Chapter 20

"I think they're reconnecting," Megan admitted. "Kelley sounded very happy when I talked to her. I think they were doing it."

"You really want to do this?" Caroline said. "We should talk to Andy's friends. His parents."

"I think they deserve it," Ethan admitted. "Andy has a lot of friends. Family."

"The big wedding thing was getting to them," Megan trailed off. "I say small. They have that beautiful backyard, great view of the lake. They'd totally get married in their sweats, barefoot. They probably did the first time."

"Andy never saw her in that dress. I should hate her," Caroline groaned. "She looked so beautiful, so happy. The man would have been speechless. She comes by the station, and he just gets this look on his face. Not to mention all the male deputies stare at her ass."

"Which I'm sure she loves," Megan groaned. "The woman gets more attention in holey, old, sweats, then I do when I'm all dolled up. We should hate her, Caro, we really should. Except it's Kel."

"So we're going to do this?" Ethan asked. "They're getting a wedding?"

20202020

"Andy," I giggled, as we lay spent under the covers the next morning. "Wow."

"I missed you," he murmured, kissing my neck. "You look . . . All this hair in your face, all flushed, that beautiful, sexy, smile. I love you."

"I love you too," I promised, kissing his cheek. "Every, little, inch. I'm so proud to be your wife."

"My wife," he repeated, looking at me. "You know I feel like I've been waiting my entire life for you to be my wife? I knew when I first saw you, just had to make you come around."

"I know I made it hard. You made me love you," I said quietly. "I was so mad at you for that, when I realized that. It snuck up on me. You got past all my walls, saw past all my insecurities and weirdness . . . No one ever told me they loved me before."

"Thanks for letting me be the one," he said, combing through my hair. "Kelley, I don't want to move from this spot."

"You have to go back to work sometime."

"Not today, ha, not until next week. They saved my ass, Sweetheart. Maybe I won't be such a scary tyrant to them now?"

"You're so not a tyrant," I laughed. "You look adorable right now."

"You're the only person who can call me adorable. It can't leave this room. Ever."

"You should see your face," I giggled. "It's a manly adorableness."

"Kel, you're killing me," he groaned, rolling on top of me again. "Come here."

20202020

"I think it's a great idea," Michelle admitted. "I know Andy was pretty gung-ho about marrying her. He would of loved her in that dress."

Megan smiled. "That's what I said. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. They've been through a lot. You think we can surprise them? I mean Kelley is so damn practical sometimes, she'd totally go with that they're already married and don't need to do it again."

"And I'm sure Andy was happy with eloping. Just up and do it."

"They are adorable, aren't they?" Megan laughed. "Seriously? Kel is one of my best friends, and her life sucked for a long time. I want her to have a wedding."

Michelle nodded. "We all thought Andy would be a life long bachelor, and I know I was shocked when he and Kelley got engaged. He always liked his women young and pretty, I guess he found something in her that made it stick. I swear the way he looks at her . . . I've known Andy for over 30 years, and I've never seen him like this. I'm really pissed that I didn't get to see Andy Quinn all flustered and saying his vows. It would have been priceless. So we're going to do it."

20202020

"Holy shit, Kelley," Andy dead panned, walking into the kitchen the next week. "What are you doing?"

"Am I missing the domestic gene?" I asked, dumping the failed attempt at pancakes in the sink. "I wanted to make you breakfast for your first day back."

"In the entire time I've known you," he laughed. "You have never cooked me breakfast. Kelley, Sweetheart, I love you, but you are the worst cook I've ever known. You're worse than me."

"Why can't I cook? Little kids can cook."

"It was very sweet," he admitted, lying both his hands on my shoulders. "What?"

"It's your first day back at work," I said quietly.

"You worried about me?" he said softly, smoothing my hair back. "You afraid that I'll get my adorable ass shot?"

"I just got you back."

"Hey," he said softly, tilting my chin up. "I'm never leaving you again."

I shook my head, "I was so scared that I would never see you again. That you wouldn't touch me like this, and . . . I didn't want to be alone. Without you."

"Kelley," he said quietly, wrapping his arms around me and holding me tightly. "Oh, don't cry, Sweetheart. Please don't cry, oh Kelley. Don't do this to me. Please don't . . . Kelley."

"I'm sorry," I sobbed into his chest. "I didn't mean . . ."

"Kelley," he said again, stroking my hair, "Ssh, I have you. I love you, I'm not going anywhere. I can't believe you cooked for me."

I held on tighter to him. "Andy, I'm sorry, so sorry."

"Let it out," he whispered. "Kelley, oh Kelley. I didn't mean to make you cry."

"You didn't, I just . . . I missed you and I can't do it again."

He brushed my tears away with his thumbs. "Hey. Kelley, I've been a cop for a long time. I got myself shot once. Trust me, it hurt like a bitch."

"I know you'll be careful"

"Then what's the problem? Kelley? You don't cry without a reason. I promise that I'll be fine, I'm never putting you through that again. I know you were brave, strong . . . God I worried about you. I didn't want you to worry about me, I knew you would. You're what got me through, knowing that you were okay," he said quietly. "I love you Kelley Quinn."

"I'm sorry," I whispered, as he continued to comb through my hair. "I didn't mean . . . You know, to get all hysterical. Scary."

"Hey," he said softly. "You were due. I don't have to go in yet. I'm the boss, so I can take a personal day."

I shook my head. "No. Andy . . . It has to happen, right? I'm fine, really. Andy, go. I mean it."

"Kelley."

"Andy," I countered, taking a steadying breath, as I took him in his dress clothes. "You clean up well. I have to go too."

"Tell you what," he said, brushing a few more stray tears away. "Can I treat you to dinner tonight? We haven't gone out in awhile. I wouldn't mind seeing you all dressed up and showing some leg."

"You like my legs?"

"Almost as much as your breasts," he teased me. "Kelley, seriously, are you okay? If you're that worried."

"Just," I trailed off. "I think . . . momentary panic? I'll see you tonight?"

20202020

"Good to have you back," Mike said. "This place hasn't been the same."

"Thanks," Andy replied. "Truth be told? I was nervous."

"Please. This town loves you, Quinn. I swear you could kick puppies down Main Street and it would. Michelle and I want to take you and Kelley out sometime this week."

"Sure. Kel has weird hours, I'll check with her."

20202020

"So we're set?" Megan asked. "Kelley is going to freak."

Michelle laughed. "So will Andy. Mike thinks this is hilarious. Andy has always been . . . He's always had this unflappable calm. He got every woman that came his way, I really like that Kelley didn't fall into his arms."

"I remember when he used to come pick her up. He looked at her like, you know Kelley? The woman has like two shirts, but he would just stare at her. Absolutely speechless. Whatever she has, she needs to bottle up and sell. I'd buy it."

"We should hate women like that."

"Yeah, but it's Kelley, with that unassuming way and vulnerability."

"I really like seeing Andy drool over someone. I swear the man knows exactly how good looking he is sometimes. Gods gift to women."

"He is very good looking," Megan admitted. "They're going to have such pretty kids."

20202020

"You have a good day?" Andy asked, joining me on the porch and handing me a beer. "Hello? Kelley?"

"Hmm?" I asked, looking up from my knitting. "Hi."

"What are you making?"

"A scarf."

"Hey. You okay? Sweetheart?"

"Yeah," I said quietly, as he laid a hand on my knee. "I'm fine. I just had a long day."

"Kel? Talk to me. Are you still worrying?"

"Andy."

"I've been taking it slowly. Hey," he said. "I appreciate it. Is this what I did to you? When you tell me I'm all overprotective?"

"I'm not worrying," I lied, tossing my knitting down. "What?"

"You are way too adorable," he stated, "Kelley, I worried about you too. I see those scars on your wrists, when I think of anyone ever hurting you again, you're going to drive me nuts with this."

"I know how careful you are. I know this is a safe town," I said softly. "I just freaked out. I got used to having you around, and . . . I'm really not a freak."

"You're my freak," he teased me. "Ah, Kelley, I think it's really sweet. From anyone else I would have been annoyed. I love you."

"What are you doing?" I asked, as he pulled me into his lap. "Andy!"

"Come here, Baby," he laughed, before kissing me. "You want to fool around?"

20202020

"So? What do you think?" Megan asked, a few weeks later, "Yes or no?"

"You look great," I promised, as I sat cross legged on the dressing room floor four months later. "You've looked great in all of them."

"Kel, I know you have the world's sparest wardrobe," she said patiently. "But I like to shop. I have an important date tonight, and I need to know what to wear. So blue or red?"

"You look fantastic in red. Who is the lucky guy?"

"You'll see. He's taking me to a fancy party later on, and I want to look great. Red?"

"You look beautiful," I promised, as she tossed one at me. "What?"

"Try it on. You need something in you closet besides scrubs, jeans, tank tops, and a skirt."

"I'm not that bad," I laughed, studying the blue, knee length, strapless, cotton, embroidered dress she tossed at me. "This is pretty."

"Come on. Shop with me, it makes me feel less guilty. Buy something that will make Andy's jaw drop. Throw the guy a bone."

"He likes me best when I wear nothing," I laughed, as I changed and she zipped me up, "I like it."

"You look great. Buy it."

"I can't just buy it."

"Stop being a tightwad."

"Am not," I countered. "Well maybe I am. Where am I going to wear it?"

"Make Andy take you on a date. Someplace romantic with candles, wine, dancing, whatever. You guys have been together for almost five years, so he should still be romancing you."

"He does, we've been mellow lately," I sighed, looking at my reflection again. "I do look pretty. Andy always says I need to show my legs off."

"Humor the man."

"You're like the devil on my shoulder," I groaned. "Okay."

"Best compliment I ever got," Megan laughed, as her phone rang. "Hello? Okay. See you then. You ready to get out of here, Kel?"

20202020

"We haven't been here in years," Andy commented, as Mike shot the ball through the windmill. "Have you been practicing?"

"Yup, I have one in my backyard. Your shot."

"I still suck," Andy laughed, as his ball struck the structure. "I think I put more dents in these things over the last 30 years. It'll be something to show the kids."

"You and Kelley going to have kids?"

"Probably."

"She doesn't seem maternal."

Andy shrugged. "She had such a crappy childhood . . . She's good with kids, I've seen her with them in the ER. Your shot."

"Mine went in already. Good luck getting it through."

"Crap," he muttered. I suck at mini golf. "You would think I would get it by now?"

"Winner and still champion," Mike said, as they finished up the last hole and his phone rang. "Hello? Good. See you then. Ready to get that beer?"

20202020

"Megan?" I asked, as she pulled into the driveway. "What's all of this? Are we having a party that I don't know about? Did Andy do this?"

"No," she laughed, shaking her head. "Surprise."

"Megan?" I asked again. "What is going on?"

"Trust me," she said, as we got out of the car. "Would I steer you wrong?"

"Do I have to answer that?"

"Ye of little faith. Catch," she said, tossing me the bag. "Kel, it's not a bad thing, actually think of it as a gift. From all of your friends."

"You're starting to freak me out," I admitted, seeing people moving around in the backyard. "Did you guys decorate? What is this?"

"Kelley, for once no supplemental questions," Megan pleaded, as Mike pulled in behind us. "About time! This one won't shut up."

"What's going on?" Andy asked, shooting me a look. "Kelley?"

"Hey, don't look at me."

"We having a party?" Andy asked. "Did you know we were having a party?"

I shook my head, as we started toward the backyard. "Megan is not being very informative."

"Mike?" Andy asked, as the guests started clapping. "What the hell? Kel?"

"Surprise!" a chorus of voices rang out.

"Now I'm confused," I said quietly, shooting a helpless look at Andy. "You didn't do this?"

"I was getting my butt kicked at mini-golf."

"Surprise," Sam said, holding his hand out. "Your friends and family decided it was time that you had a real wedding."

"You're throwing us a wedding?" Andy asked, as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "Now? Here?"

"We thought we could catch you off guard," Megan added. "You guys looked shocked."

"They're throwing us a wedding," I repeated, not able to look in Andy in the eyes because I was afraid I would start laughing. "Is that why you made me buy a dress?"

"You got a dress?" Andy asked. "Really?"

"It's not white," I trailed off. "They're throwing us a wedding."

"No objections?" Sam asked. "Andy? Kelley?"

"Kel?" Andy asked, "You want to?"

"Uh, sure," I agreed, biting my lip so I wouldn't start laughing. "Why not?"

"You read my mind," he agreed.

"Good," Megan nodded. "Kelley, come with me. We're going to get you dressed. Caro, Lisa, come on."

I looked over at Andy and saw him fighting not to laugh as well. "Okay, sure."

20202020

"How did you guys do this?" Andy asked, as Mike tossed him some clean clothes. "Why didn't we know?"

"You wouldn't of let us," Mike countered. "Megan and Caroline brain stormed it a few months ago. Your expression was priceless, both of you."

"You know we're already married?"

"Yeah, but you guys eloped. What? I want to see my best friend get married."

"This is what we wanted," Andy admitted. "Nothing big and spectacular. Just the people that mattered."

20202020

"You guys are insane," I sighed, as Caroline blew out my hair. "How did you keep this a secret?"

"We're very resourceful," Lisa nodded. "What? The bakery next door to Megan's store made the cake, Kay pruned some flowers from her garden, Megan made you buy a dress, I have a camera and the location is beautiful. You know how lucky you are to live here? It's beautiful."

"I love it," I admitted, as my hair hung straight and full down my back. "I think I'm in shock."

"You're our friends," Megan said. "Figured you needed a push Mrs. Quinn."

I smiled at that. "Kelley Quinn doesn't sound bad."

"Blue?" Caroline asked, pulling the dress out of the bag. "Well you look good in blue."

"It's the red hair. Andy likes me in blue. And a dress upon occasion."

"I thought he liked you in nothing," Megan laughed. "I should have made you pick up some lingerie."

"I have plenty. I don't think he notices what it looks like after the initial 10 seconds…"

"So, look at you," Megan said as she zipped the blue dress up my back. "You look almost bridal."

I smoothed down the folds of the skirt. "I look like me, at the big wedding . . . It was nice to pretend, but that woman in the mirror wasn't me."

"You looked amazing. Andy would of passed out," Megan countered.

"He looked good in his tux too. The man can wear a suit."

"He'll enjoy this one," Caroline said. "You ready?"

"Sure," I nodded. "Is he?"

"You're awfully calm, Kelley," Lisa said.

"I know that Andy and I are going to be together," I trailed off, thinking about our elopement. "I've never needed a piece of paper to tell me that. This is incredible. I can't believe that you guys did this."

"They're ready," Megan verified. "Lets go."

20202020

"Why am I nervous?" Andy asked, looking around the backyard. "We did this. I've been living with her for over two years. I married her five months ago."

"Your parents would have been so pissed if you hadn't got yourself kidnapped."

"You're hilarious."

"Come on. What did you do to get such a hot chick to marry you?"

"She's kind of crazy. It works."

"Crazy or not," he said. "Hot. Very hot. Look."

"She does this," Andy murmured, as the music began to play. "God, Kelley. Thank you, Megan . . . Kelley, wow."

I smiled slightly at the way he was looking at me in the blue, strapless, eyelet, sun dress. "You're staring."

"You're beautiful."

I took his hands in mine and we just looked at each other for a long moment. "You look so handsome. You're wearing a tie."

"I can't stop staring," he murmured, pulling me in closer. "If we didn't have a backyard full of people?"

"Andy? Kelley?" Mike cut in. "Hello? You guys ready?"

He nodded, as we watched everyone gather on the grass around us. "Before that? This is great, really. Thank you."

"We are gathered here today," the minister started, as we stood looking out at the lake. "To join Andrew Quinn and Kelley Sullivan in the holy bonds of matrimony."

He squeezed my hand tighter in his, as he droned on. Suppressing a grin, I couldn't quite meet his eyes because I know we would both start laughing.

"Do you have your own vows? Andrew?"

He nodded, and didn't take his gaze off of me. "Kelley, every time I look at you, I'm still amazed. I sometimes forget . . . These last few weeks, you know. You're the love of my life, you make me a better person, you challenge me, make me think . . . I promised to show you a beautiful world, Sweetheart, and I still want to."

"Kelley?"

"You made me fall in love with you," I said quietly. "I didn't stand a chance. Andy, I . . . I can't even think straight when you look at me like this. You make me so proud to be your wife. I can't wait to see the world with you."

"Ssh," he whispered, wiping a few stray tears away. "You're so sweet."

"Do you Andrew take Kelley to be your wife? To have and to hold from this day forward? To love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. Until death do you part?"

Andy smiled at me and squeezed my hands tighter. "I do."

"Do you Kelley take Andrew to be your husband? To have and to hold from this day forward? To love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. Until death do you part?"

I smiled back at the happiness I saw in his eyes. "I do."

"By the power invested in me by the State of New Hampshire, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

"Best part of this," Andy murmured in my ear. "Come here, Sweetheart."

"Mmm," I murmured sinking into his arms. "Andy."

"I now introduce Mr. And Mrs. Andrew Quinn," the minister said, as are gathered friends and family applauded.

"I love you," Andy whispered in my ear. "So damn much, Kel,

"I love you too," I said quietly. "Thanks for making me want this."

The End