for June

Epilogue: The Vows

"Ciara. Come here!" Jo screeched, rushing past the open door to the bridal room. The toddler was oddly fast on her two small legs.

Inside, June stood dressed in an ivory silhouette: boat-neck lace detail bodice with corset style tie at the back and full lace sleeves, and a smooth satin, figure-hugging skirt. She looked so different. So... alone. Her hair was pinned back nicely. She wore a set of simple diamond studs, similar to what her mother once had. If her parents were alive, she knew they'd do something traditional, but she knew little more than that. At least she hoped they were looking down on her today.

"You look stunning." She heard Jo's voice behind her and turned.

Ciara was secured in one hand—a firm grip on the toddler's hand should she attempt to run again.

"You think so?"

"Think so? Have you seen what that dress does to your body, girly?" Jo cracked a smile and approached.

June glanced at her reflection and meekly smiled.

"Something the matter?" Jo asked, holding Ciara back from squirming away.

June shook her head. Even if something was wrong—not that it was, and especially not with the wedding—there was no way she was going to admit it.

She eyed her reflection again, glimpsing a bit of her mother's eyes looking back at her. "I guess it's just nerves, you know? Before I walk down that aisle—alone."

Jo stepped closer and gave June's hand a squeeze. "You're not alone. You have me, Tom, Chad, Echo, Ciara, my folks, and even Terry. You should see her date today!"

June blinked away the sudden tears. She didn't want to ruin her makeup. Echo had already popped in to warn her they would start any minute and she'd rushed off to go give the rings to the ring-bearer before she forgot. June's parents' rings. They had decided together that it would be a lovely gesture. Especially for June.

"It's just..." June swallowed in fear. "All those people out there are here for our wedding and I..."

Jo took June's hands—Ciara for a moment allowed her freedom, not that the child dashed off immediately. Seeing her soon-to-be aunt emotionally made the child stop and stare, concern lacing her angelic features.

"It's okay to miss your folks."

June nodded, suddenly the knot in her throat was painful and her eyes moistened. "It's just..." her voice cracked. "I wish they were here, with me, you know? For dad to give me away..."

Jo took out a tissue from her pocket, ever-ready for munchkin cleanup. She dabbed at the tears, but before she could say anything, someone else interrupted in the most spectacular of ways.

"Yumi-Joon Amari, I would love to walk you down the aisle today, if you'll let me. We are already family. The wedding is just a formality."

Detective Sergeant Tom Austen stood in the doorway in his midnight blue tux, looking ever the dapper man. He stepped into the room and offered June a hand. "I can be your something borrowed. You never have to walk alone."

She could not hold the tears back anymore, makeup be damned. "You would do that for me?" She squeaked.

"It would be my honour." Tom picked up Ciara into his arms and kissed her temple. "As a father to a daughter who will one day stand where you are, ready to marry the love of her life, I would love to stand in for your father. He cannot be here himself, to tell you how beautiful you look, or how proud he is of you, his daughter, so let me say it for him. Chad's one lucky man."

A sob escaped June then. "You think he's proud?"

"I think they are both proud, hun. I would be. Look how far you've come in life." Jo wiped at the corner of her own eyes as echoes of heels on the cobalt stone of the small chapel sounded.