Chapter 19: Sign on the Altar

"Colin," Rowena said, pleasantly. "You're unwell."

She did not raise her voice.

She did not need to, because half the pews on her side of the aisle were people she paid.

"Everyone, please stay seated. My fiancé has had very little sleep."

Colin stood on the altar step with the microphone stand beside him.

"I'm not unwell," he said.

"Darling."

"I'm tired of agreeing with you."

His voice shook on the last word, and then it steadied.

He reached into the inside pocket of his gray jacket and took out a folded packet.

Four sheets.

I understood that he had kept them on him all night, against his chest.

"Sir," he said to the old officiant. "Do you have a pen?"

The officiant stared at him.

Then he drew one from his robe, with great care, and held it out.

"I need a witness," Colin said. "Anybody. Please."

"I'll do it," Hattie said, and stood up in the second row with her phone still in her hand.

"You'll want two."

"I'll do it too," said my father from the front pew, and he got up on his cane.

I have never loved him more.

Rowena let out a short laugh.

"Colin, these people are my guests. This is my wedding."

"It's your fourth," Colin said. "It's my fourth, too."

He turned the first page toward the altar rail and signed it.

Then the second.

His hand was steady, and he did not look at her once.

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