Unexpected Love (32 page)

Ninety

John and Sara, Tony and Allison Mayfield, Walter and Maggie came to the house a couple of hours later.  Then the doorbell started to ring and a dozen officers and their wives came in.  Frank and Kathy came.

Tango and Bolo greeted everyone as they entered.  They were both newly bathed and brushed.  Maggie had bought Tango a black doggie bow tie and Bolo a white one.  They were wearing it around their necks.

Everyone had brought food as well for a reception.  Tango gave them his approval after sniffing each dish, while Bolo made his rounds to greet everyone.  People were laughing and petting them and they were soaking up the attention.

Taylor stepped out onto the patio and tried to compose herself.  Sean came looking for her and stood behind her with his arms around her.  “Are you okay?”

She nodded yes and sniffled.

“Hey, you’re not supposed to be crying.  You’re supposed to be happy.”

She turned to face him.  “I am so happy, Sean.  Really I am.  It’s more than a dream come true.  I’m just feeling so, so…”

“Overwhelmed?”

She nodded yes.  “My grandparent’s gifts were too much.  And now I have you, and Tango and Bolo, and Sara and John, and Maggie and Walter, and Allison and Sargent.  I’ve never had so many friends or people who cared about me.  I didn’t think any of this was possible.”

Sean whispered in her ear, “I was not expecting a house full of people.”

She giggled, “Me either, but it’s nice.  Guess you can’t say people have never been here now.”

“I’m so crazy about you, Taylor.  Everyone thinks the world of you and we are going to take on anything that may come our way and face it together.  Now, how about you go get ready and officially marry me, beautiful woman?”  He kissed her.

Taylor was dressed in a white flowing knee length dress with lace on the top.  Maggie, her grandmother, and she had gone shopping for it.  Sean was wearing a suit and tie.  She smiled at him, “I’ve never seen you in a suit and tie.  You look as good in this as you do in uniform.”

Sean kissed her again and she smiled, “I think tonight I have to try number three.”

“Wow.  I can’t wait.”

“Alright you two, let’s get this wedding started.”  John and Sara had come into the den.

John looked at Taylor, “You know, my partner is going to be impossible to cope with for a few weeks.  He’s going to be too anxious about his new wife and getting home to her and I’m going to have to put up with his lack of full attention and daydreaming.”

Taylor laughed, “I’m sure you can handle him and get him back on track.”

A short time later, they said their vows.  Tango and Bolo sat between them as if they were part of the wedding service.  John served as Sean’s best man and Sara stood near Taylor. 

Tango stood up and barked when Sean kissed Taylor.   Taylor bent down and kissed him on the top of his head and then kissed Bolo.

Tony Mayfield shouted out, “At least she kissed you first, Sean.”

Everyone laughed and congratulated them.  Afterwards, their guests brought out a beautiful wedding cake and Taylor looked over at Maggie who gave her a big smile. 

Taylor looked over at her new husband who gave her a wink and for the first time in her life, she was truly happy and looking forward to the future and putting the past away.