by Chloe Lang
“And we’ll be happy to give it to you, too.” Mick smiled. “We don’t want to shortchange you, baby.”
“You couldn’t if you tried.”
Dustin’s eyebrows shot up. “What about the dress? Isn’t that important to you?”
“I’ve actually dreamed of wearing a beautiful gown surrounded by friends and family on the day I married you two, but it is more important for us to be together. More than anything, I want to be your wife.”
* * * *
Dustin stood next to Paris, who was between Mick and him in Ethel’s judge’s chambers with his and Mick’s parents and Paris’s dad.
His mom was already wiping her eyes, standing between his dads.
Dr. Cottrell sent him a wink of approval, which made this fantastic day just a little better.
Ethel stood in front of them, wearing her robes. “We are here because the three of you have decided to join your lives. You come here with precious gifts—mature understanding, your love, your hopes and dreams, your trust in one another, and your faith in life’s meaning and purpose, resolved to share life’s experiences in enduring love and loyalty. The decision has been made in your hearts and minds, and we are here to witness the public expression of the commitments you have made privately to each other. Marriage is a relationship not to be entered into lightly or thoughtlessly, but reverently, soberly, with deep purposes and in the spirit of enduring love. Much is required of you three. Knowing this, does each of you wish to proceed with this marriage?”
“Yes,” they all said together, but hearing her sweet whisper thrilled Dustin.
We’re finally here. She’s mine and Mick’s.
“Dustin and Mick, will you take Paris as your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, and will you live for her, before all others, as long as you all shall live?”
“We will,” he and Mick said in unison.
“Paris, will you take Dustin and Mick as your husbands? Will you love them, comfort them, honor and keep them in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, and will you live for them, before all others, as long as you all shall live?”
“I will,” she said softly.
He couldn’t help but smile because she’d already taken care of him, performing surgery on him. How many brides can say that?
“Please face each other, joining hands as a symbol of your union.”
He took her hand and Mick took her other hand.
“Dustin and Mick, will you then repeat after me? I…”
As they repeated the rest of the vow, pledging their undying love to her, Dustin realized their dreams were finally coming true.
“…so long as we shall live.”
“Paris, will you then repeat after me?”
Every word sealed her to them forever. “I, Paris, take Dustin and Mick to be my husbands. To live with you from this day forward. For better, for worse. In plenty and in want. In strength and in weakness. To love and to cherish. So long as we shall live.”
Like something mystical, he felt the invisible bond they shared tighten around them.
“Dustin, Mick, and Paris, having declared your vows in the presence of these witnesses and by the joining of hands, now therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the state of Colorado, I do now declare in the presence of these gathered that you are husbands and wife. Gentlemen, you may kiss your bride.”
Dustin kissed her. “You’re mine, baby.”
His brother did the same. “And mine. Always.”
She smiled. “Always and forever. As it was meant to be.”
“I can’t believe my boys are finally married.” His mom gave Paris a hug. “Thank you for being patient, sweetheart. You’re finally my daughter.”
Dr. Cottrell and his and Mick’s two dads surrounded them all.
Everyone hugged.
He looked at his wife. This is the happiest day of my life.
Chapter Twenty-One
“I can’t believe you guys did this so fast.” Paris looked at the office that Dustin and Mick had painted for her at the clinic.
On the door was her name followed by two letters—Paris Cottrell Ryder, M.D.
Even though she was still a little nervous about her new career, she was ready to face the challenges thanks to her wonderful husbands. God, I’m really married to them. My dream has come true.
She moved to hug them, but they both held up their hands, stopping her in her tracks.
“We don’t want to get you covered in paint, baby.” Mick carefully pressed his lips to hers. “You have your lunch with Megan and Belle today.”
“It’s only lunch. A little paint won’t hurt.” She touched Dustin on the cheek, wiping the lone drop of green she spotted on his face.
He kissed her. “We need to roll another coat, but I think it came out nice.”
“So do I. I love it. You think this color is calm enough for our patients?”
“It’s soft and light. I think it’s perfect, like the woman who picked it, sweetheart.”
Katy came in. “Paris…I mean…Mrs. Dr. Ryder. Damn. What do I call you?”
“How about let’s keep it to Paris, Katy?”
“I’d like that. Makes it simpler differentiating between you and your physician husband.”
“Perfect.”
“Belle is here to take you to lunch.”
“Good, I’m hungry. We still have to get Megan.”
Katy grinned and left.
“What was that?” She asked her husbands.
Mick shook his head. “What was what?”
“The crazy grin on Katy’s face. Didn’t you see it?”
“You know how she can be,” Dustin said. “You better go, honey.”
Mick kissed her again. “You don’t want to keep a pregnant woman waiting long.”
“Belle isn’t due until August.”
“And Megan is due July 1, less than two weeks from now, which means she could deliver at any time.”
“Mick’s right, sweetheart.” Dustin smiled. “You better hurry.”
She folded her arms over her chest. “I can tell something is up with you two. Spill it?”
“With the baby boom in Destiny in full swing, Dustin and I want to discuss when our family will contribute to it.”
“I can’t wait to have your baby, but with me just now joining the practice and us just getting married, don’t you think we should wait?”
“Screw the paint.” Dustin pulled her into his arms. “Honey, no more waiting. We all three want a baby.”
She kissed him. “Yes, we do. Let’s discuss this when I get back from my lunch.”
“Absolutely.”
He released her.
“Bye.” She left her two wonderful husbands, who immediately went back to painting her office. She felt so adored and treasured. She was theirs and they were hers.
“There you are.” Belle was sitting in one of the chairs in the waiting room. She stood and walked over to her. She looked stunning in her colorful maternity dress. “Let’s go get Megan.”
“Agreed. I’m starving.”
“So am I, but that seems to be every waking moment these days.”
She grinned. “Very expected, Belle. Be thankful your morning sickness has subsided.”
“Oh, I am. I’m just afraid after the baby comes I won’t stop eating so much. I want to get my figure back as soon as possible.”
“I’m sure you will. You’ll be chasing after Juan, Jake, and the new baby. You’ll have plenty of cardio and little sleep over the next year.”
They arrived at the Knight Mansion. Megan’s husbands, Scott and Eric owned Two Black Knights, TBK, a billion dollar company based in Destiny. Even though they were extremely wealthy, the trio were as down to earth as any other Destonian.
Belle rang the doorbell three times, which she found odd.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Paris. Just hungry and impatient.�
��
She smiled. “You’re eating for two. Makes sense.”
The door opened.
Gretchen Hollingsworth, wearing her traditional maid’s outfit, held the door for them. “Won’t you please come in? Megan is waiting.”
The British lady was in her eighties and was more family than maid to the Knights. Everyone in town loved her.
They walked into the mansion’s grand foyer. It had marble floors and double-curved wooden staircases.
“I never get over how pretty this place is, Paris.” Belle gazed at the beauty around them.
Paris looked up at the massive chandelier that had at least a thousand twinkling crystals. The walls were lined with paintings of distinguished looking relatives. “I’ve been here a hundred times, but neither can I.”
“Me either,” Gretchen said with a wink. “But you should have to dust this place.”
They all laughed.
“Megan is in the ballroom, ladies. Follow me, please.”
When they came to one of the sets of double doors that led into the room, Gretchen flung the doors wide.
“Surprise!”
The word boomed from the large room, echoing off the walls. She saw Megan and all her friends standing under a banner with the words Happy Belated Bachelorette Party, Mrs. Ryder!
They rushed to her, each giving her a hug and congratulations.
“Oh my gosh. I can’t believe you all did this for me.” Being surrounded by these wonderful women made her feel very special. She turned to Belle and Gretchen. “You both are sneaky.”
They smiled and nodded.
“Did we really surprise you, Paris?” Megan squeezed her hand.
“Yes, but this is too much.” She glanced around the room and saw two tables, one filled with delicious food and drink and the other with gifts. “You’re due in less than two weeks. How in the world did you put this together?”
Megan pointed to Gretchen and Ethel, who were bringing out flowers to add to the gift table. “They did all the heavy work. I just directed. Piece of cake.”
“Is Ethel the one who told you I got married?”
“Paris, your marriage to Doc and Mick is front page news in today’s Destiny Daily.” Kaylyn Simmons-Reynolds, the lead singer of Wolfe Mayhem and owner of the service dog training school, gave her a hug.
“I should’ve known. There’s no secrets in Destiny.”
“Did you really want to keep it a secret, sweetie?” Jena Dixon-MacCabe handed her a glass of champagne.
“No. I actually like being famous.”
They all laughed.
Megan smiled. “I’m surprised you were able to break away from your computers, Jena. Shannon’s Elite keeps you so busy, and I know every other spare moment you’re looking for Matt’s sister.”
“True, but I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Also, I’ve found an incredible lead on Carrie’s whereabouts.”
“Oh my God, that’s great news.” Like so many, Paris knew the story about Jena’s husbands’ childhood in the cult in Mississippi. They’d lost so much.
“I’ll know something in a few days for certain. Don’t breathe a word to Matt, please. I don’t want to get his hopes up until I’m sure.”
“Of course.”
“Do you mind if we sit down?” Megan touched her stomach. “My little one is kicking the daylights out of me right now.”
“She just wants to party with us.” Paris grabbed Megan by the hand and led her to the comfy sofas, which were arranged in a circle.
Megan sat down. “That’s better. Thanks.”
Gretchen handed her and Belle glasses. “Here’s apple juice for you two. Champagne for the rest of you ladies. Oh wait a minute. All except for you, Nicole. And when is your baby due?”
Nicole Coleman wore her deputy sheriff uniform. “What?”
Megan’s jaw dropped. “Gretchen?”
The dear lady shrugged. “We don’t have secrets in Destiny.”
Nicole smiled. “How did you know? I just took the home pregnancy test last night. I haven’t even verified it with either of the Dr. Ryders—Paris or Dustin.”
Gretchen laughed. “You don’t have to be a physician to be able to tell that, my dear. You have that beautiful glow I’ve seen on Megan, Belle, and Amber for the past several months.”
“Nicole, come see me at the clinic tomorrow, and Gretchen you come also for your honorary doctor’s license.”
Several of the ladies giggled.
After filling up on the delicious food Gretchen and Ethel had prepared for the party, Paris began opening her gifts.
Phoebe Wolfe and her assistant Ashley handed her a beautifully wrapped package.
“This is from both of us.” Phoebe, who was married to Jason, Mitch, and Lucas Wolfe, had never looked happier.
“Thank you.” Paris ripped off the bow.
“That’s the first baby,” Ashley announced.
“Oh my God I forgot about not breaking the bows.” She grinned, imagining what it was going to be like one day to have Dustin and Mick’s babies. “One is okay with me.”
She pulled out a lacy, black Teddy from the box.
The oohs and ahs that followed made her smile.
“Thank you, Phoebe and Ashley.”
“You’re welcome,” they said in unison.
When she finished opening the rest of the gifts, Erica Strange announced, “Looks like you’re going to have five kids, Paris. Five bows broken. Five babies. It never fails.”
More laughter ensued.
“I’m so glad you’re married to such great guys.” Amber looked stunning. Hard to believe she’d just had a baby a couple of weeks ago. “Paris, you deserve so much happiness.”
“Thank you. How are you feeling and how is the littlest Stone doing?”
“He’s with his dads.” Amber smiled broadly. “They couldn’t wait to get him all to themselves.”
Ethel tapped on her glass, and the room quieted down. “Time to offer our advice to Paris about marriage.”
Celeste and Caitlin Strange, Erica’s sisters-in-law who had moved back to Destiny recently, shook their heads.
“We’re single, Ethel,” Celeste said. “We’re going to pass on giving marriage advice.”
“But any advice about how to trap men would be appreciated,” Caitlin added, smiling.
“I’m with them on this,” Mindy Phong said, sitting down next to them.
Katy nodded. “Amen, sisters.”
“Ditto,” Ashley said.
Rylie Gold, daughter of Zac, the owner of Phase Four, sighed. “Dad says I’m too young to think about getting serious about anyone.”
Gretchen put her arm around the young woman. “Your dad will always think you’re too young, sweetheart. But I agree with him on this one. You’ve only just turned nineteen. There’s plenty of time for love. But don’t wait too long like I did.” She grinned. “And since I’m the eldest of the single girls, I will pass, too.”
“I’ve been happily married for going on sixty years to Patrick and Sam.” Ethel held a piece of paper in her hand. “I’m not going to hesitate to give Paris my advice.”
“You always give such great advice, too.” Paris leaned back. “Give it to me, Judge. I’m ready.”
“Begin your day each morning with falling in love once again with your husbands. Look in their faces and see the amazing men who hold your whole heart. Whatever comes your way in life, expect the outcome to be extraordinary.”
Everyone clapped.
Jennifer Steele shook her head. “How in the world can any of us follow that sage advice?”
“I’ll go next.” Lucy Little, owner of Lucy’s Burgers, stood. “Mine’s about sex.”
They all roared.
“Three words, Paris.” Lucy smiled. “Embrace. Experiment. Enjoy. That’s what Norman and I have done all these years, and I can tell you our sex life just keeps getting better and better.”
After the remaining women gave her their advice about
marriage, Megan grabbed her hand. “I just wish we all could’ve shared that wonderful day with you.”
“Me, too, but my guys and I just couldn’t bring ourselves to wait for a big wedding.”
Her mother-in-law brought her another glass of champagne. “It was a very sweet ceremony that Ethel performed for you, sweetheart, but I do wish all your friends could’ve been there with us. You know how big Destonians are on celebrations.”
“I do. Doris, your sons and I have already talked about having a renewal ceremony on our anniversary.”
“I have an idea.” Ethel grinned. “Why wait? Let’s plan a wedding for you at the Summer Solstice Celebration. Everyone will be there.”
“That’s sweet of you to suggest that, but Summer Solstice is this coming Saturday, Ethel.”
“Hold on. I have something to say about this.” Gretchen came back from clearing the plates from the table, and in her thick British accent said, “This Irish gal has finally come up with a good plan.”
Ethel laughed. “For the hundredth time, Gretchen, I’m not Irish. I’m just married to two of them.”
“Don’t go splitting hairs. But seriously, I think a wedding at the Solstice would be perfect.”
Betty Anderson, Kaylyn’s mother, nodded. “We can all take charge of one thing for the ceremony with your direction, Paris. Of course, I’ll do everyone’s makeup and hair.”
Gretchen added, “You know I make the best cakes.”
“First of all, what colors do you want, Paris?” Megan asked.
“I don’t want any of you to work so hard.”
Her mother-in-law put her arm around her. “It won’t be work for us, sweetheart. It will be a joy.”
“Listen to Doris, honey,” Ethel said. “Let us show you how much we love you, Doc, and Mick.”
“Thank you all so very much. I’ve always dreamed about lavender and pale blue.”
As the women gathered around taking notes for her wedding, she felt her eyes well up with tears of gratitude.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Mick and Dustin were being held hostage inside the food tent on the southeast corner of the park by the Blue Dragon statue. Dylan Strange stood guard. Outside the tent, Mick could hear the children playing the Summer Solstice games that he and Dustin had played when they were kids.