Page 25 of A Hard Fit (Falling Hard #2)

Family

“If you’re ready, we’ll begin?”

Finn and Rory, flanked by their witnesses, faced Kate, the black-robed officiant.

Finn exhaled with a whoosh. “Been ready since the day I met them.”

Rory turned to gaze at Finn. “Me too.”

This was it, the moment he declared to the world that he was Rory’s and Rory was his. As he stared into their dark eyes, shining like obsidian, the happiness bubbling through Finn was enough for a thousand lifetimes.

Kate began. “This couple has come here today to be joined in marriage, which is the voluntary union of two persons to the exclusion of others. If any person can show just cause why they may not be lawfully wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

Finn, barely able to contain himself, couldn’t quell the urge to make the obvious joke. He mock-glared at Luka. “No smart comments from you, Moreno.”

Luka obliged, holding up his hands and pressing his lips together, eyes dancing.

Kate turned to Finn. “Repeat after me, please. I, Finn Owens, do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I may not be joined in matrimony to Rory Barrett.”

Finn repeated the words, each one solid and heavy on his tongue, then Rory did the same.

“Marriage is not a single event but rather a progression,” Kate continued, “which is not to be undertaken recklessly or irresponsibly, but rather carefully and honestly. Marriage is the faithful union between two persons, the result of which is the formation of a family whose members shall help, support and enjoy each other in good times and in bad. It is the relationship these two persons wish to have declared and celebrated.”

Family.

Finn had gone through his entire life thinking he was alone, that maybe a family was not something everyone could have, but standing there, it struck him. Not only did he have his sister and her beautiful children, Rory was his family. And, like it or not, the entire Barrett clan.

Kate continued, “Please face each other as you repeat your vows.”

Finn went first. “I call upon those present to witness that I, Finn Owens, do take you, Rory Barrett, to be my lawful wedded spouse.” Tears tickled in his eyes. “Rory…I feel so lucky to have found you. I still can’t believe that someone as kind and patient and brilliant as you puts up with me and my bullshit. I love you more than I can possibly say, but I will try to show you every single day. I promise to love and cherish you, be there for you no matter what and fall asleep with you in my arms and in my heart for the rest of my life.”

Luka sniffled.

Then it was Rory’s turn. “I call upon those present to witness that I, Rory Barrett, do take you, Finn Owens, to be my lawful wedded spouse.” They took a deep breath. “Finn.”

Finn waited, his body held together in that moment only by the need to hear the words Rory was about to say.

“You are my beacon,” Rory said. “My bright, shining light of love and enthusiasm and passion for life. You’ve taught me to look at the world with my eyes wide open, not letting any opportunity for joy and laughter pass me by. Your love gives me strength, sustains me and makes me a better person. I will always love you, and I can’t wait to share my life with you.”

How was it possible to love someone this much and not explode? Finn dabbed at his eyes with the tissue he had ready in his pocket.

“Do you have the rings?” Kate asked.

They each pulled a wedding band from their pocket. Finn rubbed the brushstrokes with his thumb, itching to slide it onto Rory’s finger.

“These rings are a symbol of your marriage, your love and your life together,” Kate explained. “Please place the ring on the third finger of the other’s left hand and repeat after me. With this ring, I shall love, honor and cherish you, and this ring shall be the symbol of my love.”

Finn took Rory’s hand in his, their eyes locked. “With this ring, I shall love, honor and cherish you, and this ring shall be the symbol of my love.”

Rory slid Finn’s ring on and repeated the same words while Finn’s heart pounded.

“I, Kate McCurdy, by the powers vested in me by the city of Oakport, do hereby pronounce you to be married. I wish you long life, happiness and prosperity, and may the vows you made to each other today sustain you forever. You may celebrate your marriage with a kiss.”

Finn took Rory in his arms. Their lips met in a whispered promise of the love they would always have. Then his tongue touched Rory’s, an expression of how much he wanted them in every way. Rory kissed back, heated and urgent, their hearts beating in time with each other. Finn imagined, later, in the quiet of their house, pressing his ear to Rory’s chest, listening, until the rhythm of Rory’s blood echoed through his entire body. Then…then he would taste them, savor them, soak them into each and every cell of his body.

Luka and Thomas hooted and clapped, an abrupt reminder for Finn that they were in fact still in City Hall, and the wedding was not quite over. The four of them signed the register, then the clerk offered to take some pictures. Finn wrapped his arm around Rory and smiled so hard his face hurt.

“Wait, you know what pose we need to do?” Rory asked. Before Finn could reply, Rory slid one arm under his, then bent down to lift his legs.

“What are you—” Finn said, then he was in the air. “Rory!” he squeaked, slinging both arms around Rory’s neck and holding on for dear life.

Rory giggled, staggering under Finn’s weight, managing to hold him still enough for a couple photos, then they heaved Finn back to his feet.

“So strong.” Finn laughed and kissed Rory on the cheek.

Luka and Thomas were deep in a quiet conversation a few steps away, much too serious for the situation. A sudden surge of affection for the two hit him hard. Because they were his family too, weren’t they?

“Hey, you two. Get over here!” Finn called. He put an arm around Rory and held the other one up in invitation. “Family photo.”

The four of them lined up, smiling, while the clerk captured the best moment in Finn’s life.

They tumbled out onto the sidewalk afterward into one of those perfect early spring nights. The rain had stopped, and the air was warm, moist and scented with beginnings and wet pavement.

Finn held his arms wide and asked the city, “Who’s ready to celebrate?” Three voices bounced back, rippling around him like drops in a puddle. They were ready.

Finn had never been to L’Empeurer before. Even if he could technically afford it now, for special occasions anyway, it was still drilled into him that a fancy French restaurant like that was ‘too expensive.’ There were only a handful of tables in the place, each tucked into its own little world in a plush alcove with small bow windows and thick, cream-colored drapery. The ma?tre d’ sat them on button-tufted velvet chairs and draped linen napkins on their laps. Quiet violin music played in the background, the lighting low and soothing.

Dimitri appeared as soon as the ma?tre d’ left.

“Rory!” He kissed them on both cheeks. “ Toutes nos félicitations ! And Finn.” Kisses for Finn too. “ Bienvenu dans la famille .”

The family.

“Thank you so much, Dimitri. And thanks for getting us in tonight!” Rory said.

Dimitri waved a hand. “ C’est rien . I am thrilled to be a part of your wedding day!”

“These are our friends, Luka and Thomas.”

They exchanged greetings, then Dimitri breezed around the table, collecting the menus the ma?tre d’ had just left. “You won’t be needing these, mes amis ! I will take care of you. This evening, for hors d’oeuvres, we are featuring Palourdes au Gratin , baked clams with garlic butter and bread crumbs, and Quiche Lorraine. I will bring those out with some fresh bread and a bottle of red for the table to start. Bon ?” Dimitri was only gone a few minutes before he came back with water, wine, and a basket of warm crusty rolls with herb butter.

“How have you been, Dimitri?” Rory asked, taking a roll.

“ ?a va, ca va . Max got nipped by a yorkie at the park the other day, mon pauvre bébé . He had to get stitches. But he will be okay.”

“Oh, yes, Rory mentioned you have four dogs?” Luka asked.

They chatted about Dimitri’s dogs—five now, actually—as he poured the wine and they dug into the bread.

“Your parents must be so thrilled for your marriage!” Dimitri said to Rory.

“Er…” Finn and Rory shared a look. “They actually don’t know we got married today,” Rory admitted.

Dimitri froze with the wine bottle halfway to Rory’s glass. “Eh?”

“We weren’t even going to tell them we got engaged yesterday, but then Jackson…” Rory trailed off. Dimitri had missed Bailey’s party.

“Jackson…?” Dimitri prompted.

Rory told him the whole story, while Dimitri gasped and sighed throughout.

“ Quel connard! ” Dimitri exclaimed when Rory finished. “You need some more wine,” he said to Finn, topping up Finn’s glass to the brim. “Although I do wonder…perhaps, on some level, Jackson is jealous of Rory’s attention being drawn away from him, the big brother Rory always looked up to.” He squeezed Rory’s shoulder.

“You think so?” Rory asked.

Dimitri shrugged. “ Peut-être. Or perhaps he’s simply a snob! Now…let me see if your hors d’oeuvres are ready.” He patted Luka’s shoulder and vanished through the drapes.

Finn crunched through the crust of another perfect roll as he thought. Jackson…jealous? Of me? Then he banished the idea. He wouldn’t waste any energy on that man today.

The appetizers were scrumptious, and Dimitri was an excellent server, warm and friendly, and always appeared before they even thought to look for him. For dinner, they each sampled two main courses— lemon poussin and braised lamb shoulder. Finn would normally have eaten until he could barely move, but he was too busy watching Rory enjoy the meal. He might have even fed Rory a few bites of food, like those besotted fools in the movies.

“So, are you moving into Finn’s place?” Luka asked Rory as they ate.

Finn hadn’t even considered this step. But yes, of course. Of course Rory had to officially, fully move in now. He’d throw out every last painting to make room for the rest of their stuff if he had to.

Rory furrowed their brow. “I’m trying to remember the last time I actually slept in my apartment. I don’t even think I’ve been there in weeks. But yes.” They leaned over to press another soft kiss on Finn’s lips. “I’ll be giving my notice tomorrow.”

Finn blinked back a few tears and thought about creating a new space in the house that would be for both of them.

“Will you go on a honeymoon?” Thomas asked, swirling the wine around his glass.

A honeymoon. Another thing he hadn’t thought about in the whirlwind of the last few days. And what a thing it was—time away with Rory, just the two of them. “Hmm, we haven’t talked about that. What do you think, love?” Finn asked.

“Yes, please.” Rory propped their chin on a hand and stared at Finn with a dreamy expression. “Can we find a cabin somewhere without cell service, and hike and sit around a campfire and read and…just be together, only the two of us? For at least a week!”

Cuddled up next to a crackling fire, sparks spiraling up into a sky smeared with the stars hidden by the city… “That sounds perfect.” An invisible force drew Finn forward to kiss them again. Then, mesmerized by Rory’s beautiful, elegant face, he tucked a piece of hair behind their ear.

Thomas smiled. “I hope you get to go soon.”

“Maybe in a couple months when it’s a little warmer in the mountains?” Finn said. “Up by Bell Lake?”

“I love it.” Rory lifted a bite of lamb to Finn’s lips. “Try this.”

There was something so sensual about closing his mouth around Rory’s fork. Finn’s thoughts started to drift to their wedding night.

The meal was winding down, their plates almost empty, when Dimitri arrived to ask about dessert. Finn scooted his chair even closer to Rory’s and used the distraction as an opportunity to slide the last bite of his risotto into Rory’s mouth, while murmuring into their ear. “Thinking about what I’m going to do to you when we get home.”

Rory swallowed the bite, then licked their lips and gave Finn a mischievous grin. “Oh? Do tell.”

“Hmm…” Finn took Rory’s hand and dragged his nose along their forearm, then planted a kiss on their palm. “No, I think I’ll let it be a surprise this time.”

Rory’s cheeks, already flushed from the wine, turned a darker shade of pink. “Oh my…”

“Oh, your something , that’s for sure.” Finn nibbled at the soft skin of Rory’s inner wrist.

“Finn…” Rory said with a hitch in their breath.

Finn grinned and shifted in his chair, wondering how fast they could eat their dessert.

Not that fast, it turned out. Dimitri had them sample everything—crème br?lée, chocolate mousse, raspberry tart—plus the specialty coffees. It was approaching midnight when Dimitri cleared the last of their dishes.

“ Mes amis , the first bottle of wine was a wedding gift from me, and, as I have said, the desserts were on the house. And the rest of your bill has been taken care of.”

Finn blinked, confused. “What?”

“By whom?” Rory wondered, looking around the table.

Thomas avoided their gaze.

“Thomas! You didn’t!” Rory cried.

He squirmed a little. “As a wedding gift.”

“No, that’s too much!” Finn insisted. “We wanted to take you out.”

“It is already done,” Dimitri interjected. “He snuck his card to me earlier.”

“Thank you so much, Thomas,” Rory said. “That’s so kind of you.”

“So kind,” Luka repeated. “Thanks for me, too.”

“You’re welcome,” Thomas said, gaze locked on Luka’s.

Finn had, admittedly, been rather focused on Rory that evening, but it was all he could do not stand up and scream ‘ you obviously like each other! ’ at the two morons. Instead, he settled for rolling his eyes at Rory as they made their way to the door.

“Remember not to say anything to my parents yet!” Rory said as they hugged Dimitri goodbye.

“ Bien s?r! My lips are closed!”

“Thank you, Dimitri,” Finn said with his hug. “We’ll see you soon, yeah?”

“Indeed. The next family celebration looms.” Dimitri winked.

Now, in the middle of the night, a chill had settled over the sleepy city. Finn and Rory clung to each other as they made their way down the sidewalk, a little tipsy. Finn looked back. Luka and Thomas were behind them in a similar pose, locked together arm in arm, heads practically touching. Finn turned back, chuckling.

“What is it?” Rory asked.

“Those two lovebirds behind us. I don’t know who they think they’re fooling anymore. They’re perfect for each other and clearly in love.”

Rory’s laugh danced around them, high and musical. “We’ve gone over this. Sometimes when you’re in it, you can’t tell.”

“Well…” Finn pulled Rory closer and kissed the top of their head. “I don’t want them missing out on this feeling.”

Rory squeezed his arm. “Me neither.”

When they got to the station, there were more congratulations and thank yous all around.

“Thank you for being here, Luka,” Finn said, hugging Luka tight.

“I wouldn’t miss it, my friend,” Luka replied. His blue eyes pierced Finn’s. “Thank you for including me.”

“I apologize for the hangover you’re going to have tomorrow.” Finn chuckled. “At least I got a spouse out of it.”

Luka laughed, eyes flicking unconsciously over to Thomas. “Worth it.”

Finn grinned and clapped him on the shoulder. “Get him on his train safe, hey, Thomas?”

Thomas took Luka’s arm. “I’ve got him.”

“Yeah, you do.”

* * * *

A blurry train ride, then back in the kitchen. Their kitchen.

Finn pressed Rory against the counter, in the exact spot of their first kiss.

“I love you,” Finn said. He kissed Rory’s cheek.

“I love you, too,” Rory whispered.

“I love you,” Finn repeated. He kissed the other cheek. “I love you.” A soft brush of lips across Rory’s forehead. “I love you.” Along their jaw. “I love you.” Neck.

“I love you. I love you. I love you,” and again, until there was nowhere left to kiss, until Finn’s heart was so full there was no room left inside him for words, until all he could do was hold Rory and recognize how their bodies slotted together like they were made to love each other.

A perfect fit.