Jenna wrapped her fingers over the doorjamb on the front sliding door to the barn at Crest Orchard and watched the wedding guests inside. It was still light out, as they’d chosen to have an early ceremony, and the reception would end soon. The guests would be gone before sunset.
Lively music pulsed throughout the building. The country band they’d hired was still in full swing, and people were inside mingling, smiling, laughing—having a good time. Even now, standing in the all-white dress that went along with the new diamond band on her finger and her new name, she was having a hard time believing that they’d pulled off planning everything in only three weeks. But the wedding had happened just as she’d dreamed it would all those years ago. She’d married her best friend, Toby Holcomb, under an archway of apple trees.
“Mrs. Jenna Holcomb.” She spoke the cherished words for her ears only.
Dad wheeled over to fill the doorway next to her. “You’re beautiful, honeybee. More than ever. You downright glowed today. That’s the only way to describe it. That boy does that to you. He always has, but today was a wonder.”
She rested her hand on his arm as emotion balled in her throat. Dad had saved up his strength all week in order to walk her down the aisle. He’d rotated between crying and grinning all day. Sometimes both at once.
He reached up to set his hand on top of hers.
“I wish Mom were here,” Jenna said.
Dad closed his eyes and breathed deeply. “Today would have been her proudest moment. I know it’s mine. Not because you weren’t fine on your own, but because we both knew early on that God had plans for you and Toby. We used to pray together for both of you. We prayed about this day many times.”
It was hard to take in. When she and Toby were still children, her parents had been praying for their future. For years she’d believed that God had turned His back on her life, only to discover He’d been present in every moment. He’d been working through her parents for so many years. Tonight she and Toby would start praying for Kasey together—for her future and for the people that they might not even know yet who would someday impact her life. It was an awesome responsibility—and it was hers. She’d become a wife and mother all in one day.
Jenna scooted to get in front of her dad’s chair and leaned in to hug him. “Thank you for showing me such steadfast love and believing God was working in my life. Especially on the days I was at my worst. I wouldn’t be here today, whole and able to love Toby like I do, without everything you’ve done over the years.”
“Love is a gift. When viewed that way, it’s never hard to give to anyone. Remember that.” He peered over her shoulder. “Looks like your friend Maggie is heading this way to collect me. I better find Kasey, too.”
Her father and Kasey would spend the weekend at Maggie’s inn, which was situated closer to the downtown section of Goose Harbor, leaving Toby and Jenna the orchard for the evening. Tomorrow the newlyweds would head to the airport, and Jenna would board an airplane for the first time in her life to head to their honeymoon.
When Dad returned with Kasey, Jenna kissed her father goodbye and bear-hugged Kasey. “We’ll be back before you know it.”
Kasey squeezed her with rib-crushing strength. “I’ll miss you guys, but Grandpa C says you two have to have time alone, and he’s cool and I’ll be with him, so that won’t be bad.”
“Hey.” Jenna squatted down to be on eye level with her. “I love you. I love you so much.”
“We’re a family now, aren’t we?” Kasey played with the pale blue ribbon on her dress. “You and Toby will be like my parents now.”
Jenna cupped the child’s face. “Forever and ever. You’re stuck with us.”
“I like that.” Kasey offered a sheepish smile.
Jenna smoothed her fingers down Kasey’s hair. “I love it.”
“Come on now, Kasey,” her dad hollered and motioned for her to join him. “Time to bid our goodbyes to everyone.”
As Jenna got to her feet, an arm wound around her stomach and Toby pulled her so her back was snug against his chest when she stood. His jaw brushed through her hair until his lips found her ear and he whispered, “Run away with me.”
She melted against him, letting his arms hold her up. “I wish we could.”
“Why can’t we?”
“There’re still people here.” She gestured toward the guests in the barn.
“They have cake. They’ll be fine without us.” Toby turned her in his arms, cradled the back of her neck and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Then he walked his fingers down her arm, scooped up her hand and gave a playful tug as he jerked his head in the direction of the orchard. “Let’s get out of here.”
“But they all—”
“I repeat—they have cake,” he deadpanned while he played with the fingers of the hand he held.
Jenna swatted his chest. “Have I ever told you that you’re a rat?”
He caught her other hand. “A time or two. And if I forget, I’m sure you’ll remind me.” He pulled her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her so she was pinned in place.
She didn’t mind one bit.
But the rule follower in her urged her to go play hostess inside the barn. “Shouldn’t we?”
“I want to be with you.” He took a few steps back, bringing them closer to the tree line. “Not them.”
Jenna playfully pushed on his chest, feeling the rich fabric of the suit he wore. “You win. Lead the way, handsome.”
And just like that, as if they were teenagers sneaking off like the old days, they laughed and started running hand in hand into the orchard.
“I can’t keep up.” Jenna dropped his hand once they were hidden beyond a few rows of trees. “These shoes.” She glared down at her sparkly shoes. They were pretty, but they pinched.
Toby shook his head, a huge smile on his face. “You’re so cute when you’re frustrated.”
“It might not be as cute if that frustration is aimed at you, dear husband of mine.”
“Wow. That sounds good. Husband.” He closed the distance between them and gave her the kiss she’d been wanting all day. Not the polite kiss couples gave at the altar. No, this one was deep and long enough to get lost in. Jenna wasn’t sure she ever wanted to find her way out of their embrace.
When they finally broke apart, Toby pressed his forehead to hers and kept his eyes closed. “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is finally mine. Thank You, God. Thank You for letting us find this day. Thank You for my wife.”
In a fluid motion, he bent and lifted her into his arms.
“Tobe! You goof.” She circled her arms around his neck and smiled at him. “What are you doing?”
“I’m keeping a promise. You said you wanted me to carry you through the orchard on our wedding day.”
“What about your ribs?” They’d married as quickly as they could after his car accident. All his bruises were gone, and for the most part his scrapes and cuts were healed, but the doctor had said it would take a while for his ribs to fully mend. However, Toby had insisted he was well enough and didn’t want to wait another week.
“They’re fine.” Seemingly in no rush to move, he stood between two rows of trees holding her. Despite the autumn chill in the air and the fact that she wore only her dress without a coat, the last afternoon rays of sunlight plus Toby’s proximity were enough to keep her warm.
“What do you say, should I carry you home?” Toby asked in a low, rumbly voice.
Jenna gave him a serious look. “I’m afraid you’ll have to carry me forever, then.”
“I’ll carry you anywhere. I’ll go anywhere you go. My life is where you are, Jenna. Always.”
“Toby, don’t you see? Right here. Your arms.” She slipped a hand under his suit coat and felt around until she found his heartbeat. This is home.” Jenna tilted in his arms to give him a sweet, lingering kiss. “You have made all my dreams come true.”
“Ah, but see, that’s where you’re wrong.” Toby winked at her and turned so he could carry her in the direction of their tree house. “I’d say our dream has only just begun.”
* * * * *
Pick up these other GOOSE HARBOR stories
from Jessica Keller:
Love is in big supply on the shores
of Lake Michigan
Available now from Love Inspired!
Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com
Keep reading for an excerpt from SECOND CHANCE FATHER by Renee Andrews.
Join Harlequin My Rewards today and earn a FREE ebook!
Click here to Join Harlequin My Rewards
http://www.harlequin.com/myrewards.html?mt=loyalty&cmpid=EBOOBPBPA201602010003