Page 80 of Under the Radar

Mac’s mom spoke up immediately. “I imagine it will be quite far in the future, what with Hadley’s trial and Mo’s physical safety being a big issue until all those awful people are behind bars for good.”

Mo leaned against Mac’s arm and whispered in his ear, “It wouldn’t surprise me a bit if my betrothed had a Justice of the Peace squirreled away behind the dunes just waiting to perform the ceremony.”

Mac sputtered into his wine. She knew him so well—already.

Mac’s father cleared his throat. “It takes time to plan a wedding extravaganza, and there is the matter of prenuptials to iron out.”

Mo’s father, Charles Reardon, stood. “I say we give our lovebirds some time to enjoy their special evening without us old folks hanging around. Anyone care to join me at the bar for a nightcap?”

One at a time, after much embracing and well wishes, their parents headed up the boardwalk and over the dunes. Mo’s father lagged behind and hugged his daughter. “You get married whenever and however you want to, my dear girl. You’ve chosen well and have my blessing.” He shook Mac’s hand and hurried to catch up to his wife.

Mo turned slowly and faced Mac. “What was that about?”

Mac tilted his head. “Your father and I have had several long talks.”

Mo interrupted. “Do you have a Justice of the Peace on standby?”

With a few long strides, he closed the gap between them and slid his fingers through hers. “I do, but only if you’d care to get married tonight. We have a lot to tackle in the next year. I need a full medical and psych eval for my own peace of mind. Then, there’s Hadley’s trial, your safety, my daughter Lily, and my father’s insistence over legalities. It’s your choice, Mo. I’m ready either way. We’re not kids anymore, and I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life. We belong together.” He softly stroked her finger with the engagement ring. “I’m not asking for, nor am I signing a prenup with you. We’ve more than proved our love and trust.”

Mo’s smile widened as her hands tiptoed up his chest and around his neck. “I like how you think, Commander, with two exceptions. I suggest we have the big wedding at a later date and let the mothers plan it like they’re hoping to, and we make sure that our lack of prenup doesn’t put either family’s business in a precarious situation financially should one of us get sued. We should take care of that right away.”

“Deal.” He picked her up and swung her around. “Our secret?” He set her down.

She grinned, ran to the table, and plucked the flowers from a vase for her bouquet.

And ten minutes later, with a luminous half-moon as witness, they recited their vows. In wealth and health or lack thereof, wiping stray tears from each other’s cheeks. Kissing the bride took so long, the minister slipped away and left them to their bliss. A second round of fireworks commenced from the three ships into a perfect night full of winking stars.

Mac turned his bride to face the ocean. “Don’t miss the finale, honey.” The drones morphed from clear to red for just a few seconds one final time.

Just Married!!!

Charles Reardon watched from his penthouse balcony and fist-pumped twice before he stepped inside and closed the drapes. Good for them. They did it