RIGHT AT FOUR O’CLOCK, Freddie escorted his mother while Sam took his father’s arm to walk down the stairs and out to the back veranda. Shelby stood with them, waiting for the right moment to send them on their way to the floral arbor that had been erected at the end of the aisle. When everyone had taken their seats, the string quartet providing music shifted into something Sam actually recognized from her own wedding: “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”
“Go,” Shelby said.
Shelby had thought of everything, even the flooring that had been laid under the white runner that kept Sam’s heels from sinking into the grass. She held on tight to the arm Miguel Cruz provided and was thankful for his presence here today. He’d spent twenty years absent from his son’s life while he battled bipolar disorder.
Juliette was a new woman since her husband had come back to her healthy and determined to put his family back together. The two of them beamed with pride as they watched their handsome son shake hands with the minister from the church he’d grown up in and take his place on the right side of the aisle with Sam at his side. Because Elin wasn’t religious, they’d compromised, having the ceremony outside with Freddie’s childhood minister presiding.
Next to her, Nick stood where Gonzo was supposed to have been. He subtly linked his fingers with hers as they stood with Freddie to watch Elin’s two sisters come toward them, one of them holding hands with her daughter, Elin’s six-year-old niece, who was the flower girl.
While they waited for the bride to appear with her father, Sam scanned the assembled group and saw her dad and Celia in the back next to her sisters, Tracy and Angela and their husbands, Mike and Spencer. Cameron Green was there with a woman Sam hadn’t met. She saw Jeannie and her husband, Michael, Captain Malone and his wife, Avery Hill, Will Tyrone and his girlfriend, Lindsey McNamara and Terry O’Connor, Lieutenant Archelotta from the IT division, Dominguez and Carlucci, and Harry and Lilia.
Christina Billings stood off to the side, waiting for the bride to make her entrance before she took her seat. Sam was so happy to see her and was glad she’d come despite Gonzo not being there. She belonged there as much as anyone, and Sam looked forward to the opportunity to speak to her at the reception.
When Elin and her dad appeared on the back porch, the music shifted to “Ode to Joy.”
Sam liked the emphasis on the word joy. At first, she hadn’t thought Elin worthy of Freddie, but over time, Elin had proven her devotion to him, and Sam couldn’t be happier for both of them.
Freddie gasped at the sight of his stunningly beautiful bride, who had worn a classy, sexy gown that showed off a body honed from years of working as a personal trainer.
Sam looked up at him and saw tears in his eyes as he waited for Elin to join him. Sam hooked her hand through Freddie’s arm and held on tight.
He never took his eyes off his love as she completed the journey with her father, who hugged her, kissed her and shook hands with Freddie before joining Elin’s mother in the front row.
Nick handed Sam a handkerchief, so she could dab at her tears.
As Freddie and Elin exchanged vows, Sam was thankful she’d worn waterproof mascara.
“Now that Freddie and Elin have exchanged traditional vows, they would like to share a few thoughts they prepared on their own,” the minister said. “Elin, if you’re ready.”
“I’m so ready,” Elin said to laughter. “I feel like I’ve been ready for this day since we first met. One of the saddest things in my life became one of the happiest when I met you,” she said, referring to John O’Connor’s murder. “I remember that first day so vividly, as well as when you came back to find me. Every day since then has been like something right out of a dream. Well, except for the day when you got shot because of me, but we’re not talking about that today.”
Freddie laughed and used the sleeve of his coat to wipe away tears.
From inside his coat pocket, Nick produced a packet of tissues. He handed one to Sam, who passed it on to Freddie. Leave it to Nick to do her best man-woman duties better than she ever could.
“I used to picture my future husband and figured he’d probably be one of the muscle heads from the gym where I spend most of my time. I never pictured that a sweet, gentle man with a heart of gold would turn out to be the man of my dreams. I love you so much, Freddie, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Freddie leaned in for a kiss that had their guests whistling and clapping.
“Your turn, Freddie,” the minister said, smiling.
“I was,” he said, “quite simply besotted from the first second I ever saw your amazing blue eyes. I’d never seen eyes that shade of blue before, and even though I was painfully aware that you were way, way, way out of my league, I had to go back and find you. I fully expected you to laugh in my face and tell me to get lost, but that’s not what you did, and no one was more surprised by that than me.”
“I was,” Sam said, raising her hand to laughter.
Chuckling, Freddie continued. “Sam told me I didn’t stand a chance with you, but I had to find out for myself. I’m glad that for once I didn’t listen to her. We’ve already been through so much, and each thing that’s happened has only made us stronger and more determined to be together and to stay together. I love you with everything I am, and I can’t wait to have forever with you.”
After they exchanged another kiss, the minister walked them through the exchange of rings before declaring them husband and wife.
“Mr. Cruz, you may now kiss Mrs. Cruz.”
“Mrs. Cruz,” Freddie said, grinning like a loon. “How awesome is that?”
“Finally,” Elin said, drawing him into a barn burner of a kiss while their loved ones applauded.
They posed for photos on the lawn, ate a delicious meal and shared in the joy of two people who’d found each other and decided to make a life together.
Sam couldn’t recall the last time she’d had so much fun, and having Nick sitting right next to her at dinner made it even better. “I’m sad that Gonzo had to miss this, but I’m glad I get to sit with my date.”
He took her hand and brought it to his lips, a move the photographer captured.
Sam would have to ask for a copy of that photo.
Freddie and Elin were called to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. They’d chosen Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect,” and once again, Sam battled tears watching them and thinking about so many memories with Freddie over the last few years.
“The bride and groom would like to invite Lieutenant Holland and Vice President Cappuano to join them on the dance floor.”
Thunderous applause rocked the tent.
Appreciating the use of her police title, Sam held Nick’s hand on the way to the dance floor, where they joined the bride and groom as well as Elin’s sisters and their husbands.
“I think it’s safe to say these people support you,” Sam said to Nick.
“They support us. They’re our people.”
Sam slid an arm under his coat and held on tight to him, already preparing for his departure in the morning. She hadn’t said anything to him yet, but with things still up in the air with their “littles,” she couldn’t leave. As much as she wanted to go with him, now wasn’t the time. They would have other opportunities to travel, but she wouldn’t have a minute’s peace worrying about the kids—and Elijah, who’d also become theirs over the last few days.
Funny how that happened. She’d yearned to be pregnant, to have a baby, to have the family Nick hadn’t had growing up. They seemed to be stumbling into their own perfectly imperfect little family, made up of kids who needed them. Off to the side, she noticed Scotty sitting between her dad and Celia, conversing with Tracy, Mike, Angela and Spencer. Scotty was now so much a part of them, it was hard to remember a time when he hadn’t been.
“What’re you thinking about, babe?” Nick asked.
“So many things.”
“Things I’m going to like?”
“Some of them.”
“Uh-oh.”
She held on tighter to him. “Let’s have the best time ever today, okay?”
“Any time I get to spend with you is the best time ever.”
* * *
AFTER DINNER, Shelby came over to Sam, microphone in hand, and Sam was instantly nervous, realizing it was time to give the toast traditionally offered by the best man. She took the microphone from Shelby and stood, clearing her throat until the tent fell silent.
“I’m Sam Holland Cappuano, Freddie’s other partner.”
“I think they know that, babe,” Nick said to laughter and applause.
Sam scowled playfully at him. “As I was saying before being rudely interrupted, I’m Freddie’s partner at work, and I’ve had the pleasure of a front row seat as he fell madly in love with Elin. There are a lot of things I could say if I truly wanted to embarrass Freddie.”
“Please don’t,” Freddie said as everyone laughed.
“But all I will say is that I was blessed the day you became my partner, Freddie Cruz, and you were blessed the day you met Elin. I wish you a lifetime of love and joy and happiness and many, many children.” This last part she added with a pointed look for her partner, who’d recently told her he didn’t think he should have kids after the crap they witnessed on the job.
Sam had told him he would have children, and that was that.
He stood to hug her. “Thank you for the restraint.”
“It was painful, but when the midget strippers get here, all bets are off.”
Freddie groaned. “You aren’t allowed to call them that,” he said, resurrecting their old argument.
“They call themselves that!”
After the formalities were seen to, Sam and Nick went to sit with her dad and the rest of her family. While Nick chatted with his brothers-in-law, Sam took the first opportunity she’d had to debrief the case with her dad.
“I can’t believe it all stemmed from a traffic altercation,” Skip said.
“Sort of like what happened to you.”
“True.”
“I’ve been given a week of unpaid leave, during which I’ve been directed to rethink my priorities.”
“Ouch. Who said that? Joe?”
“Yeah. He’s really pissed that I took in the kids during the investigation. And before you say it, I know it was a conflict of interest, but I’d do it again in a hot second.”
“That says a lot about where your priorities are.”
“I know, and they’re not compatible with the job.”
“Most of the time they are, and I would hope Joe can see that.”
“He said I’m the reason he can’t retire, because anyone else in his job would have my ass in a sling and my badge inside of a week.”
“He’s full of shit,” Skip said, scoffing. “He has no desire to retire. Marti has been after him for years to retire, but he always says he’d go crazy without something to do. Don’t let him put that on you.”
“I think he meant it, though. He said it’s true what people say—that I get away with murder while investigating murder.”
“You do a hellacious job better than just about anyone else ever has. And he knows that as well as you and I do. Take your rap and your week off but keep doing what you do. Maybe avoid taking in the children of your murder victims in the future.”
“Nick and I might keep them.” It was the first time she’d said the words out loud.
His brow went up. “Seriously?”
Nodding, she filled him in on where things stood with Elijah and the kids. She and Nick hadn’t breathed a word of it to anyone but Scotty and Shelby, fearful that it wouldn’t happen, and they’d have to backtrack.
“Wow. The aunt and uncle didn’t pan out?”
“They were awful. Elijah said thanks but no thanks to them. But we could tell he was panicking about what to do, so we offered.” She shrugged, trying to pretend that offer wasn’t one of the biggest things they’d ever done. It was certainly bigger than Nick becoming vice president. That was for sure.
“You want these kids, baby girl?” he asked softly.
“I think I do, but I’m trying not to get my hopes up.”
“It’s a hell of a thing you did even offering to help their brother. I’m sure he appreciates it.”
“He does. He’s a really nice kid too. Either way,” Sam said, forcing a cheerful tone, “we told him they’re stuck with us. We’re invested now.”
“They’re lucky to have you guys and Scotty invested in them.”
“They have more money than they can spend in a lifetime, but at the end of the day, they’re really alone in the world. Elijah has his mom, but he doesn’t seem particularly close to her, and besides, she’s not going to take in the kids her ex-husband had with his second wife, you know?”
“Yeah, it’s messy, and you’re right that money can’t buy a family.”
“No, but it can give them security they wouldn’t have without it.”
“I still think about a kid I met during one of my cases. I always wondered what became of him after his parents were killed. It’s good that you won’t have to regret not taking the next step with them, because you would’ve regretted it and always wondered what became of them.”
“Yeah, I would’ve.”
Christina approached them. “Sorry to interrupt, but could I have a word, Sam? I’ve got to get home to Alex. One of my neighbors is watching him so I could come.”
“Of course,” Sam said, kissing her dad’s forehead as she stood.
She and Christina stepped outside the tent, which was surrounded by Secret Service agents trying to be subtle and failing miserably.
“How’re you doing?” Sam asked.
“A little better than I was actually. It’s a huge relief to know that Tommy is getting the help he needs, even if Alex and I miss him.”
“When can you see him?”
“Not for a couple of weeks. They’re going to let me know.”
“If there’s anything we can do for you, please ask. We can take Alex. Whatever you need.”
“Thanks, Sam.”
“You and I got off to a rough start at first, but I hope you know that you and Tommy and Alex... You’re family to me and Nick.”
“I know that and so does he. It means a lot to both of us.”
Sam hugged her. “We’re going to get him through this and figure out what’s next.”
Christina hugged her back and nodded as she glanced wistfully at the tent. “Maybe someday we’ll be dancing at my wedding.”
“I’ll be first in line for that dance. Keep me posted on what’s going on?”
“I will. Take care, Sam.”
“You too.”
As Sam walked back to the tent thinking of Gonzo and what he might be going through at rehab, Harry and Lilia came out of the tent, arm in arm, caught up in each other. Sam delighted in seeing them together. For so long, she’d wanted Harry to find someone. That he’d met Lilia through her gave her a kick—and the ability to take full credit for their relationship.
“Cutting out early, lovebirds?” she asked, startling them.
“I’ve got to pack,” Harry said. “Air Force Two is wheels up at eight in the morning.”
Sam’s spirits plummeted at the reminder of Nick’s looming departure. “Nick has been packed for a week.”
“We all know he’s not normal,” Harry said.
“That’s our vice president you’re slandering,” Lilia said.
“He isn’t normal,” Sam said, making them both laugh. “He’s an anal-retentive freakazoid.”
“I hadn’t gotten official word that you’re going too until yesterday,” Lilia said. “I’m woefully unprepared to support you.”
Sam glanced at the tent where Nick was dancing with Celia before returning her attention to Harry and Lilia. “I haven’t told Nick yet, but I’m not going. We have a situation at home.”
“Not Scotty?” Harry asked.
“No, not Scotty. Some other children have recently come into our lives, and they need one of us to be home right now.” Being a mother, she was finding, meant making sacrifices that would’ve been unheard of before children. She wasn’t Aubrey or Alden’s mother, but she would care for them the way a mother would for as long as they needed that from her.
“Is this a story that’s going to make headlines?” Lilia asked with a kind smile.
“Possibly,” Sam said. With so many other things to contend with, she hadn’t given the potential for headlines much thought.
Lilia reached out to squeeze her arm. “We’ll help you navigate that when the time is right.”
“It may not happen, but if it does, you’ll be among the first to know.”
“As always, I am at your service,” Lilia said with the devotion that had endeared her to Sam since she first met her. Recalling that she’d been prepared to dislike the woman seemed silly now.
Sam hugged Harry. “Take good care of my husband while you’re gone.”
“You know I will.”
“I’ll rest easier knowing you’re with him.”
“We’ll be back before you ladies miss us,” Harry said.
Sam glanced at Lilia, and together they said, “No, you won’t.”