moment, and we both smiled for the cameras before we exited the wedding hall.
And there, waiting for us in the wings was my mother.
“Abby? There’s someone I want you to meet.”
She turned her head to look at my mother before she scrambled out from my arms.
“Oh my gosh. You must be Colin’s mother,” Abby said. “It is so nice to finally meet you.”
Abby held out her hand for my mother to shake, but instead my mother pulled her in for a hug.
“It’s Elvira, but you can call me El, or Mom. I don’t know which you’d prefer, but either is fine. I never thought I’d see the day when my son actually got married,” she said. “You must be a hell of a woman.”
“Late as always, Mother,” I said, with a chuckle.
“Well, by the time I had gotten in here she had already gone in with her father. A handsome man, by the way. I slipped in and sat at the back, then slipped back out so I could officially meet this beautiful woman you’ve been telling me about.”
“Ah, so you’ve been talking about me,” Abby said.
“Of course,” I said, grinning. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“And I really need to tell Colin to be more truthful. You’re much more radiant than he painted you to be.”
“I see where you get your charm,” Abby said.
“Oh, yes. Mom’s the charmer in the family,” I said.
“Will you be staying for the reception?” Abby asked.
“If there’s an open bar, I’m there.”
“Mom,” I said.
“What? I’m a hard working woman. I’m legal. I can have a drink whenever I’d like,” she said.
“Yeah. She can have a drink whenever she likes,” Abby said.
“Ooh, I really like her,” my mother said.
“You know we’ve rented out some rooms in the hotel down the street, right? Just in case you want to stay?” Abby asked.
“Trust me, I’ll be staying. There are some wonderfully single men in that room.”
“Have you met Ted?” Abby asked.
“She’s not meeting Ted,” I said.
“We can talk about Ted later,” my mother said.
“What type of fresh hell have I descended into?” I asked.
“Hey, you’re the one that wanted me to meet your mother. Not my fault
