Bellann Summer

I decided today's snippet will be another from the Rescue for Hire Reunion story. I started the month
with a Bear's Pup snippet. The story that started this writing thing for me. Yesterday, I featured Cade asking Bret to marry him. Today, I will give you the special moment when they marry.
Enjoy.

Bret glided on his crutches beside Cade and over to the trellis. Nerve endings along his hairline itched, and he longed to rub his neck. Sweat dampened his armpits, and he bit into his bottom lip to keep his teeth from chattering together. His idea was either brilliant or the biggest mistake of his life. He could only hope Cade knew it came from his heart.

Once they were facing each other, Bret observed the changes the years had made to Cade. Lines fanned out at the corners of his eyes and bracketed his mouth. Strands of silver hair intermixed with the dark brown at his temples. And yet, his massive bear still stood tall and capable of ruling his empire with seemingly masterful ease.

Bret took a deep breath and tried to smile. “There’s someone I need to welcome to our marriage ceremony.”

Cade’s thick eyebrows lowered into a frown. Bret pressed his finger against Cade’s lips to stop the question he was about to ask.

Bret left Cade’s side. With his face burning and ears ringing, he managed to move over to the first row of chairs. Lonnie, per Bret’s instructions, had put a reserved sign on one of the chairs.

After taking a deep breath, Bret turned, and while resting his hand on the chair, he looked at Cade.

“I’d like everyone to welcome a very special person to our wedding. She was one of the most important people in Cade’s life, and I feel should have a place of honor and be acknowledged as I say to you, Cade Miller, how much I love you.” Bret reached in his pocket and pulled out a sign with sticky tape on the back. With great care he stuck the sign, with a name printed in large letters, on the front of the backrest of the chair.

“Shit, Bret, what did you do?”

Bret’s tears match the ones sliding down the rugged skin of Cade’s cheeks. “Everyone, please welcome Maria Miller.”

Shane’s gasp echoed a few others in the crowd.

“Maria is Cade’s and Shane’s little sister. Her drowning and death inspired my hero of a husband to form Rescue for Hire.” Bret paused as a sob of emotion broke through. “This is her seat as she watches her brothers marry. Can everyone say welcome?”

Applause broke out and everyone welcomed Maria’s spirit. But Bret wasn’t finished. He kept his hand on Maria’s chair and recited what was in his heart.

“I, Bret James, will love you, Cade Miller, endlessly until the end of time. Nothing on earth or above will separate us. You, my bear, are stuck with me.”

* * * *

Cade held out his hand. “Come.”

As always, the strong wire of connection pulled Bret to him. He enfolded his pup in his arms and thought about keeping him there for the rest of the night.

“Da, da, da, da,” Little Sonia’s voice rang out.

“Someone is calling.” Bret’s radiant smile bathed Cade in warmth.

Cade held out one arm. “Children, join us.”

Joy, Matt, and the rest of their children went to them with Caleb, holding Sonia, bringing up the rear. Sonia held out her arms for Bret.

Cade gathered the children close, and with Sonia in Bret’s arms, he spoke. “I don’t know what the future holds. I can only promise to live one day to the next with you, loving you, with every fiber of my being. Bret Miller-James, you are my love, life, and the very air I breathe. Thank you.” Cade’s voice broke. “Thank you for honoring my sister’s spirit. I can feel her. Thank you for raising these children with me, supporting me, and giving yourself to me. The words aren’t enough, but I love you.”

Many sobs and sniffs could be heard coming from the guests. Darkness had fallen. Candles and lightning bugs danced and flickered.

The judge cleared his throat. “If there is anyone present who may show just and lawful cause why these couples may not be legally wed, let them speak now or forever hold his peace.” After a pause, the judge continued. “Couples, exchange rings or your signs of commitment.” A moment passed and the judge clapped his hands. “By the authority vested in me by the State of Minnesota, I now pronounce you man and man.”

Explosions thundered and fireworks burst over their heads. Reds, blue, and whites colored the skies in celebration of Independence Day and the Rescue for Hire weddings.

Cade pulled his pup close and kissed him. What started out with a water rescue ended with two hearts and souls becoming one.