Chapter Thirty Seven:

Later that evening:

Bo left to go pick Rachel up at the Palace and drop Len and Selma off at Asa’s. Clint and Vicki, who had just recently remarried, Blair & Kevin, Joey & Jen, and Jessica & Antonio will be the only other guests at the reception.

Back at Bo and Nora’s house:

Nora stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. She thought back to the dress she wore for their first wedding and laughed to herself. That dress was certainly different than the one she’s wearing right now. She ran her hands over the satin material and smiled. Who knew she’d ever wear a somewhat traditional wedding dress. The sleeveless bodice accentuated her shoulders; the length hugging every curve; falling loosely over her stomach, and leaving little to the imagination, the ivory color making her skin glow. She was so lost in thought she never heard someone approach her from behind.

“You look beautiful, mama.”

“Thank you, baby.”

“You’re going to blow Bo away with how amazing you look.”

“You think so?”

“Absolutely. Love looks good on you.”

“Only if it’s the right kind of love and I’ve finally found that again.”

“I always knew you and Bo would find each other again.”

“You did, did you?”

“Well the two of you did have me worried there for awhile, but I guess you just can’t stop fate.”

“I don’t know if I’d call it fate but whatever it was I’m grateful for it, because I have everything I’ve ever wanted in life.”

Before Rachel was able to respond Matthew ran into the room….

“Daddy told me it was time to get you so that we can get hitched.”

“Well then we better get going.”

“Mom what’s getting hitched mean?”

Trying to stifle her laughter, “It means that we’re getting married.”

“Ooohh! Okay, then let’s go get hitched.”

Nora took the arm her son offered and they followed Rachel out of the room. They paused at the top of the stairs for just a moment, while they waited for Rachel to take her place. They slowly made their way down the stairs arm in arm. Bo couldn’t believe his eyes. He couldn’t remember a time she has ever looked more beautiful. The tears welled up in his eyes as she mouthed “I love you” from across the room. Matthew looked at his parents and smiled at his big sister. They stood there the three of them with Rachel off to the side as Andrew began to speak….

“Well here we are again, minus Little Richard of course, to join these two lives in holy matrimony. Now since you’ve decided on a more traditional ceremony I will ask who gives this woman to be married to this man.”

Matthew looks over at Rachel and stands up tall, “My sisters and I do.”

Nora leans down and Matthew kisses her cheek. He takes her hand and his father’s hand and joins them. Nora hands Rachel her small bouquet and they turn to face each other. Matthew walks over and stands beside Bo.

“You’ve both decided to recite your own vows correct?”

“That’s right.”

“Okay, Nora, go ahead.”

She looks into his eyes and suddenly they are the only two standing in the room, “Well, here we are again, can you believe it? I never, in my wildest dreams, thought we would get another chance at making a life together, but here we are; “our” daughter beside me, our son by your side, and a new baby on the way. I’ve never felt more complete than when you are with me. You—(pauses while she tries to keep her emotions under control) you helped me pick up the shattered pieces of my life when you didn’t have to. You’ve made me whole again, Bo, and I will treasure your love for the rest of my life. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my days here with you; raising our son and our daughter; showing them everyday what it feels like to be loved. I love you with all my heart Bo Buchanan and I plan on showing you every day just how much.”

He takes her hand and brings it up to his lips; softly kissing it before he recites his vows….

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper, “On our wedding day almost nine years ago I had a hard time finding the words to fully express what I was feeling as we stood at the front of the church preparing to promise our lives to each other forever. I told you that I would write it all down for the next wedding. I know neither one of us ever dreamt that we wouldn’t be together forever when we were here the last time; so who knew my words would be so prophetic; but here we are; standing in front of our children ready to vow to each other another lifetime of love. This time I’m prepared…(holds up the piece of paper) I kept my promise of writing it all down…And I want to tell you everything that I’m feeling and thinking at this moment…I would like to first thank you…(she looks at him with a what are you talking about look on her face) yes I want to thank you for loving me; for giving us a second chance after all we’ve been through; and most importantly I want to thank you for our children; for allowing me to love your daughter, Rachel as my own. I want to thank you for our wonderful son and daughter; they are miracles and perfect reflections of our love. (he reaches out and wipes a tear from her face) I am truly the luckiest man in the world. I have the love of a wonderful woman, a beautiful step-daughter, a son who teaches me everyday what unconditional love really is, and a new baby on the way. I thought we had lost everything when we lost each other but I know now a love like we have is a love that will stand the test of time. It has survived everything we and other’s tried to do to it. (she reaches out and wipes the tears that have fallen down his face) I love you Nora, I love you so much it hurts, but it’s a good hurt…our love makes me feel so alive…more alive than I’ve felt since we threw our love away. I promise you that I’ll love you forever and this time nothing and no one will stand in our way.

She leans in and kisses him before they turn to face Andrew. Andrew concluded his portion of the ceremony and then the Rabbi concluded his. Andrew stood before them again and they exchange their rings….

Matthew hands his father the ring with a huge smile on his face….

Taking her left hand in his, “Nora, take this ring as a symbol of my undying love and never ending devotion, with this ring I thee wed.”

Rachel hands Bo’s ring to Nora as a single tear falls down her cheek….

Taking his left hand in hers, “Bo, take this ring as a symbol of my undying love and never ending devotion, with this ring I thee wed.”

They turn back to face Andrew who happily pronounces them man and wife….

“You may now kiss your bride.”

Bo pulls Nora into a passionate kiss while Rachel cries and Matthew makes faces and rolls his eyes….They break their kiss as everyone in the room claps…Hugs are exchanged while Matthew stands up on the chair and announces….

“No more kissing, it’s time to party.”