Epilogue

The following August

The drive to Hearts Crossing from their new townhome took just a few minutes. At the sea of cars parked around the place, Mary Grace laughed out loud. Catching sight of Doyle Calhoun’s helicopter started tears coursing her cheeks.

“A tiny wedding,” she gasped. “Yet a rehearsal dinner for a hundred.”

Scott took a hand from the wheel to squeeze hers. “That’s my ma. Better get used to it.”

Although pulling up to the ranch always hitched her breath, tonight, the eve of her wedding, the thrill was almost beyond imagining. Strings of white lights outlined every building, even the corral fence.

Better than that, Hearts Crossing Ranch was now a full-fledged CETR facility.

She caught sight of Creighton, her love, her heart, howling with laughter in his wheelchair on the porch. Ella wreathed with smiles at his side.

“Isn’t he something?” Scott breathed the words as Mary Grace thought them. Parking the truck, they joined hands and ran up the ramp Scott had installed. Seeing her, Creighton burst into new glee. Along with Ella, they group-hugged.

“There’s somebody else here, Uncle Scotty,” Ella said in a solemn voice when she pulled away. “And Aunty Mary Grace.”

Mary Grace turned to hug the little girl. “There are lots of somebodys here, sweetie,” she said with a kiss for Ella’s cheek.

“I know.” She kissed Mary Grace back. “But Uncle Kenn wasn’t very happy when he heard the name. But…” Her plump forefinger rested thoughtfully at her cheek. “…the guy does like playing with Creighton.”

A funny excitement hackled Mary Grace. Scott’s arm hugged her shoulders as they headed toward the front door. Nothing mattered but the love around her and the life that was beginning. However….if the confidence of Scott’s love, the wonder of kindness, and the grace of forgiveness had brought about the final miracle, her wedding day would be complete.

And God had so willed.

Grant met her outside the front door. Cautious, hesitant. “Mary Grace?”

Of course she opened her arms. For a second, she held her child’s father against her trembling heart. “I didn’t think you’d really come, Grant. I’m so glad you did.”

“I am too, Mary Grace. Honest.”

Scott extended his hand for a hearty shake. “Scott Martin, the bridegroom. Same here. Glad you could make it.”

“I...I…” The confidence that had won Grant a championship ring seemed to fail her former husband now. “I was, I mean, shocked to get the invitation. But I couldn’t miss being here. Really. You’re one lucky man, Martin. And you, Mary Grace. Our boy is wonderful. I…I can’t tell you how sorry I am.”

She squeezed his hand. “It’s all about the tomorrows, Grant. All right? If you think he’s wonderful now, just wait until you get to know him better.” She paused. “If you want to, I mean.”

“I can’t wait for the chance. I’ve got a lot of missed time to make up for.” Grant’s tanned cheeks reddened. “Marla’s got relatives in Rifle. We won’t be strangers, I promise.”

“Good. Creighton will love you.”

“How’s it going in there?” Scott asked with a sympathetic slap on Grant’s back. Mary Grace shook her head in wonder. Scott’s goodness and living faith already helped keep her strong.

Grant’s feet shuffled, but he smiled. “Gotta say some dirty looks came my way, but somebody named Elaine, well, she calmed everybody right down. Gave me a hug.”

“That’s my ma,” Scott said proudly. “Let’s go on inside and show ‘em family means more than one thing.”

In the dusk, a new crimson doused Grant’s cheeks. “Aw, yeah. Marla…my wife and the kids are inside.”

Mary Grace peeked into the front room where Christy with her baby boy sat gabbing with the dark-haired young woman Mary Grace remembered. But this time when she looked at Grant’s wife, something instead of pain burst inside her, a blossom so wonderful she thought she’d choke. “Scott...”

“I know. I think it’s Ecclesiastes. Right?”

“Yes. A time to break down, and a time to build up. A time to every purpose. Something like that.”

“Something just like that.”

Suddenly doubt assailed her. “Scott, you don’t mind, do you? You won’t mind, will you?”

“Mind what?”

“Grant being here. Grant wanting to be part of Creighton’s life?”

“Not a whit, babe.” He held her close. “We already talked this out when I suggested you invite him to our wedding festivities. Give him a chance. We gotta pray he means it, about getting to know Creighton. I hope he does. I just don’t want him to have regrets at the end of his life. Or us either. We have to make him feel welcome. Now, shall we break a leg?”

Holding her hand tight, Scott brought her into the room with a knightly flourish. A shower of pink and white balloons descended on them from a net on the ceiling, and Creighton’s laughter blessed her like a prayer.

She was home, and so was her boy.