Chapter 44
Hand in hand, Parker and Kelly walked toward the altar.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
"You're welcome. Just seemed like the thing to do."
Parker nodded. "Different, but I like it."
"I hoped you would."
They stopped at the altar. Kelly stepped up and held out his hand to Parker to help her up. Parker handed her bouquet over to Mary Alice. She picked up her dress and took Kelly's hand, allowing him to help her up.
"Welcome family and friends. We are here today to witness Parker and Kelly joining in holy matrimony. Parker and Kelly, did you come here today on your own free will to be joined together as man and wife?" the priest asked.
Parker looked at Kelly. Kelly smiled down at Parker. "I did," they said in unison.
Vows were said. Kelly slid a wedding band on Parker's finger and followed it with her engagement ring. She looked down at it and her breath caught in her throat. Kelly had told her not to worry about bands. He had it all under control. He sure did—Mary Alice's wedding band and engagement ring were now on her finger. She looked down at the middle finger of her right hand. Her grandfather's wedding band was resting there. Mary Alice had given it to her right after her grandfather's funeral. She had never taken off. She slid the ring off of her finger, and on to Kelly's. She wasn't sure if it would fit. He looked at her, eyes questioning.
"Kelly, you can kiss your bride."
"With pleasure, he said, half chuckling and stepping forward. He took Parker's face in his hands and kissed her.
"Family and friends, I now give you Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Michael Severide."
"Look over at your Grandmother," Kelly whispered in her ear.
Parker glanced over at Mary Alice. She had set Parker's bouquet on the floor and was clapping enthusiastically.
"I guess she approves?"
Kelly chuckled. "I would say so."
"At least we made her happy."
Kelly slid Parker's hand in his, and started over to Mary Alice. He bent down and gave her a hug, then kissed her cheek. Parker kissed her other cheek and hugged her. "Thank you, Mary Alice."
"You're welcome. But it's about damn time you two get married."
Kelly laughed and gave her another hug. "Love you."
"Love you too. Now take your bride and walk out of her to the limo. We need to get to the reception. I'm starving."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Still bossing us around, Grandma?"
"Someone has to keep you two in line," she retorted.
Kelly laughed. He looked over at Parker. "You ready to get out of here?"
"You heard your Grandmother. She's hungry and she wants to eat cake."
Kelly laughed. Mary Alice picked up Parker's bouquet and handed it to her. Kelly moved behind Parker.
"Kelly, what are you doing? We have to go."
"Yeah, I know."
He slipped his one arm around her shoulders, and the other around her knees. He picked her up.
"KELLY!" she squealed.
Kelly gave her a kiss. "Be quiet, Woman. We need to make the grand exit. He stepped off the altar and started down the aisle, Parker in his arms.
"I can walk, you know."
"Yeah, I know. But we broke some traditions today. Why not break one more."
Parker kissed his cheek. "I love you."