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Chapter Twenty-One:
"Today we have gathered to celebrate the union between Cora and Henry," the priest said. "Love is a beautiful gift from our lord. It is a gift that will sustain us in times of weakness and strength. It is also at this time that we remember the miracle of life and the fragility of it. Love gives strength to life. Love is life."
"I like Fr. Simon," Miranda muttered into Reid's ear.
He nodded and smiled. Cora looked beautiful and Henry looked happier than he'd ever seen him. His own daughter was beaming with joy even as her brother looked bored. The whole team was assembled together, and tears were starting to well up. It was a truly happy moment.
Reid listened as they read their vows. Henry was a true a romantic in his way with words and Cora was in tears. Miranda gripped his hand as Henry kissed his bride.
"You did good with him," she whispered.
He turned around and kissed her on the forehead.
…
The team assembled after the bride and groom had their first dances.
"I knew this team was special," Rossi said. "I knew we'd be celebrating together long after my retirement. At the White House, that I couldn't see."
Everyone laughed.
"But we are stronger together," he said. "We will continue to hold each other up during good times and bad because that's what families are for."
"Here, here," Lewis said.
"Here, here!" J.J. said.
They all hugged and toasted to each other.
Miranda appeared in crutches as usual. Her red evening dress sparked under the ballroom lights.
"Come on," she said. "You promised you'd do the Cha Cha Slide for me."
"Only if Rossi does it with me," he said.
"I might break a hip at my age!" he said.
"You know you're getting old when you fear injury over humiliation," Prentiss said.
"Who are you calling old?" he asked with disgust. "I'll show you I still have all the moves."
"Game on!" she shouted.
Miranda was laughing as they all took to the floor. Reid couldn't take his eyes off her. As if in a vision, he could see her without crutches dancing at her second inaugural ball. He made a vow to hold her through the nightmare-filled nights, the fits of anxiety-fueled insomnia, and the restless hours filled with frustration over political gridlock. Her successes would easily triumph her failures as she brought new prosperity to the country at home and abroad. Reid made a vow to love Miranda, one he planned on keeping until his dying breath.
They laughed as Prentiss tried to mimic Rossi's moves and was failing. His kids were doing better than she was. He had to laugh too.
Cora was hugging Miranda, when Reid appeared at the table. She pulled out a small gift and presented it to her. Miranda smiled and thanked her.
"What is it?" Reid asked.
Miranda unwrapped it. It was the game "Apples to Apples."
She smiled. "Another game for our kids to beat me at."
"It will be fun though," he said.
"She already gave me the best gift," she said.
"What is that?"
"A reason to see you in a hot tux without worrying about the formalities of a state dinner."
Reid gently pulled her into his lap and kissed her. This was his life. This was perfection.
THE END
Author's Note:
This is my promise to you readers. I know it isn't always fair that I take year-long gaps between stories, but sometimes I just don't have enough ideas. This is my promise to try to finish as many of my stories as possible. I will do my best as a writer. If you could please drop a review, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks to my loyal readers who never gave up on this story. I am truly grateful.