Epilogue

 

Summer sun streamed across the yard as Jack rounded the hood of his jeep to open Misty’s door. Three months had passed since he’d returned for good. He didn’t miss the West Coast at all. He’d been so empty there, despite the phenomenal success of his business, and he’d never even realized the gaping cavern that passed for his heart.

He’d waited those three long months to marry the woman he’d loved his whole life. Now, he took Misty’s hand as she slipped from the passenger seat, her lovely white dress swishing around her ankles as a gentle breeze rustled the fabric.

“Allie’s fallen asleep.” Misty whispered, glancing into the backseat where their daughter was slumped to the side in her booster seat, her cheeks flushed from the kiss of wind as they’d meandered through town.

“Leave the windows down and let her nap.” Jack loosened the tie of his tux and the tails flapped as the breeze caught it. “She’s tuckered out from all the excitement.”

“It has been a lot.” Misty grinned. “This sure has been a whirlwind romance.”

“Seven years in the making.” Jack lifted Misty into his arms, tucking her close to his chest as he spun in a lazy circle before starting toward the porch. “I couldn’t wait another day to marry you.”

“Thank goodness for that. I think I’ve waited long enough.” Misty squealed and adjusted her veil as the breeze caught it. “You’re lucky I’m a patient woman.”

“Is that so?” Jack climbed the front stairs and eased her laughter with a long kiss as he carried her over the threshold and into the living room before setting her gently on the floor. Photos of the development property he’d purchased were scattered across the coffee table. The project was slated to begin in a week or so, and Misty had agreed to design and launch a Website to promote the work. They made a great team.

But, even better than the prospect of a new beginning for his business was the picture that hung on the wall, framed and matted.

Their family tree—the one Allie had made and given him for Father’s Day.

His first Father’s Day of many to come. The thought of it—the pure and awesome joy—brought tears to Jack’s eyes and filled his heart with a love he never imagined was possible.

He gazed through the front window to watch Allie for a moment, still peacefully asleep in the jeep. She was his very own miracle—his precious daughter. Jack could barely fathom the multitude of blessings in his life.

The life he now shared with Misty.

“I’ll bring Allie in now.” Jack stroked a finger over Misty’s cheek. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

He ran into the sunshine and gathered a sleeping Allie in his arms. Striding back into the living room, he laid her on the couch and turned to Misty as soft music drifted. “I think you left the radio on, honey.”

“Oh, I did.” Misty turned toward the sound. “I’ll fix it.”

“Leave it. I like it.” Jack immediately recognized the song as, instead of squelching it, Misty adjusted the volume a bit louder for him. Jack drank in the hymn that had filled him with boundless hope only months before. Life had been hard for a while, but God’s grace—and Misty’s love—had given him a second chance at life and happiness.

“Nothing could possibly make this day more special, except for one thing.” Misty sighed as she returned to him, her blue eyes twinkling with love. “Dance with me, Mr. Seaton?”

“Forever, Mrs. Seaton.” Jack leaned in for another kiss, treasuring this moment in time, and took her hand as he swept her into a slow two-step. “I sure do love the sound of that.”