Page 82 of Forever Fallen

“Don’t even think of trying that with me…”

“I’m nauseated at the thought of Reaper in bed…”

“Why on earth are you picturing that?”

“And zombie dolls? What was that?”

“What is going on?”

“They’re a weird couple, I tell ya…”

“I love you so much,” Sophie said openly, her voice thick with emotion. “And I will love you until we are both dust. I don’t care how long it takes for you to come home, because I will be waiting. Youaremy home, Ryan. I never dreamed I would find my soulmate… and yet? You are right here, before me, and I am so proud to carry your name – even if you had to tell me what it was, so I could sign the first marriage license.”

Ryan laughed tearfully – before nodding to the minister and turning back to her. He took out the little velvet box from his pocket and she saw his hands were shaking.

“May I?” he whispered taking her hand.

Ryan pulled the two rings from the velvet box, quickly pressing a the thinner of the two bands in her hand blindly. He then picked up her other hand in his hand, holding her fingertips, hesitating before speaking.

“With this ring? I give you my name, my heart, and my soul…”

Sophie smiled at him, glancing down to see where his hand held the ring in place on her finger, marveling that it seemed to fit perfectly.

“Is this why you are always tickling my fingers?” she whispered breathlessly at the realization.

“Maybe…” he smiled proudly.

She took the band he’d given her, looking at it, to see that their wedding bands matched. She was touched at the thoughtfulness and romantic side to him – loving his dreamer’s tender heart.

“With this ring, Ryan. I give you my love, my heart, and my soul…”

Sophie met his eyes, realizing she could indeed see forever at his side. No matter what life threw at them, she would always be there for him and vowed that she would move mountains for this incredible man.

“I now pronounce you man and wife… again,” the minister said. “You may kiss your bride, Mr. Merrick.”

Ryan was already pulling her into his arms.

The moment their lips met, she could taste him, their mingled tears, and the sheer joy that came when he shared himself with her. It was so poignant the way he kissed her gently, as if he was savoring this moment as much as she was.

No, she would never forget their rushed, scattered, and slightly abrasive first marriage, because it brought them together… but this second wedding?

This was the start of their future together.

“I love you,” she whispered against his lips.

“I love you more,” he replied breathlessly, before leaning up to kiss the tip of her nose. “… Mrs. Merrick.”

“Always,” she promised, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him, as he kissed her shoulder tenderly.

“Alright… alright,” Alpo said from somewhere nearby, patting Ryan on the shoulder near her arm. “Enough of that emotional garbage and boo-hooing you two… we arecelebratinglife, marriages, a terrific future, and plenty of babies! There’s cheap beer and knock-off champagne for those people that aren’t pregnant… and Shirley Temples for those that are, per my wife’s orders.”

Sophie smiled at Alpo standing nearby as Glory walked up to him, laying a hand on her husband’s shoulder. The two of them looked at each other, sharing a glance, before looking back at her and Ryan.

“I’ve had your wife’s non-alcoholic drinks… and they were spiked,” Sophie teased, wrapping an arm around Ryan’s waist and laying her head on his shoulder.

“But that was after a funeral,” Glory interjected immediately, grinning impishly. “We had to liven things up. This is a wedding, and nobody wants to be blackout drunk after seeing all the romance in the air…”

“Nope,” Alpo grinned at Glory, winking. “I plan on taking full advantage of it later.”

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