Eight months later, Gabby stood at the edge of the reception area with the mountains rising up in front of them, set off by wispy clouds across the pink sky ablaze from the setting sun. It was the perfect evening for an outdoor June wedding. They’d kept everything simple, just like she’d wanted. A private ceremony on the ranch with their parents, his brothers and a handful of close friends. Lanterns had been strung above them, and a live string quartet played in the background while the guests mingled.
Everything had turned out perfect.
“I can’t tell you how happy we both are for you.” Gabby’s mother gave her a hug, then took a step back and caught her daughter’s gaze. “I know you’ve been faced with a lot of difficult things these past couple years, but to see you smiling right now means more to me than you’ll ever know.”
She matched her mother’s smile. “I think I do know, Mom.”
Her father squeezed her hand. “We’re very proud of you. And extremely happy for you.”
While she might never be completely the same because of loss, Liam had come into her life and managed to put back together the broken pieces of her heart.
Liam stepped up beside her and her parents. “Would you mind excusing us for a moment? I need to speak with my wife.”
Her breath caught as she looked up at him in his military dress blues. “I like the sound of that... Your wife.”
Liam grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the guests, before drawing her into his arms and kissing her.
“Sometimes it felt like this day would never come, but it’s been perfect.”
She let out a soft laugh and wrapped her arms around his neck. “It was perfect. Though I have to admit, I think Mia stole the show today.”
“What did you expect? She takes after her mother.”
Gabby reached up and kissed him again, feeling her heart swell at his nearness. “Flattery will get you everywhere, you know.”
She’d noted the changes that had taken place over the past eight months in both of them. Peterson’s conviction had helped erase the anxiety his criminal actions had left. No longer did she have to worry about her safety or Mia’s. But the greater change had been how God had gifted her with a renewed sense of lasting peace she’d never expected. She never thought she’d ever be ready to step into the shoes of a military wife again, and while she couldn’t deny moments of anxiety, with it had come a chance to enjoy each day spent with Liam.
“This time last year I had no idea what direction my life would take.” Liam smiled down at her. “The army was considering discharging me, and as for falling in love...well...it wasn’t even in the picture. Especially with you.”
“Any regrets, Mr. O’Callaghan?” she asked.
“None at all, Mrs. O’Callaghan.”
He leaned down and kissed her, this time lingering longer and sending her heart racing.
“I supposed we should go back to our guests,” she said.
“As long as I can have you all to myself for the next ten days, I supposed I can share you for another hour.”
Gabby hesitated. “Do you think our parents will survive keeping up with Mia for that long?”
“Please don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts of leaving her for our honeymoon.”
“I’ll miss her, but not a chance.”
“Good, because I can promise you that they’re going to love every minute of it. And I’m going to love every moment alone with my wife.”
He took her hand and started back to where their guests were eating wedding cake and dancing beneath the stars. But the only person she could see was Liam. Her heart seemed to still for a moment. The seasons of life had brought their own share of pain, but today was a reminder of love, hope and of God’s gift of second chances.
If you enjoyed this story by Lisa Harris, pick up these previous titles:
Taken
Desperate Escape
Desert Secrets
Fatal Cover-Up
Deadly Exchange
No Place to Hide
Available now from Love Inspired Suspense!
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Keep reading for an excerpt from Killer Exposure by Jessica R. Patch.
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