It was late November when Hannah stood in the small room off the foyer of the church in Dry Creek and asked herself how much happiness a person’s heart could hold. Hers was bursting as she waited. The smell of roses permeated the whole church. The door of the side room was open an inch, and she could see into the sanctuary enough to know the stained-glass windows had cast a golden hue over the many neighbors and friends who were seated in the pews.
Finally, the pianist started to play. Hannah stood straighter. One hand was hidden behind a large bouquet of roses and the other was tucked into the folds of the most beautiful wedding dress she’d ever seen. Her adoptive mother had worn this gown at her own wedding years ago. The white silk and ivory lace made Hannah feel like she was a very special princess.
She looked over to where her father stood beside her. “I can’t thank you enough for the dress.”
He acknowledged her words with a nod and a smile. “It’s right that you have it. Your mother would be proud to see you in it. And—” he looked down “—it does my heart good, too. I’m going to do better by you and Jeremy from here on out.”
Hannah blinked. She still wasn’t used to having a parent who cared about her, but her father seemed determined to prove himself and she was going to let him. She wanted a close family tie with him even when she was married to Mark.
“Is it time now, Mommy?” Jeremy looked up at her and asked eagerly. He was standing in front of her, his arms resting on the handles of his crutches. She was grateful for his medical care. He wasn’t going to need a wheelchair, but Jeremy did need to use the crutches for a few more months while his leg finished healing. The leukemia was in remission and the doctor thought it would likely stay that way for years.
Just then the tempo of the music changed and Hannah knew it was time to go into the sanctuary. Mrs. Hargrove, who had remained in the entryway to help them with any last-minute adjustments, opened the door quietly and then stood aside. The older woman planned to slip into the sanctuary when Hannah had reached the front of the church.
“You can go now, sweetheart,” Hannah whispered to Jeremy. He was wearing a boy-sized tuxedo and he had the rings pinned to his collar. As he proudly started through the doorway and down the aisle, Hannah could see the white handkerchiefs come out from pockets and purses all over the sanctuary. The whole community had cheered Jeremy on as he fought his way back to full health. Now they let their happiness show. Jeremy’s walk today was about more than the wedding; it was a triumphant march for everyone to see.
Hannah let Jeremy get halfway down the aisle before she pressed against her father’s arm, letting him know it was time for them to begin their long walk.
She started blinking back tears before she’d taken two steps at her father’s side. Mark was waiting for her at the end of the aisle and his eyes were glowing with love as he watched her come toward him. From that point on, she didn’t notice anyone else.
The vows went by in a whirlwind. Mrs. Hargrove had pinned the rings on Jeremy’s collar so they came off easily into the pastor’s hands. Mark cradled Hannah’s hand as he slipped the ring onto her finger. She managed to slide his ring on almost as smoothly as he had done with hers.
And then the pastor announced that Mark could kiss his bride.
A smile lit up her new husband’s face as Hannah stood there, suddenly aware of the glad whispers from their friends as they rose up from the pews.
“I love you,” Mark murmured as he lowered his head to hers.
Hannah meant to say she loved him, too, but his lips found hers before she could form the words and then the joy of the kiss filled her so completely she was beyond speech.
Fortunately, her son was still capable of talking.
“Love, too,” Jeremy said as he leaned into Mark and Hannah, leaving his crutches to dangle slightly as he held on to them both.
Hannah felt Mark’s lips pull away from hers and saw him smile as he glanced down. Together they each put an arm down to steady Jeremy as he stood with them. They were a family, Hannah told herself. She had come home.
* * * * *
If you liked this story,
pick up these other heartwarming books
from Janet Tronstad:
Sleigh Bells for Dry Creek
Lilac Wedding in Dry Creek
Wildflower Bride in Dry Creek
Second Chance in Dry Creek
White Christmas in Dry Creek
Alaskan Sweethearts
Easter in Dry Creek
Available now from Love Inspired!
Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com
Keep reading for an excerpt from Snowbound with the Best Man by Allie Pleiter.
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