Disclaimer: The characters you recognize as J.E. are hers. Any other character is a figment of my imagination. Kallie and Raven are my own creation and I take credit for creating them.
Spoilers: Possibly any book from 1-18.
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Chapter 49: Julie's Big Day
Julie's POV:
I couldn't believe I was standing here today beside Ranger, waiting to walk down the aisle to marry Rambo. I'd debated long and hard as to whether or not I should ask Ranger or Ron to give me away. I knew in my heart that I wanted Ranger beside me today but I didn't want to hurt Ron either. I had grown very close to Ranger and Stephanie in the past two years since Kallie and I had moved back to Trenton. I liked having my real dad in my life. When Rambo and I had gone to Miami to tell mom and Ron about our engagement, Ron had found me walking on the beach one morning and had asked me if I wanted to have Ranger give me away. I admitted I had thought of the idea. Ron had turned me to face him and let me know he wouldn't be hurt if I asked Ranger to give me away instead of him. We talked about the fact that Ranger had stepped aside so I could have a happy family life and not be torn by who I should like more. He told me it was his turn to step back and let me enjoy the bond I had formed with Ranger.
I was thrilled. I asked Ron if he would consider walking down the aisle on my other side and both of them give me away. He had tears in his eyes when he agreed that he would be honored if that was my wish. So today, I would have both my fathers walking beside me. I watched as the bridesmaids walked down to the alter and then Kallie moved forward to take her place as my Maid of Honor. The wedding march came to a crescendo and I moved forward with my real father and the father who had raised me. I felt the tears burn the back of my eyes, not because I was sad, but because I was filled with such joy that today Rambo and I would join our lives for life.
I caught a glimpse at Stephanie as we reached the front. She was sitting beside mom and there were tears streaking down her cheeks. Our eyes met and we rolled our eyes at each other. I turned back to where Rambo stood and I smiled. The minister began and before I knew it I was Mrs. Trevor Ranson. When he took me in his arms and kissed me, all other thoughts left me. The reception was a chance to celebrate with friends and family and before I knew it, Trev and I were changed and standing on the balcony of the reception hall. I turned and closed my eyes, then let the bridal bouquet fly from my hands. I turned quickly to see who would catch it and was just in time to see Kallie thrust her hand up to keep the flowers from hitting her in the face. When she saw the bouquet in her hand she turned to me and rolled her eyes. I smiled and couldn't help the light-hearted laughter that escaped. Next, Trev took the garter and flung it. Raven was standing with his back to us, his gaze was on Kallie. At the last second he lifted his hand and snared the garter. I watched as he lifted his eyebrow and Kallie nodded. I smiled knowing when we got back there would be another announcement.
The past 16 months, since Raven had stopped fighting his feeling for Kallie they had gotten incredibly close. When we told them we were getting married I thought there might be a double ceremony but Kallie said I should have this time to myself. She wasn't sure Raven was ready for that step yet. I noticed that the two of them spent a lot of time together though. After seeing them today, seems Raven was ready after all.
Trev told me we were going to be away for a month and Stephanie had already agreed to help Kallie in the shop. We said our final goodbyes and Trev lifted me in his arms and carried me out to his car. Once I was settled, Trev got in the driver's seat and we rocketed off towards the future.
Okay, one more chapter to go.
