The wedding of Alicia Featherstone to Jack Campbell took place two days before Christmas. Alicia’s friends rallied around her, helping her plan every detail. Perhaps that’s why she felt so relaxed as Giselle and Laurel fussed over her white satin wedding dress.
“I wasn’t going to wear white,” she murmured. “I’m not sure—”
“Purity of heart is what matters,” Laurel said. “Jack says you’re the purest bride he’s ever known.”
“Do you think he’ll like this?” Alicia smoothed a hand over the lovely fabric.
“Of course. But he loves you. And you love him. The dress is just a bonus.” Laurel helped her put on her veil. “I’ve got to check on the boys. Are you okay with Giselle?”
“I’m fine with Giselle.” She held out her hand and Giselle took it, her face beaming.
When they were alone, Giselle pulled an envelope out of her tiny handbag.
“You’re going to be my mom, Alicia, and I couldn’t be any happier. I love you. I think you and Daddy are going to be so happy.”
“I think we are, too,” Alicia said.
“This is my wedding present to you,” Giselle whispered as she held out the envelope. “Please read it.”
Alicia slid the paper out. Dear sweet Jack had found a teacher familiar with teaching people with dyslexia. Every night he helped her review the lessons and because of that Alicia was finally learning to read. Of course, she could only read a little so far, but she had years to learn. She studied the words carefully, hoping she wouldn’t embarrass herself. Shock filled her. She read the paper twice, a third time, not because she couldn’t understand, but because she was afraid to believe.
“It’s from your son,” Giselle whispered. “I wrote the adoption agency and told them your story. I begged them to give you some information so you could stop worrying about him.” She gulped, brushed away a tear. “His name is James. He has two brothers and one sister and he’s very happy in his home.”
“He says they taught him about his heritage and he’s very proud to be part Cree.” Tears rolled down Alicia’s face. “He thanks me for loving him enough to give him a family.”
“The adoption agency said he told them that you’re welcome to visit him anytime,” Giselle said, her face glowing. “He wants to meet his mom.”
“Oh, Giselle, thank you. I’ve never had such a lovely gift.” They were still hugging and crying when Laurel returned.
“Jack wants to know what’s taking so long,” she said as she helped Alicia repair her makeup. “He’s afraid you’re backing out.”
“No way.” Alicia smoothed her dress, took her bouquet from Giselle and grinned. “Let’s get me married!”
She moved to the back of the church, her gaze drawn to the tall, commanding and very dear man whose face transformed when he caught sight of her. Jack grinned as Laurel led the way down the aisle. He smiled at his daughter when she followed, but his attention remained focused on Alicia from her first step until she was standing by his side.
“Like I said,” he whispered. “Beautiful as a polar bear.”
Alicia couldn’t suppress her chuckle. Then Rick began to speak—beautiful, moving words about God’s plan for love and the bonds it forged. Jack’s fingers curled around Alicia’s when the Lives’ boys led the kids’ choir in an Aboriginal song about the Creator and His love. Then she and Jack said their vows.
“My darling Alicia, this is the first step of our walk together with God. I will always love you, always be there for you, support you and want the best for you. Together we will seek and do His will. You are my heart.”
Alicia accepted the plain gold ring on her finger, overwhelmed by the love she saw in his eyes, love for her. She tipped her face up.
“Jack, I thank God daily for sending you into my life. You are everything I dared to dream of. I am the most blessed of women because of your love.” She slid his ring in place, holding his gaze, letting her eyes say what she could not find words for. Vaguely she heard Rick pronounce them man and wife.
Jack’s eyes flared as Rick said, “You may kiss your bride.”
“I love you, Alicia,” he whispered, his lips inches from her.
“I love you,” she whispered back.
As they kissed it seemed to Alicia that the entire community of Churchill applauded.
“I love you, Daddy,” Giselle said, flinging her arms around them. “And Mom.”
Alicia hugged her back, but she couldn’t say anything. Her heart was too full. She was finally going to be a mom. God had given her a family. She belonged.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from LOVING THE LAWMAN by Ruth Logan Herne.