by Renee Ryan
Hands working at a frenzied pace, her former maid buzzed around her, picking at invisible threads and smoothing out nonexistent wrinkles. Caroline stifled a laugh. The girl was acting as if she’d made the dress herself, which wasn’t too far from the truth. Sally now worked at the magazine with Caroline, helping Monsieur Lappet design the finished looks for each template.
She’d been the one to choose this white satin bridal gown. The girl certainly had an eye and worked well with Monsieur Lappet. Caroline felt like a fairy-tale princess in the layers of satin, lace, and hand-sewn crystals.
“Ah, my dear, there you are.” Her grandfather materialized in the foyer and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Let me have a look at you.”
Smiling, Caroline held steady under his inspection.
“You are a vision,” he declared. “Simply beautiful.”
“Thank you, Grandfather.”
He was looking quite handsome himself, dressed in cream trousers and an emerald-colored coat that brought out the green in his eyes, eyes that were a little watery. She adored working by his side and learning the business from the ground up, as he put it. Soon, Caroline would be ready to take over the garment factory. She had lots of plans, all of which Jackson would help her implement.
“I couldn’t be prouder of you than I am right now,” her grandfather said with deep affection in his tone.
“Nor I, you.” Overcome with love for a man she’d come to America prepared to hate, she felt tears of happiness flooding to the very edges of her lashes. She swiped at them with an unsteady hand and lifted her chin at a brave angle.
They’d come so far since that first encounter in the blue drawing room of his home. The grandfather she’d once planned to ruin was about to walk her down the aisle and give her away in marriage.
After a brief dab at his eyes with his knuckle, he offered his arm. “Shall we?”
“Oh, yes.”
Sally gave the dress a few more unnecessary tugs and pulls, then deemed Caroline perfectly arranged for her trip down the aisle. “Godspeed, my friend.”
At the girl’s serious tone, Caroline kissed her friend on the cheek. “Thank you, Sally.”
“It’s been my pleasure.” Sally stepped back, the tears in her eyes turning the blue a shade lighter.
At the back of the church, Caroline’s steps faltered and her stomach tumbled to her toes. Jackson stood at the end of the aisle in a dove-gray morning suit with long tails. He made a dazzling and glorious picture.
And, oh my, he was hers, all hers, her present and her future. My bridegroom. Truly, the Lord had blessed her beyond measure.
Only slightly watery-eyed, she took a step toward him, and another, and finally another. Her progress was slow, but she couldn’t seem to make her feet move any faster. She wanted this moment to last forever.
From his perch beside the altar, Jackson gave her a brazenly intimate smile. Her knees nearly gave out at his boldness. This daring version of the man she loved took her breath away.
As if understanding she needed a moment, her grandfather patted her hand and waited. Her feet began moving again.
When they were halfway down the aisle, Jackson left the altar and came to her. In a complete break from tradition, he said to her grandfather, “I can take it from here, sir.”
Throwing his head back, the older man let out a booming laugh. “Yes, my boy, I believe you can.” He relinquished his hold on Caroline’s arm. “Take care of my granddaughter.”
“I will, every day of our lives. Always and forever.”
In the next instant, Caroline’s hand was wrapped inside Jackson’s.
He dropped his head to whisper in her ear. “Ready to get married?”
“Yes, please.”
As one, they turned toward the altar. Slowly, they released each other’s hands.
And then . . .
Jackson swooped her into his arms, spun her around, and kissed her straight on the lips. All things considered, it was an ideal end to her journey to America, and a perfect beginning to their life together. Their marriage would be built on a strong foundation of faith in God, trust in one another, and love.
Most definitely love.
About the Author
Photo © 2012 Caroline Akins / One Six Photography
Renee Ryan is the author of eighteen inspirational, faith-based romance novels. She received the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, inspirational romantic division, for her novels Dangerous Allies and Courting the Enemy. She is currently serving as the secretary of Romance Writers of America. Ryan lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her husband.
For more information, please visit www.reneeryan.com.