Six months later…
The warm June evening was scented with flowers. A string quartet played in the church sanctuary, while guests filtered in for the most anticipated nuptials of the season.
Only one thing was wrong with this picture….
Noelle propped both hands on her hips. She looked at Kevin sternly. “You are not supposed to be in here.”
Even though, she admitted, she had been half hoping he would somehow get past the female sentry standing guard, and sneak in to see her.
Handsome as ever in an elegant black suit, crisp white shirt and striped tie, he sauntered nearer with customary self-assurance. One hand tucked behind him, he winked at her. “I won’t tell if you won’t.”
Oh, dear. The bad boy in him got her every time.
Noelle melted into the warmth of his one-armed embrace. She tipped her head up for a brief, possessive kiss, then drew away. “What do you have behind your back?”
Slowly, he released her and brought his hand around. Noelle laughed when she saw the plastic candy cane. “Think we can work this into our wedding ceremony?” he quipped.
“Not likely,” she teased back, “since the evening does not have a Christmas theme.”
“Aw, shucks!” Kevin flashed her his best rueful grin. His gaze roved her ivory silk faille suit. “I guess we’ll have to save it for later.”
Later? She watched him lay it across a nearby folding chair. “What are you planning to do with it?” she asked, curious as ever.
“I don’t know.” He pretended to study the lawn ornament that had helped bring them together. He returned to her side, delivered another deep, searching kiss that stirred her heart. “I thought we’d take it on our honeymoon.”
Noelle laughed softly. Her pulse raced with anticipation. “You’re funny,” she countered dryly. No way were they checking into the Ritz-Carlton with that.
“Seriously, we owe that Christmas lawn ornament a lot.” He regarded it with exaggerated solemnity. “You might say it brought us together.”
“Something did,” she agreed, lacing her arms around his neck. They shared another long, soulful kiss that soon had her aching for more.
Kevin smiled down at her in a way that let her know just how connected they had become. “I want you to know that you’ve made me happier than I have ever been in my entire life.”
“I am, too,” Noelle murmured. With Kevin by her side, she had found the strength to make public the truth about her tarnished past. Her honesty had cost her many a client in the upper echelons of Houston society, a fact that had made it easier for Noelle to move her event-planning business to Laramie County. She no longer had dozens of black tie events to supervise. The parties she organized now were smaller, more intimate, and in many cases, much more meaningful. Her satisfaction in her work had never been greater.
Mikey was happy, too. He loved his new preschool. When she had to work in the evenings, Kevin—or another McCabe—was always available to care for the little boy. Dash and Miss Sadie still saw him frequently, too. Mikey had never had so much love and attention. He was thriving.
The door to the anteroom opened. Dash walked in, his aunt on his arm. Having made peace with the fact that Noelle and he were destined for a close friendship and nothing more, Dash was now dating a Houston attorney who worked for a rival law firm. They were getting rather serious, it seemed.
“We have something to give you,” Miss Sadie announced cheerfully.
Her hand trembling only slightly, the elegant older woman pressed a dainty lace handkerchief into Noelle’s hand. “I carried this when I married Alfred. I like to think it brought me sixty-two years of happily wedded bliss. I hope it brings you luck, too.”
Noelle hugged her dear friend. “Thank you, Miss Sadie.”
Dash shook hands with Kevin. The men exchanged warm, sincere looks, indicative of the deep and enduring friendship they’d formed over the last six months. “You’re a lucky man,” the attorney said. “But then you know that.”
Kevin smiled. “Yes. I do.”
Dash turned to Noelle, hugging her. “Appreciate this guy,” he instructed. “He’s one in a million.”
“That I know.” She smiled, glad she had the support and blessing of her two old friends.
Dash offered his aunt his arm again. “We’d better get you seated.”
“Yes, dear.” Sadie patted Dash’s arm. “We don’t want to keep your date waiting. She is such a lovely young woman….”
“She is,” Noelle and Kevin agreed.
No sooner had Dash and Miss Sadie left than the door opened again and Mikey galloped in with Kevin’s sister. Laurel looked resplendent in her matron of honor finery. “Mommy!” Mikey announced proudly, holding the child-size velvet cushion aloft, “I got a pillow! With rings! See?”
Noelle nodded solemnly. “Yes. You do.” Fortunately, the rings were attached with slender but sturdy Velcro fasteners that would keep them from getting lost during Mikey’s much-rehearsed trek up the aisle.
Laurel smiled and cleared her throat delicately. “Reverend Bleeker wanted me to tell you the bridal party is lining up. Not that he would approve of you being in here, Kevin.” She glared at her brother.
Kevin chuckled, not the least bit repentant, then leaned over to give his bride another kiss. “I guess I’ll see you out there?”
Noelle nodded and picked up her bouquet.
Moments later, she was following her son down the aisle, knowing she had never been happier. Her heart soared as vows were said, rings exchanged, permission to kiss granted. And she could tell by the look in Kevin’s eyes that he felt the same.
As his head lowered to hers, she whispered, “I love you, Kevin McCabe.”
He smiled. “I love you, too, Noelle McCabe.” Then he kissed her, ending the ceremony and sealing their fate.
From the front pew, Mikey—unable to contain himself a moment longer—let out an exuberant cheer and raced up to join them.
Other voices followed and it felt like the best Christmas ever all over again.
Their new life together had begun.