Linda O'Shea had been going to the Reagans' Sunday dinner for about a year. She was the oldest Reagan kid's girlfriend.
"Not anymore," she sang, as she held out her hand with the diamond ring. She had changed her routine for about a year. Instead of heading over to her apartment after church, she went to her fiancé's apartment. She sat on the couch, admiring her ring.
"Hey, babe." Danny Reagan kisses her lips. "Whatcha doin'?"
"Admiring my ring." She smiled. "You finally asked me."
"Hey, I was in Fallujah for four of those ten years."
"I know. I'm just teasing."
"You ready for dinner?"
"Yeah."
"You say with uncertainty."
"It's just different. For a year, I was just your girlfriend. Now I'm your fiancée. I haven't even told my parents."
"It'll be fine."
During Sunday dinner, Erin Reagan gasped. "Linda Rose O'Shea, is that an engagement ring I see?"
Linda looked at her hand, then shrugged. "Yeah."
"You say like it's no big deal! Danny, you asked her?"
"Yup. Last Sunday when I dropped her off."
"Congratulations!" The table exclaimed.
"When's the wedding?" Joe Reagan wondered.
"September." The fiancés answered simultaneously.
Linda did a little dance behind the chapel doors. She was more than ready to trade her name for a Reagan's.
Erin laughed a little, "I think someone's excited."
"Yessir!" Linda clapped her hands, "oh, I'm so pleased!"
"There's my cue," Erin stated. "Break a leg!"
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." The pastor instructed.
Danny and Linda smiled at each other before locking lips. The congregation cheered, happy for the couple.
As the newly weds walked down the aisle, Linda whispered to her husband, "I'm a Reagan now!"
He smiled widely and kissed her cheek.
The first dance as a couple was about to begin, the bride and groom had smiles for miles. They joined hands on the dance floor, waiting for the music to start. That's All by Frank Sinatra came through the speakers.
As the song went on, Linda and Danny moved their arms around each other—Linda had her arms around Danny's neck, and he had his arms around her waist. They quietly sang the last verse to each other.
"There are those I am sure who have told you
They will give you the world for a toy
All I have are these arms to enfold you,
And a love time can never destroy
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say it's me that you'll adore for now and evermore
That's all, that's all"
The guests clapped again as the song faded, clapping louder when the newlyweds shared a kiss.
"Danny?" Linda wondered, happy tears in her eyes.
"Yeah?"
"I love you. So, so much."
Danny smiled widely, "I love you more."
"I love you the most." She kissed him again, thanking God that they found each other.
"You two are so cute together!" Mary gushed as she took the billionth picture.
"Ma!" Danny complained, rolling his eyes. He couldn't help the smile on his face, though.
"Oh come on!" She smiled, "just a few more!"
"You said that fifteen minutes ago."
"Danny, it's our wedding day!" Linda had been beaming ever since the ceremony began. "There's supposed to be lotsa pictures! You gotta grin and bear it!"
"Maybe I'm grinning cause I just married the most wonderful person in the entire universe?"
"And people say you're a hard@ss!" She kissed him again, laughing against his lips when she heard the click of the camera.
"Ooh, that's a good one!" Mary smiled widely.
"Ma, we're hungry!" Danny laughed, wanting to cut the cake.
"Okay, okay. You can go eat now."
Linda and Danny Reagan drove away after the reception, very excited to start their lives together.
"Have I told you how much I love you?" Danny wondered, kissing Linda's cheek.
She laughed, "Yes, you just proclaimed it to fifty plus people."
He smiled, "I love you, Mrs. Reagan."
The blonde laughed again, "I love you more, Mr. Reagan."
"I love you the most." He hooked his finger under her chin, tilting her head upwards. He planted a kiss on her lips, knowing marrying her was the best decision he had ever made.
