Epilogue

Lightning flashed through Grace’s bedroom window. One-one thousand, two-one thousand, and then a crack of thunder rattled the house. Sheets of rain pelted the windows.

“I can’t believe it’s storming on my wedding day.” Grace turned to the full-length mirror. She wore an ivory strapless gown which was overlaid in lace. A wide ivory satin sash encircled her waist. Excitement bubbled like her stomach was filled with champagne.

Her mom secured a bobby pin in Grace’s up-styled hair. “We can’t control the weather. Dad and Alex moved everything inside the stable.”

Instead of an outdoor ceremony held in the gazebo Heath had built, she’d be married inside a horse stable. Granted, the building was larger and more up-to-date than earlier in the year. She and Heath had added an arena, along with extra stalls. Today, their renovations would serve double duty. Grace spun to see her mother’s eyes misting with tears. “How do I look, Mom?”

“Absolutely stunning. Heath is the luckiest man alive.”

“Let’s get Daddy and head over. I don’t want to be late for my own wedding.”

Joslyn lifted Grace’s train so she could safely walk down the stairs. Her dad stood at the bottom, wearing a smile as wide as a Texas mile.

As she took hold of his hand, flashes of lightning lit the sky.

“Thanks for pulling up the truck to the porch.” She kissed him on the cheek.

“A carriage fit for a princess.” He opened the door for her to step through onto the covered porch.

After a short drive to the stable, Bruce pulled into the wide aisle. He exited the truck and opened the passenger door.

Grace gingerly stepped out of the truck, holding Dad’s large hand for support. She gasped at the breathtaking transformation. Rows of white chairs ran along the main aisle, and white tulle wrapped with twinkle lights swagged across each horse stall. The horses stuck their heads over the gates to watch the activity. She breathed in deep the scents of animals, hay, and flowers.

At the other end of the aisle stood an arched trellis covered in red roses. And standing straight and tall in the center was the love of her life. Heath wore a light gray suit and red tie. Across the distance, her gaze locked with his. He was so handsome, she practically fainted. She tightened her hold on her bouquet of wildflowers while nervous anticipation danced across her skin.

Her mother gave her a kiss before Alex walked her down the aisle to her seat.

Grace glanced around at her family and friends. Granny sat in front in her yellow dress. She turned in her chair and waved.

Lizzy and Kara skipped ahead and tossed rose petals, which soon covered the straw on the wood plank floor.

Dad gently placed his hand under the crook of her arm. “You ready, butterfly?”

Her dad had lost some weight since his diagnosis, but he was still larger than life. “Yes.” She wiped away a tear from her eye. Her nervous jitters were now replaced by an absolute peace. “I love you.”

He gave her a kiss on the cheek before walking her slowly down the aisle, finally handing her over to Heath. “Take care of my little girl.” Bruce shook hands with Heath.

“Always.” Heath turned his full attention to Grace and grasped both her hands. Then, he glanced down at her feet and smiled. “Nice boots.”

She loved his smile as much as she loved the resulting dimple. The tips of tan cowboy boots stuck out from underneath her dress. “Remember, darling, you’re marrying a country girl.” Smiling, she turned with him to face the pastor.

Heath leaned in and whispered in her ear, “You’re finally here. I can’t take my eyes off of you.”

Love swelled in her heart. “You won’t have to.” She squeezed his hand. “I’ll be standing by your side…always.”