Allyn and Ransom – 51

 

The wedding was being held on the grounds of the estate, in deference to the fact they were still uncertain if it would be safe for Henri to go into the city. Before he had arrived on the scene, Miranda had wanted to have the reception at one of the major hotels. She'd quickly shelved that idea and chose instead to have it be a catered affair at the estate, Henri's protests to the contrary.

 

"This is your big day," Henri had told her. "Yours and Allyn's. I can…stay out of view. Honest."

 

"Not on your life," she'd replied. "You're more of a friend now than any of the ones I'm inviting. Besides," she'd pointed out, "you're Ransom's best man. You can hardly hide when that's happening."

 

"He could choose one of the guys he works with."

 

"But he didn't. He chose you. Deal."

 

Henri had.

 

Allyn and Miranda managed to calm one another's nerves enough that, when they heard the music announcing the ceremony was about to begin, they were able to walk sedately to the double doors leading out to the veranda.

 

Arm in arm, they walked down the steps onto the lawn. Ahead of them, standing on each side of the minister, were John and Ransom.

 

"He's so damned handsome," Allyn whispered to Miranda.

 

"I agree," she whispered back. "So is Ransom."

 

"I meant—"

 

She grinned. "I know who you meant, silly."

 

After that, it was all a blur to Allyn until he heard the minister say to Miranda and John, "I now pronounce you husband and wife." Then he turned to Allyn and Ransom. "I now pronounce you husband and husband."

 

Cheers went up as the two couples kissed to seal their vows.

 

Soon the newlyweds and their guests were celebrating with excellent food—prepared by Mrs. Wilcox—dancing, or just chatting with one another. Miranda had hired a small band for the music, comprised solely of shifters. With Henri's permission, she had told the band members why it was imperative they keep his presence a secret. Once they knew, they readily agreed.

 

"Who would have thought," Allyn said, leaning back in Ransom's arms as they enjoyed a moment of quiet on the veranda, "everything would end like this?"

 

"Not me," Ransom replied. "But it's not the end, you know. It's just the beginning. We have our whole life ahead of us."

 

Allyn smiled happily before swiveling so he could wrap his arms around Ransom. "I do love you."

 

Ransom laughed. "I would hope so, since you seem to be stuck with me now."

 

"Not sure stuck is the right word. More like ecstatically, elatedly, enthusiastically wed to you until the end of time."

 

"That works. I feel the same way. I will love you always." With that, Ransom kissed Allyn deeply. "Always and forever."

 

The kiss turned passionate. Then, reluctantly, they separated and went to rejoin their friends and families—knowing that soon they could celebrate their marriage on a much more physical level. Until then, as Ransom put it, "Let's eat, drink and be merry. For tomorrow, we have to get back to our mundane lives."

 

Allyn grinned. "When have our lives ever been mundane?"

 

"Never, since you came back into mine," Ransom admitted. "And they never will be again, I suspect."

 

"Not if we can help it," Allyn agreed. "Not. Ever."

The End