What We Seek

Part 16

Chapter Sixteen

"Okay, this is the last thing I need you to sign. After signing this, I am required to inform you that there are no returns, no financial benefits, and no more questions about who has custody of the child. Whenever you feel ready, go ahead and sign on the line."

I watched Richie's handshake for a moment only to grow still and determined as he signed his final line. I passed Sophie over to him, but I hesitated suddenly, everything that had happened to us overwhelming me.

The clown, Derry, childhood, and love brought me and Richie together. My mother's horrific habits, Richie's parents' jobs, distance, and time tore us apart. The return of our nightmares brought us back together. His fear, courage, and love for me made him kiss me and confess. My love for him made me confess, kiss, and leave Myra. Our time together was intruded on again when Myra made me fight for my daughter and when Richie had to fight with his mental state as we were separate people. Finally, after a year of raising a daughter with this lunatic that I love so much, we can finally be normal and okay for a while. Finally, I can have what I've sought for so long; Richie Tozier and Sophie Tozier-Kaspbrak and the Losers as my life and my family.

"Hey, Eddie, babe, can you sign the last paper, please? I'm getting kind of worried you're gonna bail on me right now."

Right now. I know what I'm seeking. I've got a feeling they are all seeking the same thing too; happiness as we are.

"If anyone would bail, it would be you, you notorious and dramatic sneak."

"You wound me, Edward!"
"Beep, beep, Richie."

I signed the line, the lawyer taking the paper and placing it into a sleeve protector as I capped his fountain pen. We stood up, thanking him and shaking hands, walking towards the door. Richie holds Sophie in a tight hug, which she doesn't understand and or want to participate in, so she squirms. I go to open the door for him, only to be ambushed suddenly.

"AHHH!!!"
I didn't realize initially that it was Bev and Mike who had grabbed me in a bear hug until I heard them start laughing.

"What are you two doing here!?"
Richie was the one who answered, hitting me with a revelation I was not expecting or prepared for.

"Well, I invited them here today because I intend on marrying you, Eds. I figured one trip to the courthouse is cheaper than two, and after all these months without planning anything, I assumed you wanted me to do it all, so I did."

Mike and Bev's smiling face told me that Richie wasn't joking.

Oh my god. This isn't a joke?! Richie wants to get married today!?!?!?!? I've got no tux, no shoes, no vows written, no first dance song, and I left the band I bought him at home.

Richie let Sophie toddle over to Bev, who gave her a big hug. Beverly was basically Sophie's aunt and female role model and Beverly adored Sophie more and more as she grew. Beverly had even made a line of children's outfits just as an excuse to see more of Sophie and to spoil her senseless. Richie ended up walking over to me and taking both of my sweaty hands into his large, and in some act against nature, sweatier hands.

"Eddie, I know that you like organized plans for big events, especially something this serious. I just can't wait anymore though, I want to say I'm a proud husband and father. So, will you marry me today, Edward Kaspbrak?"
I wanted to say no just to scare him, but in my head, I could only focus on my one thought.

I love him, I agreed to marry him, and all the Losers must be here for this meaning he did plan some things. If I agreed to it all those days ago, what difference does it make if it just happens today? None, so...