Page 65 of Fighting for Family

Judge Barnes glanced at a surprised Claire, who nodded her agreement.

“Then you can begin,” he said, closing his book and putting it on his desk.

Patch turned to her. “May I go first?”

“Yes,” Claire said, moved by his gesture.

Taking a breath, he smiled and cupped her cheek. “I, Ryder “Patch” Hawkins, take you, Claire “Claire Bear” Meyers, as my wife. I promise to always fix the things you break and to live a life worth living with you and our family. I will always put you first. I will tolerate our pink house because you love it. We will raise this child with the things you’ve taught me: Loyalty, love, and commitment. Thank you for becoming my wife. I’m the luckiest man alive. Marrying you will always be my favorite memory. I can’t wait to make a thousand and one more with you. I love you, Claire.”

He dabbed her eyes with a tissue Jenny handed to him.

“I love you, Ryder “Patch” Hawkins. You turned my life upside down and showed me there’s more to life than work and books. I love how you make me feel safe. You’ve already shown your loyalty when you stayed by my side while I recovered. You’ve proven your love when you got off the plane and rescued me. We’re committed to one another. I promise to love you unconditionally. I will always cherish this family we’re creating. I can’t wait to make a million memories with you. You think you needed to convince me to marry you today. I’d exchange vows with you in the middle of the desert. I take you as my husband for the rest of my life.”

“It seems you two didn’t need me at all, although I have a ton of questions,” Judge Barnes said. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Patch pulled Claire close and smiled. Leaning down, he kissed her with such emotion, she felt it flow through her entire body.

“Wow,” Jenny said. “These pictures will be amazing. I’ve done a bunch of these sessions, and you’ve made me cry. I’m envious. One day, I hope to find someone who looks at me like you gaze at each other.”

Claire smiled at Patch as he kissed her hand. Jenny snapped the photo, and they left the chambers. They walked to the park, where Jenny took several shots in different areas.

“I’m all done, unless you want something else,” Jenny informed them.

“No, thank you for helping me out,” Patch said, shaking her hand. “I’m taking my wife for brunch, and then we’re visiting our friends. They’re having a baby.”

“Before we leave, can I use the bathroom again?” Claire asked.

Patch led her back to the courthouse, and she entered the ladies’ room. The pressure on her stomach tightened as she pulled her dress up and water gushed everywhere.

“Oh,” she exclaimed, grabbing tissue, trying to clean up the floor. She opened the stall door, stepped over the pool of water, and grabbed paper towels.

Patch knocked and cracked the door. “Claire, are you all right?”

“No,” she cried. “I made a mess. My water broke all over the floor.”

Patch entered the restroom. His eyes focused on her as she tossed the paper towels on the floor. Scooping her up into his arms, he exited the bathroom.

“What about the floor?” she said as he walked out of the courthouse.

“I don’t give a damn about it,” he said. “We have to get you back to Serenity. We’re having this baby in our hometown. How long do we have once your water breaks?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never done this before,” she replied, clearly panicking.

Pressing the number on his phone, he called Doc.

“Hey, Patch,” he greeted.

“Claire’s water broke. How long until she has the baby?” he asked calmly.

“It’s your first child, and it can take a while. Doctors usually like to deliver before twenty-four hours to keep infections down,” Doc informed him. “Where are you now?”

“We’re on our way home from Seattle,” Patch said, glancing at Claire.

“I’m assuming you’re bringing her straight to the hospital?” Doc asked. “I can page Dr. Greene and let her know the situation. She’s in with Gabby right now.”

“My wife and I will see you in about forty-five minutes,” Patch said, grinning at Claire.

“Wife? Did you two tie the knot?” Doc asked.