18

 

Six months later.

Nate didn’t think it was possible to be this nervous. Not since Adeline had been held at gun point had he felt like this. A dozen thoughts dashed though his mind, each scenario worse than the preceding one.

Why couldn’t the snow have held off for one more day? What if she’s too late and we have to postpone the wedding? What if the car crashes on the way to the church? What if she gets stuck in all that snow out there? What if she changes her mind, or gets cold feet? What if…?

He glanced at Dane, his best man. He fiddled with his tie and pulled at his jacket.

What if she doesn’t come at all?

“You look like a cat on a hot tin roof,” Dane chuckled. “Relax, she’ll be here. Of course, she’ll be wearing pink pajamas, riding six white horses, and we’ll all have chicken and dumplings when she comes, but yeah, she’ll turn up. For some reason that defies logic, that woman loves you to bits, as Vianne would say.” He raised an eyebrow. “Not even a hint of a smile?”

Nate shook his head and checked his watch. Something must have happened. She should be here by now. He peered over his shoulder at the full church. This might be the worst, most embarrassing day of his life. He just knew it. He loved her so much, had opened himself to her in ways he had never dared do with anyone, not even Dane.

Corrine, Adeline’s mother, waved at him from where she sat next to David, Adeline’s father, on the end of the front pew. The stroke he’d had on the cruise had almost killed him and left him confined to a wheelchair. Unable to walk or speak right now, he communicated via sign language. As far as Adeline knew, Mark was walking her up the aisle in his place, with David planning on giving her away himself.

But he, David and Mark had hatched a plan.

God, please, keep her safe out there. Don’t let anything have happened to her, today of all days—not that I’d want anything to have happened to her any other day. You know what I mean. We’ve planned this, longed for this day for so long. And even despite her father’s stroke, we managed to get this far.

Nate rechecked his watch and then sighed as he realized less than a minute had passed. He turned his attention back to Dane. His stomach twisted and his heart broke. “I don’t think she’s coming. I should say something.”

Dane gave him a pat on the shoulder, holding him still. “Give her a bit longer. The roads are awful. It took us ages to get here as it is, everyone was late arriving. And they’re coming from further.”

“She’s forty minutes late. Everyone’s talking. I—”

“Let me go ring Mark. Do you have his number?”

“I don’t have my phone. It’s packed because I didn’t think I’d need it.”

“OK.”

“I’ll go and ask her mum to ring.” Nate shoved his hands into his pockets. “She’s bound to have her phone with her.”

Corrine came over to them.

Nate smiled nervously. “I was just coming to see you.”

She smiled. “Mark just rang. They are on the way, but got stuck in a snow drift.”

Nate groaned and pushed his hands through his hair. “Noooo.”

“It’s fine. They’ve called for help and will be here as soon as they can.”

“Maybe I should get over there and—”

“And get stuck as well?” Dane asked. “Just sit and wait and she’ll be here before you know it.”

“That’s easy for you to say.”

Dane put a hand on his shoulder. “Then sit down and we’ll pray for her safety and the rescue crews.”

He nodded and glanced over at David.

David held his gaze and slowly signed at him.

Nate smiled. “Thank you,” he signed back.

“What did he say?” Dane asked.

“Do not be afraid appears in the Bible three hundred and sixty-six times. That’s one for every day of the year.”

Dane smiled. “There you go then. Don’t be afraid, she’ll be here.”

He nodded and glanced towards the back of the church to check on Vianne. She sat in her bridesmaids dress on one of the chairs by the welcome desk, swinging her feet. He caught her eye. “Love you,” he signed.

She winked at him and signed back. “Love you, too.”

 

****

 

Adeline sat in the limousine, shivering in her wedding dress, despite the heat being blasted through the car. Snow lay seven inches deep in places on the roads and the car was stuck. Rescue services were on the way, but she had no idea how long they’d take to get here. She was late for her own wedding. And she was never late for anything. And she didn’t want to start being late now.

She turned away from the snow-covered landscape, and heaved a sigh. “Nate will think I’m not coming.”

“I already rang Mum. She’ll tell him what happened and that we’ll get there.”

She ran her hands over her white velvet gown. Her tiara of roses and diamonds lay flat against her blonde hair, the veil cascading over her shoulders. On her lap lay her bouquet of red and white roses. They had cost a fortune for a February wedding, but one she deemed worth it.

Ben sat next to her, a red velvet collar around his neck. He licked her fingers, and she petted him. “What if she doesn’t tell him? What if we never make it?”

Mark gave her a smile. “You worry far too much. You’ll get there. Do you want me to ring the church again and tell them we are still coming?”

“No.” She signed emphatically as she spoke. “Why keep calling?”

“Pfft, woman. He’ll be out of his mind with worry. How much longer?” he asked the driver, receiving a shrug in response. Mark touched Adeline’s hand. “Back in a tick, going to ring the church.” He exited the car and pulled out his phone.

Adeline shook her head and looked down at Ben. “If he thinks pacing in the snow will help, it won’t. It’ll just ruin his suit. Why did it have to snow last night? It could have held off for one more day.”

She gazed out of the window at the snow. Lord, you know how much I want to marry Nate. We’ve come through so much to get this far. Please, let me get there.

Four minutes later Mark climbed back into the car, bringing a blast of frigid air in with him. “I called the church. Pastor Jack said he’d let Nate know.” He grinned. “He doesn’t have his phone on him, either.”

Adeline rolled her eyes. “And where am I supposed to put a phone? I don’t have a handbag. At least he has a pocket in his jacket.” She smirked at him. “I suppose I could have stuck it inside my bra along with my purse and my tissues.”

“There’s no need for that, sis. ‘Sides, I called the cavalry. We’ll be out of here in no time.”

Adeline looked at him wondering what he had planned. “Mark?” He shook his head. She wrapped her arms round herself, shivering. “I should have worn a coat.”

Mark slid out of his frock coat and wrapped it around her shoulders.

She closed her eyes, tears forming behind her lashes. “I’m sorry, Nate.” She loved him so much, wanted so desperately to be his wife, and it was not going to happen.

A few minutes later, Mark tapped her arm. She opened her eyes and looked at him, then past him to the window. Her eyes widened as she saw a huge Humvee parked next to the limo.

“Mark, what have you done?”

Mark smiled. “I told you we’d get there.” He picked her up as she got out of the car and lifted her into the Humvee. “I simply pulled in a few favors at work and told them that my sister was stuck in the snow and going to be late to her own wedding. The boys were all too happy to help.” He climbed in behind her. “Wish I could see Nate’s face when this pulls up outside the church.”

 

****

 

Nate kept pacing. He’d tried sitting and praying, sitting and reading the order of service. He’d even tried talking to his parents and parents-in-law to be, but nothing calmed his nerves. Since he’d got Mark’s message that everything was under control, his heart had lightened. Although worried about his bride stuck in the snow, he knew she’d be here eventually. But still he couldn’t settle.

Loud engine sounds echoed through the church. He turned, half wanting to see what was happening, the other half of him reasoning people would think he was leaving if he did.

Pastor Jack stuck his head into the chapel and gave Nate the thumbs up. “She’s here,” he mouthed.

No longer caring what anyone thought, Nate ran down the aisle. He burst through the doors and skidded to a halt on the steps. His jaw dropped at the sight of the Humvee parked outside the church. “What?”

“It’s something,” Pastor Jack said.

Nate saw Adeline being lifted bodily from the Humvee and carried up the path to the church doors by a soldier in uniform. The photographer caught every moment.

Adeline smiled at the soldier, not letting go. Her train was slung over her arm so it wouldn’t drag in the snow. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome. Anything for the Colonel’s sister.”

Another soldier put Ben on the steps beside her.

Nate moved to her side. “Adeline, what happened? Are you all right?” he asked, looking in amazement at the Humvee.

“The car got stuck in a snow drift. Mark called the base, and this is the rescue team. I had to get here. I love you.”

He pulled her into his arms, lifted her veil and kissed her soundly. “And I love you. You look amazing.”

Pastor Jack coughed. “Shall we make a start?”

Nate reluctantly let go of Adeline. He kissed her cheek and winked. “I’ll see you in a minute,” he signed. “Don’t be late.”

Adeline’s laugh filled him with joy. “Oh, I think I’m way beyond late. I could always race you up the aisle. Or walk up it with you.”

“Don’t you dare. Give me two minute’s head start.” He turned to find a crowd of family and friends gaping at the Humvee. “We’re ready now,” He announced.

Everyone rushed back to their seats.

Nate followed them into the church. He grinned at Dane who’d stayed in the church with the girls. “The army rescued her, brought her here in a Humvee.”

“Wow. That girl of yours knows how to make an entrance.”

“She sure does.” He moved over to David. “She’s here. Are you ready?”

“You treat her right,” he signed slowly.

“I promise,” Nate signed back.

“Then I’m ready.”

“Let’s get you down there.” He wheeled David to the bottom of the aisle, leaving him just inside the door, where Adeline wouldn’t see him until the last minute.

Returning to the front of the church, he stood by the platform. The organ started playing Saint Saëns’s Organ Concerto in C Major. Adeline had chosen it because it was Nate’s favorite piece of classical music.

Vianne and Ben walked the aisle together, followed by Dane’s girls, scattering rose petals on the way.

 

****

 

Adeline smoothed down her dress. She could feel the vibrations of the organ increase and knew it was time for her entrance.

Mark grinned at her. “Ready?”

She nodded and tried to take his arm

“No, sis.” He took her hand and led her to the door. “Dad wanted to do it. I’m pushing him, he’s holding your hand.”

Tears filled her eyes and her heart leapt into her throat. “Oh…”

David beamed up at her, his shaking hand extended towards her.

She knelt beside the chair. “Dad,” she signed. “I had no idea.”

“I want to do this,” he signed slowly. “Shall we?”

She kissed his cheek and stood up, tears streaming down her face. Transferring her flowers to her left hand, she gripped her father’s hand tightly with her right. She glanced back at Mark, standing behind the wheelchair and he nodded to her.

Adeline smiled through the tears and took her first step towards her new life.

 

****

 

As the music grew louder, Nate’s nerves grew. He risked a glance over his shoulder and his heart swelled with pride.

Adeline, her father, and brother slowly made their way to the front of the church. She kept her eyes on Nate the whole time, a huge grin on her face, despite the way her shoulders shook and tears streamed down her face.

He had never seen her look so radiant. Thank you, Lord, for bringing us safely to this day. Be with us now and in the years to come.

“Did you know about this?” she asked, taking her place.

“Mark, David, and I planned it several weeks ago. Your Dad wanted to do this so very much.”

“Thank you.”

Pastor Jack led them through the legal bits they had to say, then smiled at David. Slowly he signed the words he’d been taught as he spoke them aloud. “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

David beamed at him and raised a thumb’s up before signing back, “I do.” He then put Adeline’s hand into Nate’s.

“Nate and Adeline have written their own vows,” Pastor Jack said.

Nate took her hand and turned to face her. He let go of her hand and slowly signed, speaking at the same time. “I, Nathaniel James Holmes, take you Adeline Stacey Monroe to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. What may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep.”

Adeline smiled at him. She also signed and spoke. “I, Adeline Stacey Monroe, take you Nathaniel James Holmes, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. What may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep.”

They exchanged rings, and Nate pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Once the applause from the congregation ended, he broke the kiss. “Hello, Mrs. Holmes.” He signed as he spoke.

She smiled and signed back. “I like the way that looks.” She changed to speech. “Just do me one favor. Please, promise me that you won’t call our first son Sherlock. No matter who begs you to? He won’t thank you for it, and neither will I.”

Nate paused for a moment and then laughed. “No fear of that.” His eyes twinkled with love before turning to face their friends and family—his wife at his side.