Page 89 of Jackson
Henry said, “Lincoln wanted to come, too, but his schedule was impossible today. He sends his best.”
“I invited another friend, too,” Jackson said.
At a knock on the door, Jackson opened it to reveal Kate. “I heard a rumor something special was happening here today?”
Paula turned her head rapidly between the two of them. “How did you know, Jackson? How did you know I would want Kate here to stand up with me?”
“Call it an educated guess or evidence that I know you pretty damn well.”
“Kate, will you be my maid of honor?”
“I would be delighted, Paula. I even brought a little something to brighten up your outfit.” She pulled a luxurious fuchsia scarf from her bag and wrapped it around Paula’s neckand shoulders. The color had become Paula’s favorite since she and Jackson had gotten together.
“One more thing,” Captain Morris interrupted. “I know you’re a modern woman and don’t need to be given away, but it would be a great honor if you would allow me to walk you down the aisle.”
Paula took one look at his face and stepped forward to hug him tightly. “I didn’t know how to ask, but that would be perfect, Captain. Thank you.” She turned to Jackson. All her doubts had fallen away, and she was ready. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
Paula followed Kate and Captain Morris out of the office, her pulse quickening with every step. She glimpsed Jackson standing at the head of the aisle, flanked by Judge Edinger and Henry, waiting for her. Her breath caught—he looked so calm, so sure.
Captain Lacey moved off to join the cluster of officers gathered in support, but Paula barely noticed, her focus narrowing to the path ahead and the man waiting at the end of it.
Suzie stepped forward, offering a warm smile and modest bouquets. Paula accepted hers, the soft petals brushing against her fingertips, grounding her for the moment ahead.
“All ready to go?” Suzie asked gently.
Paula swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded, stealing one last glance at Jackson. His steady gaze met hers, and a wave of calm washed over her.
She turned to Kate and Captain Morris, a soft smile playing at her lips. “Let’s do this,” she whispered, her heart full as they took their places by her side, ready to walk her down the makeshift aisle to the man who held her heart.
Suzie pulled out a Bluetooth speaker and tapped the screen on her phone. “I hope you like the music. Jackson picked it out.” The sounds of Beyoncé singingHalofilled the room, and Paula did a double take.
“It’s perfect.”
Kate moved into place and began walking up the aisle. Paula took Captain Morris’ arm and followed when she was about halfway to the front. The words echoed in her mind, reminding her of how this relationship had begun. When she and the captain reached the front, he gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek before handing her to Jackson. She gave her bouquet to Kate, and the couple faced the judge.
Judge Edinger began, “We are gathered here today to witness the wedding of Jackson Francis Cagney and Paula Helen Stone. As I only have a short lunch break today, we’ll keep this brief. I’m not leaving without a piece of that cake. Do you, Jackson, take Paula, as your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do.”
“Do you, Paula, take Jackson as your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do.”
“Do you have rings?” Judge Edinger asked.
Paula looked at Jackson. “Do we?”
“Yes,” he said as Henry handed Jackson a plain gold band.
Jackson turned to Paula. “It’s all taken care of.” He took her hand. “I give you this ring as a token of my love and a promise to stand beside you, challenge you, protect you, and push you, when you want it but especially when you need it. This belonged to my parents, and I want it to mean something new with you.” His voice dipped lower, just for her. “We can get different ones if you’d prefer, but this... this felt right.”
“Paula?” Judge Edinger prompted.
“Oh.” She turned to Kate, who handed her a matching ring.
She wished she had pretty words, but after a short deliberation settled on, “Jackson, I give you this ring as a token of my love and a symbol to all that you belong to me.”
“By the power vested in me by the State of Missouri, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may—” Before he could finish, Jackson pulled Paula into a passionate embrace that bent her backward and had the room erupting in catcalls and whistles.
