Page 58 of Last Wish Wedding

The room was silent. Outside, the sound of the waves washing on the shore beneath them was the only sound.

Mac’s expression changed a hundred times as he absorbed what Kelsey was saying. She stepped toward him.

Then Truman rasped from his chair.

Kelsey rushed to his side. “Are you all right? Do you need more medication?”

He squeezed her hand tightly and reached his other hand to Mac, who took it, his face stony. “I know I don’t have much time left on this earth. So forgive me for putting this on you two. But nothing would make me happier than seeing you married. You may not realize it now, but you were meant for each other. Now make an old man’s day, and let’s do this now. I can die happy and you can get your boy back.”

Truman leaned back on the cushions, his face gray. Kelsey turned on his oxygen and settled him so his head was elevated. Color returned to his face.

Comfortable, he pointed to Sandra. “How can we get this done today? I’d like for them to be married here if we can.”

Everyone in the room exchanged glances. Mac’s eyes never left Kelsey’s face.

“There is no waiting period in Maine. As soon as they have the license, they can be married. If I remember correctly, Kelsey you’ll need David’s death certificate,” Sandra answered.

“Perfect, I’ll call Judge Thorton to come over and perform the ceremony. The town offices open at nine, why don’t you kids get what you need to process the paperwork before then. Kelsey, I’m sure you want your sister here for it. The sooner we get this taken care of the sooner we can get the ball rolling.”

Her feet felt like they were encased in cement. But Mac took her hand, and she felt her body follow him out the door. He guided her to his car, helped her into the passenger seat. They drove the distance to her cottage in silence.

Once inside, Mac spoke. “Go ahead and pack a bag for a few days, Kel. We’ll head to Boston as soon as we’re done. Get what you need for Noah too. I’m going to stop by my place and I’ll do the same. I’ll be back in half an hour?”

Kelsey went upstairs and gathered the needed paperwork for their marriage license. Everything felt surreal, and doubts streamed in her mind. Get it together, she told herself. Mac and Truman were giving her the tools she needed to fight the Prescotts and finally put Jason in his place.

Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror, Kelsey decided to jump in the shower, hoping one of her special-occasion dresses would fit, Sandra’s warning to make the marriage appear real resonating in her mind. She dressed quickly and put her hair up into a quick bun so loose tendrils fell curling around her face. She took precious moments to apply makeup and was pleasantly satisfied with the results.

The last twelve hours had ripped out her soul. Now, having the power to get him back gave her hope.

A door closed downstairs. “You ready?”

“Yes, coming.” Kelsey replied and banged the two suitcases down the stairs. Mac came up to help her but stopped in his tracks at her appearance.

“Wow, Kelsey. You look beautiful.”

She noticed that he had also showered and shaved. He wore an expensively cut suit without a tie and looked like a million bucks.

Mac loaded the suitcases in the back, and they left for the town offices.

They drove past the mansion on the winding driveway from Amy and Kelsey’s cottages. Its window eyes tracked her movement, questioned her presence on this island of wealth and older secrets. The Georgian columns stood like sentinels, their rigid symmetry a silent rebuke to the messiness her life had become. It was if the mansion measured her and found her wanting. She shivered as they drove past.

“Mac, I was serious about signing anything you need me to. Like a prenup.”

He nodded, his eyes locked on the road. “I know,” was all he answered.

“Well, I think you should have something. I don’t want to take advantage of you any more than I already am.”

“I’m not worried about it.”

“But—”

“You won’t Kelsey.” Mac turned to her, his fingers touching her knee. “If it bothers you, we’ll come up with something. But I’m not worried about it today. I’m sure Harrison will have a heart attack, but I’m not concerned.”

Soon, they were pulling into the three-space parking lot to the town offices. Kelsey hesitated as Mac opened the door for her. “Are you sure this is what you want?” she asked him, sliding off the seat to stand close to him.

He chucked her chin. “It solves a multitude of problems. And it gives Grandad his dying wish.”

“What about you?”