Chapter 10

Monica couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day for her wedding. There had been a light dusting of snow the night before, but the morning had dawned clear and crisp. As she descended the stairs of her mother’s house, and paused on the threshold to the front room, she was overwhelmed by the love she felt from her family as they turned toward her.

Terry had returned home the week previous and had thrown herself into wedding preparation mode, enlisting the children’s help in creating all sorts of decorations and delicacies. With Christmas being the following day, the house was festooned in colors of red, white, and gold with both giant paper snowflakes and giant paper peonies hanging from the ceiling. A beautiful white spruce tree sat in the corner, its tiny blinking lights highlighting handcrafted ornaments from her youth. A similar tree sat in Luke’s living room and showcased his children’s handiwork.

Cathy beamed at Monica while Phil gave her a wink. Beside them, Stephanie and Jennifer were dabbing their eyes—teenage girls! While they were happy their favorite aunt was going to be staying in town and looked forward to more shopping expeditions, the girls admitted they were disappointed to see the end of their annual California vacation. She turned away quickly, afraid the overly-emotional girls would cause her own eyes to tear up.

Devon and Derrick waved as she passed them. They were dressed in nice pants and dress shirts, while their more sedate sisters wore lovely floral dresses. Stephanie and Jennifer had been in charge of outfitting the children and they’d done a wonderful job. Michael wore a dark suit with a red tie. His expression was intense as she approached. He’d been given responsibility for the wedding rings, and he took his role very seriously.

But it was Luke who stole her breath away. When she turned her gaze to him she couldn’t look away. His eyes roamed the length of her body, appreciating the way the simple ivory gown clung to her breasts, waist, and hips before flowing down to the floor. He smiled a slow, sexy smile as he reached out to take her hand, and she had no doubt that he was thinking about their wedding night. She felt a warm flush creep up her face.

While the minister spoke, their family formed a semi-circle around Monica and Luke. He hadn’t even finished telling the groom he could kiss his bride, when she was caught up in a passionate embrace that left her dazed and breathless, and wondering if it would be considered rude were they to make an early exit from the festivities.

The twins couldn’t wait to get out of their dress-up clothes and go outside to check on the geese. They were worried about Martha; despite the nice weather she hadn’t come out of the bird barn for several days. Michael, Kate, Lucy, and Ophelia followed. Stephanie and Jennifer thought they’d stay with the adults, but when they were informed they wouldn’t be allowed any of the champagne Phil had just poured, they grumbled about the unfairness of the world and joined the children outside.

Phil raised a toast to welcome Luke to the family just as a loud knock sounded on the front door.

“Are you expecting someone?” Monica asked her mother as she placed her glass down on a table to go answer it.

“Oh, dear, I’m interrupting,” Lydia Burkholder said when she saw Monica’s wedding gown.

The elation Monica had been feeling evaporated.

“I’m looking for Mr. Donovan. I went to his home, but he wasn’t there. I took a chance that he might be here.”

She knew Lydia wanted to complete her recommendation concerning the adoption of Devon and Derrick by Christmas, but Luke hadn’t mentioned anything about it and she hadn’t asked. Is that why she was here now?

“Monica? Is everything…” Luke came into the foyer and stopped. “Ms. Burkholder,” he said dumbly.

“I’m so sorry to intrude,” she said, “but I needed to speak with you.”

“Do you want to come in?” Monica really didn’t want to invite the woman into her home. She was dreading what news she might bring. However, Lydia was very pregnant, and it just seemed wrong to force her to stand outside on the front step.

“No, thank you. I’ll be quick.”

Luke reached for her hand. “I assume you’re here to tell us your recommendation concerning the boys.”

“Yes, I am.”

Did Lydia have to look so serious? She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. Please, don’t take Devon and Derrick away from us. Not today. Not ever.

“I was finally able to locate the documents you mentioned, Mr. Donovan. I’m used to bureaucratic red tape, but let me tell you, I’ve never experienced an administrative nightmare quite like that before.”

Just get to it! Or maybe she didn’t want her to. After all, the longer Lydia delayed, the longer she was Devon and Derrick’s mother. Could she and Luke appeal if they didn’t like the recommendation?

Luke stood stone-still, barely breathing. This must be killing him. She squeezed his hand. Regardless of the outcome, they’d get through this. She could help him if it didn’t go their way. She knew what it was like to lose a hoped-for child. This wasn’t quite the same, of course. Her children had only been in her dreams while Derrick and Devon were real and loving and…She stifled a sob.

“Oh my goodness,” Lydia said, noting her distress. “I should have just come out and said it right away rather than have you standing here thinking the worst. How thoughtless of me. I’m recommending the adoption proceed.”

Monica and Luke turned to each other, suddenly dizzy with relief. They embraced and then pulled Lydia into their hug.

“Thank you.” Luke’s voice was hoarse and there were tears running down his face. Hers, too, Monica realized.

“Daddy, Monica, you have to come and see!” Devon raced across the yard toward them.

“Whoa, there,” Luke said, swinging Devon up into his arms and hugging him as if he’d never let him go.

“It’s Martha,” Devon said, wiggling down to the ground. “She’s going to be a mommy.”

“Maybe in the spring,” Monica said. She’d been reading up on geese.

“C’mon.” Devon pulled both Monica and Luke down the steps toward the bird barn. “You, too, Lydia,” he called.

The barn was dimly lit, but warm, which was good because her wedding gown was hardly suitable outdoor attire. Luke had given her his suit jacket and that had cut the chill somewhat.

“Over here,” Derrick called excitedly.

The crowd of children parted when Monica, Luke, and Lydia approached. She gazed down at the motley-colored goose sitting in her nest. The bird gazed back, patiently. George wandered around, squawking occasionally. He wasn’t pleased that so many people had invaded the small barn.

“She’s sitting on eggs,” Derrick said.

Monica shook her head. “That’s highly unlikely this time of year,” she said gently.

“No, it’s true. I think I saw one when she shifted,” Jennifer said.

“I can make her move,” Devon said, pushing between the adults. “C’mon Martha.” He bent down and rubbed the goose’s head, then nudged her to her feet.

She stared in disbelief at the six white goose eggs lying in the nest. “That’s not supposed to happen,” she whispered.

“It’s a miracle,” Devon said, allowing the goose to settle on her eggs again.

“A Christmas miracle,” Lydia said, smiling.

“That’s the second Christmas miracle we’ve had today,” Luke said, ruffling the heads of his two youngest sons.

“No,” she said, wrapping her arms around her new husband. “It’s the third.”

Luke brought his mouth down onto hers in a long, slow kiss that conveyed all the love and expectation for a future Monica had given up hope of ever having.

Lover. Wife. Mother.

It truly was a Christmas miracle.

A word from the author...

I’ve been a writer all my life but returned to my love of fiction after more than twenty years in the world of corporate communications—although some might argue there is plenty of opportunity for fiction-writing there, too. I have a master’s degree in journalism and an undergraduate degree in psychology. A fan of many genres, I am drawn to contemporary romance and enjoy creating deeply emotional stories with elements of mystery and suspense.

I live in eastern Ontario with my wonderful husband, two fabulous children, a rescued cat, two Siberian Huskies, and assorted aquatic wildlife.

Visit me at:

www.brendagayle.com

~*~

Other Brenda Gayle titles

available from The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

THE HUNGRY HEART

(A “Top Pick” from The Romance Reviews)

(2013 Readers’ Crown finalist)

THE DOUBTING HEART

(2014 Readers’ Crown finalist)

THE FORSAKEN HEART

SOLDIER FOR LOVE

(A Joyfully Reviewed Recommended Read)

FATHER OF THE BRIDE?