Tacoma Falls: Blazing Hearts

Waylon and Patsy Shaw

Shepherd

I figured hell would freeze over before Waylon got hitched. It's not like our big brother was itching to tie the knot anytime soon. But Patsy must have worked her womanly charms on Waylon because we stood up at Waylon's wedding two weeks after Beau's.

Of course, Wyatt threatened Waylon he would tie him to his truck and drag Waylon down the highway if Waylon hurt Patsy. At least my future father-in-law wasn't Dalton or Wyatt. I would dream of hurting their kin and dealing with them.

We stood before the reverend as he performed the ceremony.

"We gather today because I'm enjoying my vacation with my husband and all the weddings happening here," the Reverend said.

Beau and I snickered while Waylon rolled his eyes.

"It took a spitfire shooting out a rancher's windows to get him to see the light. I'm sure it's better than boarding up windows constantly."

Beau and I chuckled while Waylon didn't.

"I would assume the rancher doesn't want his home insurance to skyrocket and keep his wife happy. Happy wife, happy life. Isn't that right?"

Beau and I lost it and roared with laughter.

"Do you, Waylon, take Patsy as your lawfully wedded wife and keep her happy?"

"I do," Waylon drawled.

"Do you, Patsy, take Waylon as your lawfully wedded husband and keep your shotgun filled with ammunition?"

"I do," Patsy said.

"Good to know the windows will survive to see another day."

Beau and I fell over from laughter. Waylon glared at us while we laughed.

"I see the groom's brothers don't sympathize with the groom's high insurance premium. No matter. The groom promises not to piss off his wife, or he'll lose his windows." The Reverend shrugged. "I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Waylon cupped Patsy's face and sealed his marriage with a kiss. Mary and Maury helped Beau and me to our feet before Waylon chased us around the guests.

*******
Maury

While Shep was busy with his brothers, I pulled the Reverend aside to speak to him. "I would like a moment of your time if you don't mind, Reverend?"

"Not at all, Maury. What can I do for you?"

"I understand you're performing Amber and my weddings in a few weeks."

The Reverend nodded.

"I wanted to share some information with you so you could perform the right ceremony for us."

"Okay."

I took a deep breath and explained a few things to the Reverend. He listened while I told him about Amber and my experiences. I wanted him to have the complete picture before mentioning stuff we didn't want at the weddings.

"Maury, I promise not to include anything you mentioned in the ceremony. Let's take a walk."

I nodded and walked with the Reverend.

"I have family members who endured a hellish experience in their lives. Not once did I mention it during the ceremony. Compassion goes a long way when someone endures a tragedy. As a servant of God, I follow his teachings. Plus, I had an excellent teacher with my uncle Nixon. He explained people don't need a reminder of their terrible past while celebrating their happiness. I will honor you and Amber and follow his teachings."