A Time for Joy
Doc Douglas lifted his champagne glass. “Ken and Kat, I didn’t think I’d forgive you for marrying out of the Cove, but let bygones be bygones. To the new bride and groom.”
“To the new bride and groom,” a chorus answered.
Alese and Josiah stopped dancing. “Here, here,” Josiah said and pulled Alese into a hug.
“They do make a cute couple. It’s nice to have a granddaddy again,” Kat smiled at the man who had entered her life such a short time ago and had led her and those of the Cove into an adventure like she’d never imagined.
Ken squeezed her arm. “This is our wedding reception, too. Let’s have a go around, Mrs. Melbourne.” He guided her to the dance floor and took her in his arms.
“I love you, Mr. Melbourne,” Kat said. “I think I’ve always loved you.”
Gram watched Kat’s eyes dance with laughter as she looked into Ken’s. “I have waited for years to see her look that way,” she said to Josiah.
Wendy danced up beside Alese and Josiah. “And I bet she’d say the same about you. You are glowing, Gram!”
Alese Bricken chuckled as she watched Doctor Douglas whisk Wendy back to the dance floor. She looked into Josiah’s crystalline blue eyes. “I could be lost in those eyes for a long time.”
“You have as long as you want, my dearest. The days of Iconoclast are over. As the Lord said, In this world you will have trouble; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. I didn’t realize, of course, that my trouble would consist of battling demons and their kind. Now, it seems like any other trial is small.”
“Couldn’t help but overhear you, Granddad,” Kat said. “I give an amen to that.” She grabbed her champagne glass and raised it. “To God, my friends, and to Ravens Cove. There’s no place like home.”
Ken pulled Kat close. “No matter what’s next, life will always be an adventure with you, Mrs. Melbourne.”
Kat smiled into Ken’s deep blue eyes. “I’m ready, Mr. Melbourne. I’m ready.”
The End