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“Stop fussing, you look beautiful.”
Penny dropped her hands to her sides and allowed Stevie to turn her toward the mirror. With the outfit complete, the reflection staring back at her tightened her throat. If it had been anyone other than herself, she’d agree. The picture looked perfect. Everything matched, the jewels shined, the dress flowed. While the make-up felt heavy on her skin, it suited. The colors matched her skin tones and the gloss on her lips sparkled.
They stood in the room Damien and Penny now shared. It seemed appropriate to vacate the cottage to make way for the new arrivals expected in spring and when Damien suggested she move into the homestead, she hadn’t hesitated. It meant she’d be closer to Stevie and Max, and her husband-to-be, and surprisingly, hadn’t been awkward at all. To say she fitted in like a well-read book was an understatement.
“Stunning,” Mia concurred, stepping into the reflection to hand over a small bouquet of flowers. “I hope I look as good as you when I hit my fifties.”
Penny took a moment to appreciate the way the ivory dress hung on her frame. From the scalloped neckline, it dipped into her waist before curving over her hips. It draped around her legs in a flattering cut without being too tight or too loose. The cool satin on her skin shone in the light, and the sprinkling of glitter twinkled as she moved. A long-sleeve, lace bolero jacket kept her shoulders warm and highlighted her narrow torso.
It was a much more sophisticated wedding dress compared to the first one she’d worn. Last time, she’d looked like a toilet doll with its layers of meringue-like tulle fanning out from her waist. Thankfully, she couldn’t compare herself to a marshmallow this time around, though she doubted it mattered what she wore at all. The important thing was to formalize their reunion by taking their vows in front of their loved ones.
She couldn’t resist a smile as she turned away from the mirror and appraised both women. They wore matching pale blue dresses that made them look ten years younger than they were, which almost seemed comical, but neither Stevie nor Mia saw anything out of the ordinary about it all.
So serious were they in their bridesmaid duties that they had even thrown her a hen’s night, albeit with a sense of homeliness she cherished. Gathered by the homestead’s hearth with Gabe’s wife Kate, Ben’s fiancé Beth and Magnus’s fiancé Julie, and all the children, she had felt truly welcomed by the ever-growing family of the Shadow Soldiers.
Surrounded by those who loved—and were loved by—her husband-to-be, she understood why he chose to give up his globe-trotting life and settle down. The more time she spent with them, the more she came to see why he didn’t want to leave, and the more she wanted to stay. The tight-knit extended family were generous and kind, humorous and dedicated, and it didn’t take her long to feel their warmth and acceptance wrap strong arms around her.
From the second-floor window, she could see the cars lined up out back, slowly disappearing under a late winter blizzard. There was the usual crowd in attendance, with the five men Damien had once commanded and their partners, along with a few other familiar faces she’d reconnected with. Seeing Bob’s wife, Jan, after so long had brought back memories of their two families holidaying together and celebrating many Christmas gatherings, but coming face to face with the man who’d helped her disappear had proven more emotional than she could ever have thought.
“Will you be warm enough?” Mia’s concern brought her out of her reverie.
“I’ll be fine,” Penny assured her. The large marquee erected near the three-bay barn came complete with heating—enough to combat the foot of snow on the ground outside. “How are you feeling, my dear?”
Mia rolled her eyes. “It’s just morning sickness. Stevie assures me it’s normal.”
“I’m a doctor,” her daughter declared with a cheeky smile. “Trust me.”
In the month since bringing Damien home from the hospital, Stevie’s bout of pregnancy woes had settled and she’d blossomed. Her cocksure swagger and witty one-liners kept them all entertained. Watching her chase after her son reminded Penny of the feisty child she’d had to scamper after, half scared to death she’d get into trouble.
Penny touched Mia’s pale cheek gently. “Sing out if you need anything.”
“Today is not about me.” She smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind Penny’s ear. “We’re all here to witness the greatest love story in history embark on a new chapter.”
The greatest love story in history...Penny swallowed the expectation that came with such a statement but in truth, no one could hold a candle to the level of anticipation she felt. A future with her grandchildren awaited, and with Damien by her side, her confidence soared and her outlook was bright.
“You are very sweet.” Penny chuckled, pulling Mia closer for a hug. “You’re going to make a wonderful mother.”
“I sure hope so.”
The three of them turned when a knock sounded at the door. Bob poked his head through, his enormous smile telling her it was time. At Mia’s insistence, he came into the room. He gazed at his daughter with adoration, and graced both girls with big bear hugs. In his pin-stripe blue suit, he cut a dashing figure.
“May I have a moment with the bride?”
Mia and Stevie kissed his cheeks at the same time before giving Penny her final reminder. “Here comes the bride!” they sang like a pair of schoolgirls as they linked elbows and left.
Bob chuckled. He took both of Penny’s hands and gave a squeeze. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. I don’t feel quite like a marshmallow this time.”
“He’s beside himself, you know? He keeps asking me to pinch him, to make sure he’s not dreaming.”
She wanted to do the same thing. “I understand. Trust me, I know we’ve received a miracle. I’m not about to take it for granted.”
He took a deep breath. “You’re home and safe, that must feel wonderful.”
It was her turn to squeeze his hands. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”
“I’m very glad to hear that. Damien asked me to check on your colleagues from the medical team and I’m pleased to report they are doing well. Christopher would love you to call, and the British girl is receiving the best care that could be arranged. The Frenchman, Francois, had to have his arm amputated but he is in good spirits and plans to visit when he is well enough to travel. I assumed you’d want to see him?”
“Oh, Bob, that’s wonderful news. And yes. He would love it here in the Crossing.”
“Perhaps in the New Year we can arrange it.” He studied her intently, the depth of his gaze familiar and reassuring. “Are you nervous?”
Penny shook her head. “Absolutely not. I married him once and I’ll marry him again, only this time, it will be until death truly parts us.”
He hugged her. “It’s not really a wedding,” he mused. “More like a renewal of vows.”
“He’s the love of my life, Bob.”
Their friend of more than thirty years smiled. “And you’re the love of his. Are you ready?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
She hadn’t wanted a big wedding or to have many people attend, but as they descended the stairs and exited the homestead, she realized it wasn’t just about her. So many people had mourned her disappearance and others had put their lives on the line to save hers. More importantly, the opportunity for celebration after all the heartache offered healing and reconciliation, the chance to start anew.
Outside, snow fell in thick sheets, but her wedding planner—or rather, Hollywood—had seen to it by having a covered walkway built to connect the homestead with the marquee. Rubber mats lined the route, saving her heels from getting stuck in the mud and the bottom of her dress from a drenching, though nothing blocked the cold breeze from chilling her to the bone.
As they hurriedly proceeded to the marquee entrance, she felt her heart quicken with each step and her palms grow damp in anticipation. They paused outside until the music began.
“Why didn’t you have a summer wedding?” Stevie joked, jogging on the spot and rubbing her bare arms to ward off the late winter freeze.
“White weddings are beautiful,” Mia answered.
Penny only laughed. “And it was impossible to say no to your father.”
~
Damien’s heart raced a million miles to the hour as he waited for Penny to arrive. The small gathering of guests chatted softly while the celebrant made some last-minute adjustments to the flowers. Beside him, Riley and Gabe stood stiff as a pair of surfboards in their tuxedoes. Neither man liked the restriction of such formal wear but they smiled when they saw him looking their way.
In the rows behind him, Hollywood sat next to Kate, with the twins fast asleep in portable bassinets. A third porta-cot contained a sleeping Max. Ben sat with the two orphaned children, Holly and Matthew, with Beth rounding out the foursome. Magnus sat with Julie, her son Jack firmly lodged between them and looking dapper in his suit. Bob’s wife, Jan, sat next to Charles Nelson Snr, and Colt Manning, Neville Wilson and Ray Wells had also joined the festivities.
The intimate affair seemed a fitting way to farewell the dramas of old and kick off new adventures. He’d learned he didn’t need much more than the love of family and close friends, and the promise held in the new generation ignited newfound hope for the future.
All he needed, was Penny.
Seeing movement at the door, the pianist began playing. All eyes turned toward the entrance. Mia and Stevie stepped into the marquee in their beautiful blue gowns. They moved forward in time with the music, making way for Bob to lead Penny into view. Seeing her took his breath away. Last time, she looked like a princess. This time, she was a queen. The sparkle in her eyes lit up the space and the happy smile grew wider as she took in the faces turned toward her.
He watched her meet everyone’s gaze, acknowledging every single person that had made the effort to attend the ceremony in the wintry conditions. Hollywood had joked they’d all find themselves snowed in and have to wait out the blizzard in the marquee, which garnered groans from the adults and yelps of glee from the children. She took her time greeting and silently thanking their guests before finally locking eyes with him.
Damien let out a breath that burned his lungs. Dizziness overtook him for a brief moment but he allowed Penny to be his rock and steady his wayward ship. Stunning didn’t begin to describe the picture she painted but he had no other words, just a dry mouth and a heart that couldn’t wait to love her.
They stepped down the aisle between the seats in a slow, bridal march, affording him enough time to appreciate the crazy rollercoaster ride life had so far taken them on. He didn’t know what was to come, but he was ready for whatever destiny wanted to throw at them. Bring it on.
When they were close enough, Bob reached out and shook his hand, before placing one of Penny’s hands in his. She smiled at him, the affection in her eyes deep and soulful.
“You look beautiful,” he whispered.
She inclined her head at his tux. “So do you.”
Tingles danced up and down his spine. He’d never been called beautiful before and it roused playfulness deep in his soul. Damien squeezed her hands and refrained from tugging her against him for a kiss.
But only just.
“Family and friends,” the celebrant began, “welcome to a very special occasion. My name is Helen Miller, and I am duly authorized to formalize this marriage according to law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”
The hush around them heightened the tension in the air. Damien wanted to somehow preserve the moment in something more solid than a memory. He didn’t ever want to forget the day when his daughter witnessed her parents, who’d both left her, reaffirm their commitment to each other. He wanted to be able to look back with a clear mind to the instant he gave himself to Penny.
“I believe you both have something you’d like to say?”
With a nod, Damien swallowed the nerves that had suddenly appeared. He took a breath to steady himself and looked into her eyes. “Thirty-five years ago, I vowed to love, honor and cherish you. We enjoyed a short but beautiful time, during which you gifted me with a wonderful daughter. It is true that life got in the way and took you away from me for far too long.”
She smiled as tears glittered in her eyes.
Damien continued. “My dearest Penelope, I truly believe having you in my life again is a miracle I do not deserve. I promise, here in front of our family and friends, to love and protect you, to prove to you that I never stopped loving you, and to spend the rest of my life providing everything you could ever want and more. Our love has survived separation and death, and it will only grow stronger as we grow old together.”
Her eyes sparkled. She tugged a hand free and removed a small scroll from the bodice of her dress. With a deep breath, she unrolled the paper and began to read.
“My darling, Damien. I stand in front of our family, our friends and you, to offer my marriage vows. Thirty-five years ago, we said words that were written for us. Today I am not simply taking a vow; I am giving you a vow and a promise in words that are my own. My love for you has grown beyond words. There have been times when I believed the problems before us were too big to overcome, too painful to forgive. I have since learned I love you more than I could ever have imagined and that it is enough to overcome and forgive the broken promises in our past.
“Today I give in to this love and the overwhelming desire to recommit myself to you. I love you more today because of all we have been through and because of your willingness to move forward with renewed commitment. I promise, from this day forward, to love and trust you completely. I promise to be there for you when you are sick, hurt, in need of comfort, or when you just want to share your day. I promise to make you feel needed and appreciated for all that you bring to my life. Today I stand in front of our family, our friends and you, my husband, and promise to give you the best of me for as long as we both live.”
In the quiet that followed, Damien’s heart threatened to explode at her words. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the amazed expressions on the faces of their guests, but all he could think about was the profoundness of her vow. He felt it in the depths of his soul. Her commitment practically flowed through his veins and he found himself lost in the sound of her voice and the strength of her promise.
“Damien and Penelope, as you have promised before us to love each other and to share your lives together, both in good times and in not so good times, I now declare you husband and wife and wish you every happiness. Damien, you may kiss your bride.”
Penny folded the paper and stepped forward to tuck it into the breast pocket of his tux. With her close enough to touch, he wrapped an arm around her waist and hauled her against him. Damien didn’t hesitate, pressing his lips to hers and feeling her body relax into his. Her arms circled his neck and he deepened the kiss until he was out of air. When they broke, he touched his nose to hers.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she breathed.
“Family, friends,” the celebrant announced. “Please, welcome Mr. and Mrs. McCafferty.”
They turned to face the gathering, where Damien saw smiles and tears. A round of applause greeted them but when he saw Stevie, he was overcome with the sudden urge to include her in the proceedings. He held out a hand to her and nodded his encouragement at her frown. She rose to her feet and took his hand.
“Honey, you should know that you mean as much to us now as you ever did.” He glanced at Penny, who nodded her agreement. “As much as I pledge to love and cherish your mother, I vow the same to you. I let you down once but from now on, I will always be here for you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, you can count on us.”
Penny wiped away Stevie’s tears. “We’re not going anywhere, sweetheart. Not ever again.”
~
The familiar, deep sounds of the Righteous Brothers filtered through the speakers. Their wedding song. Penny turned to Damien. His smile said it all as he rose to his feet and held out a hand to her. Penny stood and followed him from their table to the center of the dancefloor while everyone watched.
“Ooh,” he sang, pulling her against him and swaying to the music.
Shivers slid down her spine. The memory from the night of their first wedding tangled with the present to remind her just how lucky she was. Holding onto her husband, she allowed him to twirl her around the floor and sing in her ear, his baritone voice in perfect harmony with the music. It felt like they were the only two in the room. She let herself fall deep into those blue-gray eyes that felt as if they’d been there all her life and buried her fingers in his hair.
“I hope you don’t mind,” he whispered, “but this is our song.”
“Our song,” she repeated, vowing to have words with anyone who would try to steal it away. “Always.”
“There is so much ahead of us.” He smiled. “So much to look forward to. The future is ours, Mrs. McCafferty.”
She’d never tire of hearing that. “You sure have a way with words, Mr. McCafferty.”
He chuckled and rested his cheek against hers as they moved in time to their song. It finished too soon and before long, Riley led Stevie onto the dancefloor to take up position beside them for the next number. The crowd grew but she only had eyes for Damien.
“We should go,” she said against his ear. “I really can’t wait to get you alone.”
His hold on her tightened as his body hardened. “Hm, music to my ears. Do you think anyone will notice?”
“Too bad if they do,” she chuckled, scratching his scalp lightly with her fingernails. “I need you.”
Damien pulled back, waggling his eyebrows with flare. Taking her hand in his, he tugged her toward the exit before Stevie ran after them and called out. Penny stopped and turned to find her daughter smiling. She stepped close enough to pull them both into a hug.
“Before you go, I just wanted to let you know that you’ve made a dream come true. It’s amazing that you found each other but I can’t explain how happy it makes me to see you back together.”
Damien kissed Stevie’s cheek though his eyes locked onto Penny. “I never stopped loving your mother.”
Nor I you, my love.
Stevie squealed. “Go. Don’t let me keep you waiting.”
Outside, the cold hit her like a freight train. She hurried toward the homestead, though Damien spun her toward him and held her tight.
“I have booked us a room,” he winked. “For some privacy.”
Penny pretended to be shocked, before chuckling. “Music to my ears, honey.”
THE END
Dear Reader,
Thank you for purchasing the sixth, and final, instalment of the Shadow Soldiers series. I hope you enjoyed the story of Damien and Penny as much as I did in the telling. Don’t forget to leave me a review or rating at your favorite digital store.
I hope you have enjoyed the Shadow Soldiers series. Please keep an eye out for my new series, Finding Sanctuary. Coming soon!
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