Epilogue
Ten Months Later
K ate checked her beach house one last time, just to make sure she wasnt leaving anything she needed behind. Nothing caught her eye, so there was nothing to keep her here any longer. A single tear dripped from her eye when she entered the bedroom she and Sandy had recently decorated. Soft yellows and creams and splashes of bright green here and there. A new Mac computer sat on top of a brand-new oak desk. Opposite that was a giant plasma television set, Petes contribution to the makeover. There were books and videos, CDs, posters of the latest pop stars. The closet was so stuffed with clothes, Kate had to remove some and put them in her closet. She scanned the room one last time before she left. More than anything in the world, she wanted this room to be as perfect as possible. She decided it was as good as it would get until Rosita moved in and made the room her own. When she and Tick had told Rosita about her parents, shed been so sad. But since she had learned that she was being adopted by Tick and Kate, the child hadnt stopped smiling.
First, there was a wedding to attend.
Gathered out on the beach were all the people who were near and dear to her. Each and every one of them had made a mark on her life. She was honored that theyd taken the time out of their busy lives to share in the celebration. She closed the door and walked down the steps that led to the beach.
She stopped and turned for one last look.
You know itll never be the same again, Tick Kelly said.
Kate placed a hand over her heart. You scared me, and I know it wont be the same. I dont want it to be the same, Mr. Kelly.
Tick pulled Kate close to him, then kissed her long and slow. When they broke apart, both were breathing a little heavier than normal.
Tick, are you okay with this? I mean... youve been here before. I just want to make sure that Rosita and I arent, well... you know.
Substitutes for the family I lost? Is that what you want to say?
Kate nodded. Tears, like tiny silver rivers, dripped down her face.
These last months with you and Rosita have been the best time of my life. Truly. When I went to Atlanta and stood by Sally, Emma, and Rickys graves, I felt as though another person had lived that life. In a sense thats true because Im not the man, not the father that I was then. I will always love them, but youre my life now. You and Rosita. Ive gained a few of lifes bruises and bumps since they died. Some of them have been for the good, and some not so good. Youhe gazed into her eyes, which shimmered with tears of happinessare the best of everything good. Rosita, shes a blessing. The two of you are the angels who gave me a second chance at life. And you ask me if Im okay. If I were more okay, Id have to be in heaven because, Kate Rush, in my opinion, it aint gonna get any better than it is right now. So, what do you say? Shall we go down to the beach, where our friends are waiting?
Kate hooked her arm between his. Lets go.
The warm May breeze from the Atlantic greeted them as they made their way to the beach, which Kates grandmother had always said would be a killer spot for a wedding. And today those words were coming to fruition. Not only were Kate and Tick getting married, but Pete and Sandra were as well.
Never in a zillion years had Kate thought she and Sandy would do something so corny as a double wedding, but somehow it didnt seem corny at all. It seemed perfect for all.
Do you think the minister will mind when we tell him there are two extra couples who want to get married today? Kate asked, as they slowly made their way over to the canopied area where their reception would follow.
I think it will be just fine, now stop worrying and lets get this show on the road. I have two beautiful ladies to escort down the aisle.
While it had taken months to plan, the ceremony would be over in minutes, and Kate wanted this day to last as long as possible.
The minister, a friend of Jellys, would be performing the service. As Kate and Tick, Pete and Sandy, and now Lawrence and Nancy formed a semicircle in front of the minister, they each said their vows, and when they all said their final I do! the party began.
Hey, Rush, get your ass over here. I need to ask you something. Lawrence called out, as she was on her way over to the reception.
What is it now? she asked when she raced back over to where he and Nancy were still standing.
I want to apologize to you. For all the shitty things Ive put you through. The PMSing, calling you a bitch, and ordering you to go on a stakeout in the middle of that hurricane. Do you think you can forgive an old chum? Lawrence was so sincere, Kate almost started to cry.
Ill think about it, she said, then hurried back toward the tents where they were holding the reception.
Wait! Kate, I need an answer now, he shouted. Please?
With that, not only did Kate return to the beach, but Sandy followed her. And Bird. And Tick. And Pete.
Gather around you guys and listen up, cause Im only going to say this once. Lawrence Tyler, I forgive you for every low-life, meanspirited, uncaring, thoughtless act youve ever committed against me.
Well, since Kates in such a forgiving mood, I guess I can forgive you, too. But you do owe me a new pair of white jeans for making me crawl like a snake under that Mustang to save your worthless hide. Then you puked on me on the plane ride to Miami; thats a bit hard to forgive, but since Im in a forgiving mood, okay, youre forgiven, Sandy said, grinning from ear to ear.
Kate wore a plain white dress, Sandy wore a cream-colored dress, and Rosita was dressed in the palest yellow. Nancy wore a white silk dress that had belonged to her mother. The three men trailing behind them wore cutoff jeans, flowered shirts, and flip-flops.
Today three marriages had been made in heaven.
Pete looked at his older brother. You okay, bro?
This has got to be the very best moment of my entire life. Im just tryin to drink it all in. Somewhere from above, Tick knew, Sally, Emma, and Ricky were giving him a big high five.
The three men gave one another high fives and were running toward the canopy when the music began to play.