"You want any tips on how to get it done, Kid?" Hale leered playfully. Billy blushed deeply, still fiddling with his tie.
He had convinced Molly to have a preacher come out to the picturesque backyard and do the service. She had been all for a shotgun wedding at the courthouse, wearing their jeans and t shirts, with Reggie and Tool to witness, just to avoid having everybody looking at her.
Unfortunately, when Billy had called her grandpa to ask permission (only after she'd accepted), the beans had been spilled.
Molly had spent over three hours on the phone with her grandma, arguing over the wedding. She hadn't spoken to Billy at all that evening.
Mary Fitzpatrick had wanted her granddaughter to have the wedding her daughter never did. Molly, of course, wanted nothing to do with the Cinderella style service her grandma had in mind.
It had taken a lot of arguing on Mary's part and cajoling on Billy's to reach the compromise.
She would be allowed her small service in the backyard, and Billy would have Father O'Malley officiating. Then, once the knot was tied, they would drive into town, where most of Molly's relatives had assembled at the rented venue.
"Leave him alone," Christmas scolded lightly, "You know, Lacey's going to be on me to marry her now. Thanks for that," the Brit said, only half kidding. Billy grinned. He hadn't spoken much at all that day.
Barney clapped a hand on the younger man's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. Billy, for the fourth time, glanced down at his watch.
"What can she be late for, if not her own wedding?" Toll reasoned quietly. Lottie was inside the house, helping Molly get ready.
"But she's never late," Billy couldn't help but point out. His wife-to-be was nothing if not punctual.
"What, you think she and Reggie have somehow snuck away to Thelma and Louise it outta here?" Tool, already a little tipsy, snorted.
"That was a terrible movie," Billy frowned deeply. They all froze when they heard the front door open on the opposite side of the house.
Lottie, dressed in a lightweight, pink sundress and holding a small camera, came around the house first, her hair braided messily to the side. She offered Billy a bright smile before going to stand next to Toll. Lacey came next in her frilly orange dress. She pecked Christmas on the mouth.
Reggie and Molly came around at the same time. Reggie was trying to get Molly to take a handful of flowers she must have just plucked from the garden.
Molly's dress was a simple, short sleeved garment with a V neck and empire waist. The skirt flared out to just past her knees. Her hair had been twisted up elegantly, with daisies woven into the braids. Tendrils escaped to frame her face. Two spots of red appeared on her cheeks when she locked eyes with Billy.
"Come on, kid, don't look at your feet," Reggie took her arm encouragingly. Molly forced herself to look up to where her team was assembled. Most of them had listened when she told them to wear jeans.
They all wore a nice, button up shirts, though. The tails were untucked, and the sleeves rolled up, but her team had actually dressed up for her.
Billy wore black slacks and a pristine white shirt, but his tie was crooked. Molly smiled at him. He grinned back goofily, reaching out a hand to pull her closer. Molly reached up and straightened his tie.
"You're late," he informed her sternly, the effect ruined by his smile.
"Were you going to start without me?" Molly's brows shot up as she smirked. Hale sniggered, amused.
"Who wears the pants in this relationship, kids?" his eyes darted between them.
"I'm not wearing pants, Hale, but I could still kick your ass. So shut up and let the preacher man do whatever it is he does," Molly warned.
Reggie and Barney shared a grin and Hale closed his mouth. With a nod from Father O'Malley, Billy took Molly's hands firmly in his own.
"Would any of you like to share some words?" Father O'Malley asked, closing his bible. Molly was already fiddling with the ring on her third finger. She was smiling a small, silly little smile and biting her bottom lip.
Reggie stepped forward, her weather worn cheeks were slightly pink.
"In retrospect, I haven't know you for very long, but it was pretty obvious to me, even that first night, Molly, that you two were head over heels," Reggie smiled at them. Billy wrapped an arm around his wife, squeezing her to his side.
"Thanks, Reg," Molly looked up at the older woman.
"I'm glad you two finally stopped dancing around it," Gunnar rumbled from behind them, looking at his shoes.
There was silence for a few beats, then Barney drew in a breath.
"You two deserve to be happy."
After that, they all loaded up. Billy helped Molly into the passenger side of her truck before going around to the driver's side.
"You look beautiful, Misses Timmons," Billy said before placing a sound kiss on her lips. Hale honked at them impatiently. Molly blushed, but flipped him off before Billy pulled out of the driveway.
A loud cheer echoed through the venue. It was impressive, considering that less than fifty of Molly's relatives had assembled.
Mary Fitzpatrick hugged her granddaughter tightly.
"Oh, mo chuisle, you look so beautiful! Your ma would be proud."
Molly pulled away and pasted a smile on her face as Billy was pulled into hugs. She let herself get swept up in greeting her family members that she hadn't seen in years.
"Aren't you supposed to be out there?" Barney asked gruffly before taking a drink of his beer. Barney and Tool had slunk back to the darkest corner, with their smuggled in booze. Molly had quickly joined them.
"Oh, I handled them for most of my childhood. Billy can take a turn now," Molly scoffed. Tool chuckled.
"What a lovely wife ya make, cousin," a thick southern drawl commented. Molly was on her feet, hugging a tall, fair haired man in an instant.
"Alan!" she enthused. He laughed happily.
"I never thought I see ya dressed up so pretty, Miss Molly," he noted, giving her a once over. Molly punched his shoulder, grinning.
"Take a picture, it ain't ever gonna happen again," her cant was taking on a more southern twang. Molly turned to look at Barney and Tool. "This is my cousin, Alan, he's the one who taught me how to play guitar," she introduced. They all shook hands. Alan sat down with them.
"So, you're hiding out at your own wedding? Classy, really," Alan remarked.
"Pfft, my wedding was a few hours ago in my backyard. This is to appease our grandmother," Molly rolled her eyes.
"I'll drink to that," Alan said cheerily.
The night was winding down when Barney stepped outside to smoke a cigar. He was well aware of the presence behind him.
"You gonna hide in the shadows all night, John?" he spoke, blowing out a wisp of smoke.
"Everybody at that party knows me, and I wouldn't put it past them to kick the shit out of me," John Booker said stepping up next to Barney.
"Whose fault is that?" Barney pointed out. John shrugged once.
"The boy, he's a good guy, isn't he?"
Barney looked at the Lone Wolf then, cocking a brow.
"You shouldn't worry about Molly, Booker, she can take care of herself," Barney stated firmly. John frowned deeply so Barney took pity. "Billy's one of the best men I ever knew. He treats Molly right."
"I almost didn't want to believe it, Barney, when Reggie told me Molly was getting married."
"She still checking in with you?" Barney asked sharply. He thought Reggie had quit that shit months ago.
"No. I called her... I've missed out on my daughter's life, Barney," John Booker sounded extremely regretful.
"You were a shitty father," Barney agreed blandly. John winced. "And I don't think she wants to see you. Just leave her be, old man, let her be happy."
John met Barney's eyes.
"I love my daughter, Barney. I only ever wanted what was best for her and Lillie."
Barney nodded once.
"I believe you."
"So, I assume you have it handled if he ever treats you wrong," Molly's uncle Jeremy drawled while he led her through a waltz. Molly grinned up at her mother's older brother.
"Trust me, uncle, if I don't, then my team will," she glanced at Gunnar and Toll, both laughing at Yang.
"They seem like good fellas; A little rough, but who isn't?" Jeremy asked rhetorically.
"You mind if I cut in?" Billy appeared at Jeremy's elbow.
"Be my guest," Jeremy winked at his niece. Billy pulled Molly close as they swayed to the music. Molly rested her head on his shoulder.
"You about ready to go home?" his voice vibrated through his chest. Molly closed her eyes.
"Yes. This dress is itchy," she confessed. Billy's eyes darkened and she went pink. He grinned and kissed her lingeringly, until somebody started catcalling them.
Molly crawled into bed next to Billy, her hair damp and her face clean of all the make up. Billy pulled her closer and turned out the light.
"I love you, Molly," he whispered. Her kiss was the only response he received.
Every long lost dream, led me to where you are,
others who broke my heart, they were like Nothern Stars,
pointing me on my way, into your loving arms,
this much I know is true,
That God blessed the broken road, that led me straight to you.
- Rascal Flatts, God Bless the Broken Road
