Ruth kissed them both on the cheek. “I’d better get out there and look like I’m expecting you.” She flashed them a grin. “As opposed to just expecting.” And with that, she left them at the bedroom door.
Mike held out his hand. “Time to make it official. And you were right about the venue. It looks perfect.” They’d set up the chairs in the Italian garden. The ceremony was to take place beneath an arch built by Ben Threadwell, and white roses covered it. Ben had been growing them since June. Not only that, the fountains in the long pool were working, to add the tinkling soundtrack of water to the proceedings.
“You’re still okay with us walking out together?”
“Seeing as we couldn’t make up our minds which of us got to wait at the front for the other, it was the only solution. By the way, Melinda and Lloyd are here, plus Sue and Andrew, and most of the village.” Mike smiled. “I can’t wait for the party once we get the official stuff over.”
“Hey, I want to remember every second of the official stuff. I only plan on getting married once, so I’m going to etch it into my memory.” Jonathon wanted everything to be just right.
Mike regarded him warmly. “Glad to hear it. Then let’s get out there.” He held out his hand, and Jonathon took it.
Time for two to become one.
“THIS IS my favorite part.” The celebrant grinned. “I now pronounce you married. You may kiss your husband.”
Jonathon let out a happy sigh. “Finally.” He leaned in and kissed Mike lightly on the lips, but Mike was apparently having none of it. He took Jonathon in his arms and kissed him fully as the guests cheered and applauded. Ruth showered them with rose petals, and Sue tossed handfuls of confetti.
The celebrant cleared his throat, and reluctantly they broke the kiss. She turned them gently to face the seated guests. Jonathon spied so many happy faces staring back at them. Rachel sat next to Lily Rossiter, and Graham sat at the end of a row, grinning. Melinda had tears trickling down over her wrinkled cheeks, and Lloyd gazed at them with a proud expression. Jason Barton stood to one side, his camera aimed at them. He gave Jonathon the thumbs-up before taking more photos. Clare had joined Ruth and was helping her scatter yet more petals.
He scanned the faces for their parents. Mike’s father beamed at them, and beside him, Mike’s mother was crying. His own mother seemed overcome by the guests’ enthusiasm, as though she hadn’t expected such a rapturous reaction or so many people. His father appeared to be suffering from similar emotions.
The celebrant gave another slight cough. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I be the first to introduce to you, Jonathon de Mountford and Mike Tattersall.”
The applause that followed took even Jonathon by surprise. Everyone rose to their feet, their faces alight as they clapped and cheered. Mike curled his hand around his and squeezed.
At Jonathon’s side, Ruth murmured, “You’re keeping your names?”
Mike nodded. “Jonathon has to keep his, and there is no way I’m going to be Mike de Mountford-Tattersall. That’s far too much of a mouthful.” Then he was engulfed in a hug from his parents, who pulled Jonathon in as well.
When they parted, Jonathon caught sight of his parents, standing only a few feet away.
“Do you think they’ll ever be happy for us?” Mike said quietly.
Jonathon smiled. “Wait till they’re holding their first grandchild next year. I guarantee we’ll see a thaw.” He looped his arms around Mike’s neck and kissed him, taking his time. “Love you,” he whispered as they broke the kiss.
Mike’s eyes sparkled. “Love you too.” Then he grinned. “Now lead me to the champagne.” Around them, guests came forward to congratulate them, and the air was filled with excited voices.
“I hope you’re wearing your dancing shoes,” Jonathon commented. “You’re going to need them.” The ballroom was all set up for the reception, and the party to follow promised to go on long into the night.
Mike leaned closer. “Not only that, I’m wearing my dancing foot.”
Jonathon blinked. “You have a dancing foot?”
Mike nodded. “And a bionic foot too.” When Jonathon gaped at him, he laughed. “Did you know, in the dictionary next to gullible it says, ‘See Jonathon de Mountford.’”
“I wouldn’t joke if I were you,” Jonathon warned. “Otherwise, when we’re exploring the tunnels in Vietnam, I might decide to accidentally lose you.”
“I’d find my way back to you,” Mike said confidently. “Trust me, sweetheart, nothing could ever part me from you. Besides, I was a detective, remember? I have skills.” He buffed his fingernails on his jacket.
“And I’m looking forward to being on the receiving end of your skills tonight,” Jonathon whispered.
Mike groaned. “Don’t say things like that, not when we’re in public. Because you know what I’m thinking about.”
“Later,” Jonathon assured him. “We have a party to attend, and friends to greet.”
And the rest of their lives to enjoy each other.