“I had to scramble, that’s for sure.”

They had decided that Friday night, after the school emergency, they didn’t want to go forward separately. They couldn’t wait any longer.

Grace was in charge of flowers, not only for the house but for Iris and Grace to hold. She put together some fantastic arrangements that showcased the red-and-green of Christmas along with wedding-white flowers. Carrie provided a small but elegant cake. Seth had an acquaintance, a semi-retired judge who had lost his wife a couple of years back and who was alone for Christmas. He’d eagerly accepted the invitation. Seth’s parents approved and agreed to hold Christmas dinner a little later than usual, although Norm was concerned. “How late, exactly?” Now gallbladderless, he had quite the appetite. Seth’s two brothers and Boomer’s family would come to Thunder Point. Pulling everything together was actually quite easy.

So, that Christmas morning, they showered and dressed for an important day. Iris’s house was in perfect order when Grace arrived with the flowers. The women got ready together while Seth drove to Coquille to pick up Joe Falsbrook, a seventy-five-year-old circuit court judge who didn’t drive in sloppy weather. Gwen’s dining room was set up to serve Christmas dinner to a large group while Iris’s house was decorated for the ceremony. At exactly two o’clock, everyone was assembled in Iris’s living room. Everyone except the best man.

“What do we do?” Norm asked. “Just stand here?”

“We wait,” Seth said.

“I could go get some snacks,” Gwen said.

“I’ll open the champagne,” Boomer said. “Ain’t like it’s bad luck or anything....”

The champagne was barely poured when there was the toot of a horn. “A little help, Boomer?” Seth said.

Together they lifted Oscar, chair and all, into the house. Oscar made his presence felt immediately. “You better not’a done this without me!” There would be plenty of lifting today since the houses were not equipped with ramps. Introductions were quickly made, Iris hugged Flora and kissed Oscar’s cheek. Then Seth and Iris put down their champagne flutes and stood in front of Judge Falsbrook, holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes. Oscar was on Seth’s right, Grace beside Iris.

“It took me a long time to find my way home to you, Iris.”

“You took your time,” she said. “I was right here.”

“I love you, honey. I’d be so lost without you.”

“You won’t be without me again,” she said. “This time, if you start to wander off, I’m going to put my foot down.”

“I’m home for good,” he said.

The judge cleared his throat. “We just about ready here?” he asked.

Iris and Seth had nearly forgotten about him. They both laughed and nodded.

“We’re gathered here today to unite this man and woman in marriage....”