Epilogue

It was a hot day a few months later, in the middle of July, when Jessica and Seth wedded on the coastline. They had asked Mort to become licensed to marry them and Maureen to be their witness. Despite family and many friends who they knew would want to celebrate with them, the thought of a huge wedding was simply too overwhelming.

Instead, they went down to the water at the end of the day mid-week before the sun set. Morag was with them and they had secured their rings in a small pouch to her collar as well as a wreath of flowers, so that she could be both their flower girl and their ring bearer.

Maureen was responsible for keeping her on a leash for the short ceremony, which had her whining a few times, but as they continued to stand together, she seemed to understand that something important was happening and she sat back on her haunches, waiting.

Jessica wore a knee length champagne colored dress, which had sleeves to the elbows and a sweetheart neckline. She was barefoot, which felt daring, but wearing heels in the sand were hardly practical. She held a handful of pink dahlias. She had somehow convinced Seth to wear lightweight black dress trousers and an open collar button down dress shirt, instead of a full suit and bow tie. He had refused to go barefoot though, and seemed shocked that she would go barefoot, but did find a more casual pair of black shoes than she had ever seen him wear before.

Mort also wore an open collar shirt and trousers and Maureen had on a green sundress. Both of them went barefoot, which surprised, but delighted Jessica.

When Mort began to read from the script they had approved, Seth held up a hand to pause him.

"One second, Mort."

Grumbling under his breath, he reached down to kick off his shoes and pull his socks off, now barefoot as well and said, "That's better. Can't have my bride alone in this silliness. And certainly not since she convinced the two of you to join in."

Smiling at Jessica, in what could only be described as a look of pure adoration, Seth took her hands in his own, and pledged to live the rest of his life loving her, taking care of her, honoring her, and being faithful to her. She did the same to him.

Morag stood still, as the pouch holding their rings was removed, knowing that she had an important role to play to which she was highly qualified for and needed by her parents.

They had decided to use their prior gold wedding bands, as a way to keep their love for Ruth and Frank with them always. As a way to make them for each other while not forgetting their past loves, Seth had engraved his wedding date to Ruth inside his ring and Jessica had added the date of her wedding to Frank in hers. Then, they both added their new July wedding date to each other, thereby representing the love they had both been privileged to experience in their lives. Even so, Seth surprised Jess, by disclosing from the pouch that Morag had carried, a dainty engagement ring with a glittering diamond surrounded by tiny blue sapphires. It was no more than half a carat, but stunning in its simplicity and when Jessica saw it, she inhaled sharply, saying, "Seth, you shouldn't have."

"You deserve far more, my dear," he said, as he made eye contact, daring her to fight him.

She felt her eyes fill with tears, spilling over her cheeks, as he said, "Now, now, don't cry," even as he wiped her face tenderly with the handkerchief he pulled from his pocket.

The tears ceased, deep breaths were taken, and they were ready to exchange rings. Mort guided them through, ending by pronouncing them man and wife.

Wrapping his arms around her waist, and hers around his neck, they kissed slowly, but no less heatedly, surprising each other and Mort and Maureen. Mort coughed uncomfortably, which jarred them out of their reverie.

"Congratulations, you too," Maureen enthused, moving forward and kissing them both on the cheek. Mort kissed Jessica on the cheek as well, while slapping Seth on the shoulder.

Morag had pushed her body between Jessica and Seth, impatiently waiting for her own kiss and hug. After Seth and Jessica obliged, they took off her leash, and laughed as she ran into the surf.

"We couldn't possibly come down here and not let her play for a few minutes," Jessica said.

Seth pulled Jessica to him, as they watched her. Mort and Maureen joined in, offering to pick up dinner to share and bring over to their house. Maureen had offered to help Jessica plan a reception for their friends and family to help them celebrate in August and she knew that would be the forefront of their conversation over dinner.

But Jessica was already thinking ahead to after they left, leaving Seth and her alone. Morag would leave with Mort and Maureen tonight, as she was staying with them while Seth and Jessica went on their honeymoon. She knew she would miss Morag terribly, but she would be in wonderful hands.

Once Mort and Maureen left with Morag, she and Seth planned to finish packing, as they were leaving for their honeymoon tomorrow in Ireland for the next two weeks. Beverly had helped Jessica convince Seth that taking two weeks for their honeymoon would be alright as this was a special occasion and his patients would understand.

While she could not wait to leave tomorrow, she had plans for Seth before they fell asleep tonight, which included a nice bottle of champagne, candles, and a new piece of lingerie.

She felt confident that he would enjoy it.

"Wife, are you ready to leave? Think we can convince Morag?"

Nodding, Jessica called for Morag, and wiped her down with a beach towel before she could shake saltwater everywhere.

"Alright, Morag, time to go home with your Mom and me," Seth said, as he scratched her head, as Jessica continued using the towel.

Jessica looked up at Seth, beaming, while still crouched down with Morag. A wife and a mother. She had a family again. Perhaps not in the way she had envisioned a family when Frank was alive, but a family nonetheless.

Standing, she whispered where only he could hear her, "Husband, I am already home when I am with you and Morag."

Kissing her in agreement, they turned together with Mort and Maureen, who walked ahead of them, heading for Candlewood Lane.