THE AGED, weathered gazebo remained the architectural centerpiece of Luke’s yard. Sunlight eased over the ancient structure, then sidled over the equally old rosebushes, coaxing deep waves of fragrance from the red buds.
Not much about the yard, or the preparations, had changed from the previous year. Except that the ceremony, the renewal of their wedding vows, was being held on Kealey’s birthday, a month earlier than their anniversary. It was the best way he could think of, Luke had explained, to celebrate her birthday. And from now on, he promised, her birthday was going to be unforgettable. To make up for all the forgotten ones.
Kealey touched the pearl teardrop earrings Luke had given her the year before then lowered her fingers to the string of pearls Jane had again loaned her. Almost everything was exactly the same. Almost.
Jane smoothed the veil, lifting it to trail over the back of the satin dress. “It looks wonderful.”
“Really?” Kealey questioned.
“Yes. And you look beautiful in it.” Then Jane’s eyes began to tear up. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For being the only daughter of mine who wanted to wear my wedding gown.”
Her daughter. Sometimes, it still didn’t seem real. But each day, in every way Luke was proving that it was, and always would be.
Kealey was grateful not only for his love, but for his incredible family who had taken her in as their own. “Now stop that. You’ll have me crying next.”
Jane reached out to hug her, despite the words. “You’re too beautiful for tears.”
“Thank you, Jane.”
“It’s my honor that you’re wearing the dress.”
“Not just for that. But for Luke. For raising such an incredible son...for accepting me, astounding warts and all.”
Jane smoothed the lace of the veil. “Not warts, my dear. Growing pains. Your heart was still learning how to grow and to accept. Now, before we both get all weepy, I think we’d better wipe the thundercloud off my ‘incredible’ son’s face. I’m afraid he thinks I’ve kidnapped you. He’ll be sending out the Mounties any minute now.”
“Shouldn’t that be the Texas Rangers?” Kealey replied, her tender smile finally eclipsing her tears.
Once again, paper lanterns fluttered in the gentle breeze; the giant magnolia tree towered over the arched trellis that bloomed with bougainvillea and sweet strands of honeysuckle. Wicker furniture, looking as though it had traveled through time, was scattered near the weathered fences.
Luke was once again flanked by his brother, Peter, along with Troy and Brian. This time, however, all his sisters, along with Hannah, were bridesmaids. Kealey had grown too close to them to choose.
Timothy extended his arm, and once again they took a walk up the bridal path. This time, however, there were no nerves, only joy. And when Timothy handed her to Luke, she felt as though she’d come home. Their eyes met, not disconnecting as he moved their clasped hands, holding them over her stomach. There wasn’t even a tiny bulge yet. And they were the only ones who knew this joyous, new secret.
It was still many months away, but they would have a new brother or sister for Brian, Hannah and Troy. Kealey had struggled with the painful decision to give up her work to become a full-time mother, still feeling the need to reach out to and help as many children as she could.
But she and Luke had found an alternative. They were opening their home soon to foster children. Brian, Hannah and Troy were now confident in their relationship, knowing Luke and Kealey to be their parents in every way. Their own good natures, combined with Luke and Kealey’s guidance, which had taught them to help others, made them secure. Secure enough that they welcomed the idea of helping other children. And Luke, as well as Kealey, had enough love to share with many children.
The minister repeated the words that had first bound them, that now reaffirmed their love. Kealey had barely heard them the first time. Now they were imprinted forever in her mind, along with the joy of this day, this man and the new life he’d given her.
The minister’s words completed, Luke and Kealey turned to face their family and friends.
At that instant, instead of the triumphant wedding march, the organist broke into loud strains of “Happy Birthday.” And all the guests burst into thunderous, exuberant choruses of the song.
Not knowing Luke had planned the song, Kealey stared at them in shock. Then, throwing her head back, she erupted into joyous, spontaneous laughter. Laughter that only a year earlier had been restrained, almost nonexistent.
But this was her family, she realized with mounting elation. Her new life, her new love, her fulfilled hope.
Balloons drifted into the air, emblazoned with the words Happy Birthday. And Luke’s brothers parted to reveal the wedding cake—one whose top tier was decorated with a smiling couple holding a huge banner, also spelling out Happy Birthday.
Then everyone was laughing. Even the dogs were barking in accompaniment.
As the noise accelerated, Luke reached into his pocket, withdrawing a worn, but elegant golden locket. Flipping it open, he revealed pictures of the children on one side, he and Kealey on the other. He reached to fasten it around her neck. “Happy birthday, darling.”
“But this must be a family heirloom,” she protested.
“Smart and beautiful,” he replied with a tender smile.
“But you shouldn’t give me family heirlooms!”
“What do you think the tortoiseshell dresser set is?”
Her eyes widened.
“It was my great-grandmother’s.” He gently encircled her wedding band. “As was this. And, of course, the tiny emerald earrings and the bracelet with the solitary sapphire, to match the changing colors of your eyes. They were my portion of the jewelry from my grandmother. Their value is in sentiment, since they’ve been passed down for generations.”
Astonishment knocked the wind out of her. “But you never told me,” she sputtered. “And that was when you hadn’t told me how you felt, when you thought I might leave!”
He cupped the back of her neck, bringing her within a breath’s span. “You needed treasures to call your own, things no one could ever take away from you.”
Her bottom lip trembled treacherously. “But—”
Luke stilled the question with his lips, finally pulling back long enough to look into her eyes. “And I already knew I’d found my treasure.”
And Kealey knew she’d found hers. Her forever love, family, and children. They were a treasure beyond compare. Treasures an unloved child never dreamed she would have. Meeting Luke’s tender gaze, she fell in love with him all over again. And knew, beyond the slightest doubt, that she would again and again. Forever.
* * * * *