by CJ Murphy
Jax took the reins from Kendra in one hand and cupped Chance’s cheek in the other. “I’ve waited a long time for this.”
Chance nodded and walked back down the steps to climb into Kelly’s saddle. She and Jax waited for Kendra and the rest of the wedding party to make their way to the bluff. The sky was just turning that dusky blue, and millions of snowflakes floated in the air. Large torches lined the procession to the final spot overlooking the fields. Rhebekka would meet them on an elevated platform that would allow her to be at eye level with the couple. The song in their hearts was the only music they needed for their processional.
The last car door shut, and Chance looked to Jax with one final reassuring glance. They waited another five minutes, then slowly made their way out through the snow-covered field. Their photographer was also on horseback, slightly up and out of the way of the pristine snow they would ride through. As Chance watched Glenny carry Jax, she marveled at the beauty of the woman atop the gorgeous snow-white Arabian. Jax was every bit the horsewoman she was, and Chance looked forward to many long trail rides together.
Sprigs of holly and pine adorned Glenny’s and Kelly’s manes, to match the small flowers each woman wore pinned to their dusters. Zeus bounded through the snow beside them. When they reached the gathering, their friends and family stood to the outside of the platform. Both Sarah and Kristi had ridden out on their own horses and were waiting for them.
When the couple made it to the platform, they joined hands and held their horses as still as possible. The snow continued to fall softly around them. The torch lights warmed the area with a golden halo in the fading sunlight. The silence gently held the breathing and soft rumbles of the horses.
Rhebekka stepped forward. “We are gathered to join these women, Chance Raylynn Fitzsimmons and Jax Elizabeth St. Claire, together in matrimony. Their road has not been an easy one. Together, they’ve overcome tragedy and hardship to be here before us now. These two hearts were once separated, yet they found their way back to love once more. When I spoke to them about a favorite scripture, they told me that I would know better what could offer the greatest gift of wisdom.” She stopped for a second. “Chance also said it was my jurisdiction.”
The assembly joined her in the moment of levity with soft laughter.
“There were many I could choose, some that would be expected, but the ‘Song of Solomon,’ the eighth chapter, says this. ‘Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.’” She paused. “Given our area, this felt like the right one to me. Both Chance and Jax dedicate their lives to the service of others in different ways, yet in the end, they both serve as a reminder that God loves all his creatures, great and small. The couple has chosen to say their own vows. Jax, would you like to start?”
Jax nodded and turned slightly in her saddle. “Chance, I fell in love with you as a teenager. Today, as a woman, I will marry you and take your name as my own. The road back to you was winding and full of tears. That same road led me to your door once again. I didn’t know if you would even want to see me. The minute I laid eyes on you at that rescue, my heart knew the love in yours. You’ve accepted me with all my flaws, all my baggage, and all the love I have to give, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. You opened your family to me and saved me when I called for you. You’ve been my shining star and my soft place to rest.” Jax took the ring from Kristi. “With this ring, I pledge my heart and soul to you.” Jax slipped the gold band, adorned with mountains and rivers, on the ring finger of Chance’s left hand.
Chance choked back a tear and cleared her throat. “Jax, over thirty years ago, you swept into my life and showed me what love at first sight truly was. We were kids then, but now we’re two fully grown women completely in love and free to be together for the rest of our lives. When I was burned, I lay in that sterile hospital bed, searching for anything to take away the pain. A single memory let me escape into a place where there was nothing but joy. I held on to the memory of floating on the Cheat River with the most beautiful woman I’d ever met. You helped me through. The memory of your touch, the depth of that teenage love, and the prayers of my parents compelled me to stay in the land of the living, when all I really wanted to do was die. In a very visceral way, you saved me then, and you save me now.” Sarah handed her Jax’s matching band. “With this ring, I pledge my heart and soul to you.”
The couple clasped hands and looked back to Rhebekka. “As these two have signified their desire to be married and faithful to one another, let no one and nothing come between them. You may each kiss your bride.”
Chance leaned over and pressed her lips to Jax’s. She felt a soft hand snake around the back of her neck, drawing her in. She whispered through the steam from their shared breath. “I love you, Jax, now and forever.”
“And I love you right back.” Jax kissed her again before releasing her. They pulled on their horses’ reins, until they faced outward toward those gathered.
Rhebekka gave her final pronouncement. “It’s my pleasure to present to you, Mrs. and Mrs. Chance Fitzsimmons.”
Their friends and family erupted in loud whistles and clapping. Chance held their joined hands aloft and smiled from ear to ear from under her Stetson, as the setting sun painted the sky as if it had been specially ordered just for them. The photographer circled the group, as Chance leaned in again and kissed the woman who was now her wife. When their lips parted, she whispered. “Ready?” When Jax nodded, the two riders urged their horses forward and took off across the field, breaking fresh snow in their path. They were married and bound by more than a band of gold.
Chapter Twenty-eight
REDEMPTION’S ROAD WAS DECORATED in a Christmas theme. Tiny white lights were twined around the pine boughs strung from the wooden beams in the ceiling. Guests were still picking at the buffet along the back wall and at tables strewn around the room in no particular order. Jax sat beside Chance and forked up a bite of their wedding cake.
Karmen stopped by their table. “Well, did it meet expectations?”
Jax grabbed her hand. “Exceeded anything I could have imagined.” She pointed to the white confection with strawberry filling. “This is the best cake I’ve ever had.”
“One of my specialties. How about you, Chance? Happy with everything?” Karmen pointed to the buffet.
Jax watched, as Chance looked directly at her. “Karmen, you could’ve served shoe leather, and all I would have needed was this woman by my side. With that being said, the food was spectacular. Thank you for everything.”
Karmen nodded. “It was my pleasure, and I never serve shoe leather on Christmas. That’s for Thanksgiving. I need to go check on my staff. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you again.” Jax smiled.
Chance leaned over and kissed her again. “How are you, Mrs. Fitzsimmons?”
“Fabulous, Mrs. Fitzsimmons. I love you.” Jax stroked her cheek.
“I love you, too.”
Rhebekka had started to play twenty minutes ago, and the room was filled with the soulful sounds of her guitar. Jax felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see her father kneeling beside her. “I think it’s time for the father daughter dance. May I?” He held out his hand to her.
Jax grinned and looked at Chance.
“Go on, he loved you first.” Chance waved her on.
Rhebekka waited until they’d risen from the table, and then began Carole King’s “Child of Mine.” A local singer provided vocals.
“I’m so glad you were there, Dad. I can assure you this will be the last wedding you ever have to attend for me.”
They swayed around the room. “I’d attend a hundred if that’s what it took to make you happy, but I am rooting for this to be the last one. I think Chance is your one true love. If I’d just stood up to your mother, we’d have been
doing this three decades ago.”
“Daddy, no more room for regret. Life is too short to look back. I hope there’s a happy ending in your future too.”
“Oh, baby girl. I think I want to spend the rest of my life fishing and enjoying my daughter’s happiness. As much as I like being with Marty, I’m looking for my own space. I want a little bachelor place that doesn’t have a huge yard to mow or a long driveway to plow. I plan to check out every trout stream in three counties and watch the leaves turn.”
“I love you, Daddy.”
“Love you too, Jibber Jack. Be happy, it’s all that matters from here on out. Promise me?”
“That is one promise I can easily make.”
***
When the song ended, Chance walked over and grabbed the hands of her mothers. “Come on, this dance is ours.”
Dee balked. “Go dance with Maggie, Five Points. I’m good right here.”
Chance grabbed Dee’s hand and bent down to look her directly in the eye. “I was blessed with three mothers in this life. One I never knew, and two who raised me when they didn’t have to. Not one of you is more important to me than any other. I want to dance with my mothers. Both of you.”
Tears filled Dee’s eyes as she rose. The three of them circle hugged as Rhebekka began a special version of “Holes in The Floor of Heaven.” She’d rewritten the lyrics to more accurately reflect Chance’s life. Chance hugged them both closely. “I love you both so very much. Thank you for making me who I am today. I can’t imagine where, or who, I’d be without you.”
Maggie leaned back. “It’s been one of the greatest privileges of my life raising you and watching you grow into who you are now. You and Kendra were the daughters we always dreamed of.”
Dee laughed. “After you, Kendra was a breeze.”
“Nice, Momma D.”
Maggie pinched Dee, making her squirm. “I’m so happy for you and very happy to have a third daughter now.”
Dee grinned. “I won’t be surprised if we already have another daughter-in-waiting with Brandi.”
Maggie smacked her arm. “Let her graduate before you go marrying her off, though I don’t think you’re wrong.”
The song ended, and Maggie and Dee kissed her cheeks, before Chance went over and held out her hand to her bride. “I think this one’s ours.”
Rhebekka’s vocalist broke into Jim Brickman’s ‘The Gift.’
For the next few minutes, the couple danced, holding each other close. Chance’s mind lingered on the lyrics. She knew what a gift Jax’s love was, and it was one she’d do everything in her power to keep every day. Her phone vibrated in her pocket, just as the song ended. With Jax’s permission, she’d been checking for updates on Penny. When she saw who the text was from, she opened the message and showed the phone to Jax, who covered her mouth and wiped tears away. Chance walked over to the mic. “Can I have your attention? I have some greatly anticipated news. At 19:24, that’s seven twenty-four for those who don’t speak military time, Jackson Chance Lewis…” Jax rubbed Chance’s back when words failed her at the combination of names for the newest member of the family. Chance wiped a tear. “Jackson Chance Lewis came into the world on Christmas Day, nineteen inches long and weighing in at a whopping seven pounds, three ounces. Penny and baby are doing fine, and Taylor is recovering nicely.”
Everyone cheered and hugged the person nearest to them. Jax grabbed the mic from Chance. “I say we tear this dance floor up to celebrate the newest Tucker County resident.”
Rhebekka began to play the Isley Brothers’ “Shout” as the dance floor filled up. Chance took the opportunity to collect herself. “I can’t believe they did that.”
Jax rubbed away a falling tear with her thumb. “I can. The two of them love and adore you. Penny told me that without your financial help with that last round of in-vitro cycles and letting them move into your old place practically rent-free, their lives would have been financially precarious. Beyond that, Taylor looks up to you. We are going to be that little guy’s godparents, so why not?”
Chance nodded. She still had no words for the incredible gift the couple had given them. “You knew, didn’t you?”
Jax shrugged. “Girls talk, you know. Penny mentioned it. If the baby had been a girl, the names would have been reversed with a tad different version of my name. As Penny got in the car, she told me to tell you, Merry Christmas. Now, I’m suggesting that you take your wife out on the floor. Let’s show them how it’s done.”
Chance grabbed Jax’s hands in hers. “Thank you, my love, for giving me that gold star chance my dad used to talk about. From this day forward, you are my wife and the woman I will always love.”
“I like the sound of that, Mrs. Fitzsimmons, now let’s dance!”
Chance led her wife into the crowd of revelers. She hoped all those who were watching them from those holes in heaven were enjoying the show. She’d been given a second chance at love and a life with Jax. No matter what tomorrow brought them, Jax would be by her side, as her wife, until her final breath. Their love was more than she felt worthy of. One thing she did know for sure, she’d spend the rest of her life trying to live in the moment with Jax’s hand in hers, walking into whatever tomorrow would bring them.
Redemption’s Road-(Five Point Series Book 3)
Chapter One
MY NAME IS RHEBEKKA Deklan, Pastor Rhebekka to most, and tonight, I'm sitting here at the bar, applying one of my unconventional ideas about how to be what Jesus referred to as a “fisher of men.” I’ve learned that casting your net in the right water is important. My world revolves around being the spiritual leader of a non-denominational church in Thomas, West Virginia. Tonight, I’m doing my fishing in this little brewpub, the perfect place to spread a little grace in the pint glasses of the patrons as spiritual bait. You have to understand, this isn't just any brewpub. Redemption’s Road was secretly purchased with proceeds from my music career. The woman with the blonde dreadlocks sitting beside me was giving me a curious look.
“So, Rhebekka, you’re really a preacher?”
A small sigh left my body. If I had a nickel for every time I'd heard the question Senna had just asked, I could be retired. With that kind of money, I'd be enjoying a sandy beach in the Caribbean with a tan that would be sure to mute the colors of my many tattoos.
“I prefer pastor compared to preacher, but yes, I am. One with more than just an online ordination to be able to marry people.”
My current conversation with the newcomer took a sharp right turn, as the word pastor fell from my lips. The shocking revelation that someone wearing a Metallica T-shirt—whose tattooed arms were adorned with an angel’s wing down one and a demon's down the other—could be a minister had obviously sent Senna into a contemplative trip down the proverbial rabbit hole. The reality is, all five foot eight, one hundred and sixty pounds of me is, in fact, a minister. I watched as she shook her head.
“No, shit?”
I held up my right hand as if giving an oath. “I actually have a degree in theology.”
Senna’s pint jar traveled back to her lips, as I watched her try to wrap her head around that latest tidbit. The taproom area was small and dimly lit. I picked up my mason jar and took a pull off tonight's poison of choice, a stout as black as coal dust and flavored with hints of coffee and chocolate. Most patrons sat in front of the hand-hammered, copper bar top on stools that resembled sawhorses with a wider top board.
Her eyebrows went up. “Definitely a different kind of preacher. That's so fucking cool.” Senna slapped her hand over her mouth as her face turned crimson. “Sorry.”
The woman standing beside me in a flannel shirt with baggie jeans tucked into Doc Martins, washed her warm gaze over me. Something about her screamed crunchy granola and had my gaydar needle pegged. As a pastor, I was always observant for subtleties in body language and demeanor.
“Don't worry about it. The word fucking is merely a present participle adjective, unless you mean the v
erb, then that is something totally different.” I decided it was time for a subject change. “Karmen over there tells me you're new in town.”
Senna took another drink and nodded. “I am. I’m a chef at her fresh food grocery store, three days a week.” She pointed to her glass. “This beer is so good.”
Karmen was the unofficial welcome wagon, as well as being one of my best friends. An invitation to one of my beer and Bible gatherings was on the tip of my tongue. Instead, I opted for a bit more introductory conversation. “Total agreement there. Let me personally welcome you to our little piece of heaven. I’m sure, by now, you know most of the entertainment spots and places to eat?”
Senna nodded as she lit up and a wide grin graced her face. “I’ve devoured pizza at Sirianni’s, had the best guac I’ve ever eaten from Hellbenders, and inhaled a mouthwatering corned beef sandwich from Big Belly Deli. Haven't I seen you play at the Purple Fiddle?” Senna finished the rest of her pint and looked toward the bartender.
I raised my hand and caught Tank’s eye, motioning for her to get Senna a fresh beer on my tab. “I do a set once in a while, around town. You’ve already found the best beer.”
“I can’t believe how many craft breweries are in this one little area.”
There was my proverbial crack in the door I’d been waiting for. “A small group of us do a tasting of the latest offerings, twice a month, at my place.” My place, meaning The House of the Rising Son, the church I created where saint and sinner are welcome as equals.
It was obvious that Tank heard my lead-in, when she set the fresh pint in front of Senna. “She’s telling the truth. I provide our latest beers for the event. The reverend here provides the Bible trivia. A little bread with the wine, so to speak.” Tank wiped at a water ring on the bar top and winked at me, before she moved back to serve another customer.