Strawberry Red

Chapter 21 Ruby

They cut their trip to London short. The next day during sunset, Ruby and Buck were standing at the altar with Bucky as their witness. It all happened fast. After they left her grandparents' house, Ruby made the necessary calls to arrange the small ceremony. She had known the pastor since she was a child, so when she had told him of her wish, he had complied without hesitation.

They didn't even have time to get Ruby a wedding dress or Buck a suit. But neither of them cared about their clothing. Ruby was wearing her light green dress much to Buck's delight. And he had put on his finest uniform.

"Do you, Ruby Davies, take Gale Cleven, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?", asked the pastor.

"I do." Ruby was smiling widely at Buck. They were firmly holding hands.

"Do you, Major Gale Cleven, take Ruby Davies, to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do," answered Buck. He squeezed her hand ever so slightly. She was looking ravishing in her dress. The golden evening sun was shining through the coloured windows of the church, illuminating Ruby in every colour of the rainbow. She looked like a goddess standing in front of him. He almost couldn't believe that she was about to become his wife.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife." Buck pulled Ruby closer by the waist and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck as they deepened the kiss. Her fingertips ran through his hair while his hands pulled her even closer.

"We're still here," muttered Bucky under his breath. Ruby was the first to break the kiss.

"I need to share something with you," Ruby said softly, her hand tenderly cupping Buck's cheeks. Her voice trembled as she continued, "I cannot express how deeply grateful I am to have you as my husband. I had lost all hope of ever finding love. I was terrified of it, to be honest. But you've shown me what true, unconditional love and adoration look like every single day. And with each passing day, I find myself falling even more in love with you, if that's even possible."

She paused for a moment and pressed a tender kiss onto his cheek. "I love you, Buck."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Buck looked into Ruby's eyes and gently squeezed her hand. "Ruby," he began, his voice filled with tenderness, "I never imagined I'd find the love of my life here in England. Yet you are here, my love. You've brought more love and joy into my life than I ever thought possible."

Tears of happiness were trailing down Ruby's cheeks. In that moment she knew her's and Buck's love would be forever.

Bucky pulled the newlyweds into the club the minute they arrived on base. The party had already started. Loud music was blasting into the night. They entered the club and saw all the decorations the 100th and the red cross volunteers had hung up for them.

"Surprise!" exclaimed Bucky and grinned.

"How did you put all of this together in one day?" asked Ruby in awe.

"I had help," answered Bucky. By now the members of the 100th and the red cross volunteers had noticed the newlyweds and started to make their way over to congratulate them.

"We're really happy for you, Ruby." Helen and Tatty came over to hug her.

"Thank you." Ruby smiled at her friends. She was incredibly grateful to have them by her side.

"Does this mean that you won't be living with us anymore?" asked Tatty. She had tears gathered in her eyes.

"I'll be moving in a small room with Buck. But we'll see each other during the day. And I can come over for occasional sleepovers, I promise." Ruby rubbed over Tatty's arm.