“Guiney… no… be… uff… fray. Rob… ber… alway… be… uff… guiney. Alway… be… uff… lah… uff. Guiney… be… uff… happ… ee.”
Robert cupped her face in his hand and gave her a long, soft kiss.
The reverend made a small laugh. “You may kiss your bride.”
There was laughter.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Dr. Robert and Mrs. Virginia Young.”
Everyone applauded. Robert scooped Gini up and carried her out of the chapel to the cafeteria for the reception with punch and cake.
Gini sat on a tall chair next to Robert, who was standing as the guests made their way through the line to give congratulations. Ric took Debbie’s hand in both of his. “Debbie.”
She reached over and hugged him. “It’s good to see you, Ric.”
“Reek… be… uff… come!”
“I wouldn’t have missed it. Sweets, you are so beautiful, and I can see you’re very happy.”
“Oh… yes… be… uff… happ… ee. Be… lah… uff.”
“I’m happy for you. You have a wonderful life with the good doctor here, okay?” He kissed her on the cheek.
“Dr. Young, congratulations.”
“Thanks, Ric, and thanks for coming.” The two men were shaking hands.
“You take good care of her; she’s special.”
“Yes, she is. I promise I will always take care of her.”
“The better man won. I’m glad she’s going to live her life out with you.”
Robert put his other arm around Ric and gave a side hug. “You’ll always be Gini’s friend and mine, too.”
“Yes, friends.”
“Cat… ter… rin! Guiney… be… marry,” Gini said, jubilant, with her eyes open, and a big bright smile.
“I know, honey. I’m so happy for you.” They hugged.
“Now you go and have a lot of fun on your honeymoon, and when you get back we’ll get together.”
“Pur… fit!”
“Oh, honey, you are so beautiful. You’re a lucky man, Dr. Young.”
“I am.” He put his arm around Gini and hugged her.
“Now, you’d better be good to her, or you’re going to hear from me.”
Gini giggled.
“I will,” he said, putting his hand on her arm. “It’s Robert from here on out.”
“Robert it is. Be happy.” She kissed them both on the cheek.
Ric stood by the door waiting for Catherine. His heart ached; he didn’t think there was anything left in there, it had been broken so many times. But he knew Gini was meant to be with Robert. Robert never expected anything from her other than what she could give. He understood now how much better that was for Gini, how much easier it made it for her to face the future. With Ric, there would always be memories. What she remembered exactly, he didn’t know, but it would have shadowed them, the might-have-been. Robert freed her from that, and Ric was glad, because he wasn’t freed of it and he wouldn’t wish this sorrow on anyone. Ric was convinced he’d never love again. He would live a lonely, loveless life, but he would go on.
Catherine walked up next to him. “Ready?” he asked.
“Yeah, let’s get out of here.”
He held out his arm, and she slipped her hand in to hold it, and they walked out together.
Robert and Gini stayed at his condo next to the hospital overnight. They would leave the next afternoon for California and Mexico for their honeymoon.
Debbie had packed a bag for her and one for Gini. Debbie went right from the wedding to the airport to fly to Florida. The next morning, she would board a cruise for gays and lesbians. Gini and Robert gave her the trip as a gift of thanks for all she had done to make the wedding perfect.
Friday morning Robert went into the kitchen and put a pod in the coffee maker. He peeked back in the bedroom. Gini was pulled up into a ball, sleeping in the middle of the bed. His wife—his wife; he never thought he’d ever say those words or feel the love he had for her.
He put his hands around the warm cup and stepped out on the balcony. It was a cool late-October morning. The grass in the park was covered with dew, and the rising sun’s rays made the droplets sparkle and glisten. This was the first day of their life together as husband and wife.
Chapter 15—Alone Together
Robert put all the bags and the wheelchair in the car while Gini slept. When they got to the airport, the porter helped with the bags, and Robert pushed Gini in her chair. The ticket agent said it would be easier if Gini switched to an airport chair, so her chair could be checked. Gini had seemed okay with the trip until they made the switch. Robert explained she’d have it back when they landed. Then another airport worker started pushing the chair.
“Rob… ber,” Gini cried out.
“I can handle the chair,” he said.
The agent kept pushing at a rapid pace. “I can get you to the head of the line.”
Robert quickened his step to keep up, knowing Gini was frightened. When they got to security, they asked if she could walk. He said yes. Then they told him to go first through the X-ray. Asking Gini to stand and walk through put her in a panic. He tried to walk back through to help her, but the agents told him he could not board his flight if he went back out. Calling to her, he convinced her to step forward. Once in the X-ray tube, they allowed him to go in and show
