2

A quiet moment to herself before the festivities.

Maven Morris stared at her reflection, hardly believing it. In her wildest dreams she’d never imagined she’d be standing in front of a mirror in a wedding gown ever again.

The cream-colored wedding dress hugged her waist, showing off the fact she’d lost thirty pounds—thanks to Lizzie and her killer exercise regime. The bodice was lace. Cream-colored fake pearls decorated it as well. No train since the dress dropped to just above her ankles.

She hadn’t wanted to chance the train—she was clumsy enough as it was. No way she wanted to trip on it as she made her way down the aisle of the church in front of all Paul’s family and friends. That would be too humiliating—even for her.

Her black curls cascaded every which way. She’d thought of going with a fancier upswept look, but in the end decided to go with her natural hairstyle, though tamed with a little help from the hairstylist and a lot of hair spray.

She grabbed the simple veil. After it was in place, she stared at the mirror. Her eyes filled with tears.

At first, she’d wanted a simple, no-nonsense wedding. But at Paul’s urging, a simple ceremony had morphed into a real wedding. With wedding gowns, tuxes, and the whole shebang.

He’d said over and over again, “Just because it’s our second wedding isn’t a reason not to do it up right!”

And so they had.

When her husband had died, she’d never believed she would marry again, never believed she’d be happy again. As far as she was concerned, her romantic life was over. But God had a way of working things out just the way they were supposed to be.

She’d never believed she’d fall in love again, but she had. So happy and so blessed.

Paul was such a wonderful, godly man. So kind and patient. He could make her laugh when nobody else could. Maven couldn’t imagine not spending the rest of their lives together. It had taken a lot to make her see that.

She hadn’t wanted to risk opening up to the pain of loving someone only to lose them. After her husband’s death, she’d locked that part of her heart.

But Paul had found the key. Patience should be his middle name. Instead of pushing her when she wasn’t ready, he’d simply been her friend until the time was right.

And boy, was she ready. Maven touched her pink cheeks. A blushing bride at her age.

Even knowing Paul was a policeman hadn’t marred her happiness. God had given her a second chance at happiness, and she was going to take it.

The door opened.

Lizzie walked in.

Her best friend and maid of honor wore a simple lilac A-line dress. It looked beautiful. “Oh my. You look absolutely stunning, Maven. You were right about leaving your hair natural.” Lizzie’s hand flew to her mouth. “I think I’m going to cry.”

Maven smiled and then gave Lizzie a stern warning. “Do not cry. If you do, I will. Then we’ll both look a mess as we walk down the aisle.”

“Fine, I won’t cry even if I want to.” Lizzie laughed. “Besides, it’s not a day for tears. Only smiles and happy thoughts. And it doesn’t matter how I look. You’re the one walking down the aisle with your handsome hero. He won’t be able to take his eyes off of you.”

“All of this is so amazing.” Maven looked at the clock on the wall. “Can you believe this is really happening?”

“You so deserve it, Maven.”

“It was only a little while ago I was so depressed I couldn’t get out of bed. And now I have a whole new life. God is so good.”

“Yes, He is. Now if He’d only send a good man my way.”

“In His time, girlfriend. Speaking of time, is it time to start?”

“Not yet. But I have a special guest of honor who wanted to see you.” Lizzie opened the door.

Moses stood there in a suit and all smiles. Behind him was Lara Holt, his mother, looking completely recovered from her ordeal.

Maven was sure there were internal wounds that only God and time would heal.

“Maven.” Moses rushed to her. She bent down as little arms hugged her neck. “You look beautiful.”

“And so do you.”

He giggled. “I’m not beautiful. Boys are handsome.” When he’d first come to her as foster child, he hadn’t spoken at all. But he’d come a long way in a few months.

“You are so right. My mistake. How silly of me.”

“You are silly.”

“I tried to tell him you were too busy and that we’d see you later. But he insisted,” Lara said.

“And he was so right.” Maven ruffled his hair. “I always have time for him and for you.”

Moses gave his mother an I-told-you-so look.

Lara smiled. “This is the first fancy wedding I’ve ever been at. Everything is so lovely, Maven. And you are so beautiful.”

“Your turn will come, Lara.”

“I don’t even—” She held up her hands. “Well, let’s not talk about sad things. Only happy.” She held out her hand to her son. “Come on, Moses, let’s go before we don’t have a seat in the church.”

Lizzie smiled after they left. “Lara’s looking good.”

“Yes, she is. I’m so glad they’re here to share the day.”

“They’re all here.” Lizzie didn’t need to explain who they were. The women they’d rescued from their kidnapper were now a joyful part of their lives.

“Isn’t it about time to start?” Maven fiddled with the pearls.

“Well, not exactly. That’s the other thing I came to tell you. Paul’s not here yet. His daughter’s been calling him, but he’s not answering. No one seems to know where he is.”

“Did Vickie try his home phone as well as his cell phone? He’s always misplacing his cell phone or letting the battery die.”

Lizzie shrugged. “I’m not sure. I’ll go check.”

When Lizzie left, Maven’s smile faded as worry blossomed. Why wasn’t Paul here yet? Had he had an accident? Paul wouldn’t be late to his own wedding.

A few minutes later, a knock came on the door.

Maven hurried over.

Instead of Lizzie, Paul’s brother stood there. He shook his head. “I’m not sure what’s going on, Maven. When I went to pick Paul up this morning like we planned, he wasn’t there. I just assumed he was already here. I don’t know what’s happening. I don’t know where he is. Nobody does.”

A knot formed in her stomach. “When did you see him last, Jay?”

“Last night. He was leaving the bachelor party.”

“Bachelor party? He didn’t tell me anything about that. I didn’t know he was having one.”

“It was spur-of-the-moment. Just some of us guys poking fun at him and watching the game.”

“Maybe he drank too much and had an accident.”

“Come on, Maven. You know Paul better than that. He had soda and that was it.”

“Well, I know he’s not a drinker under normal circumstances, but…”

“But nothing. I can assure you he wasn’t drinking last night. The only thing on his mind was marrying you.”

“That’s good to hear. But I wonder where he is.”

Lizzie walked in a moment later. “Vickie’s driving back to his house. Don’t worry, Maven. He’ll be here soon. Paul loves you so much. He wouldn’t leave you at the altar.”