Andrew couldn’t imagine what his father was giving him. He pulled out a slim brass plate. Engraved in flowing script were the words Andrew Easton, Vice President. Dumbfounded, he looked at his father, who smiled.
“I figured this promotion could make up for missing out on Ottawa.”
Andrew couldn’t speak against the lump in his throat. “Thanks, Dad. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
The organ music swelled, and the doors at the back of the church opened.
“Time to get married.” His father winked and took the envelope. “I’ll have this installed by the time you return. I wish you every happiness, son. You deserve it.”
Virginia appeared in the doorway, wearing a pink flowing gown. She held a bouquet of pink and white roses, no doubt arranged by her husband. She started up the aisle, and seconds later, Grace came into view.
Andrew’s breath tangled in his lungs. No bride could have looked more beautiful. She glided toward him, her arms filled with an array of multicolored flowers. Despite the late hour, the church glowed with the light of a hundred candles, giving the building an ethereal effect. Almost like looking up at the stars.
Grace reached the foot of the altar, and Andrew stepped forward to meet her. The blinding smile she gave him made his chest swell. She took his arm, and together they turned to face Reverend Burke.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here tonight in the sight of God and these witnesses to join together in holy matrimony Grace Agnes Abernathy and Andrew Gerard Easton.”
The minister’s opening words flew by, and minutes later, Andrew turned to face the woman he loved. With great solemnity, he pledged his life to hers. From the corner of his eye, he saw his mother in the front row with Christian on her lap, wiping her cheeks.
Andrew gazed deeply into Grace’s warm brown eyes and smiled, certain that Frank and Rose were looking down on them with love, thrilled at the merging of their two families—this time in perfect harmony.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined, let no man put asunder.” The minister paused and smiled. “You may kiss your bride.”
Andrew lifted the veil and pulled Grace close for their first married kiss. A holy union, binding their troth.
“I love you, Mrs. Easton,” he whispered. “And I’ll spend the rest of my days proving it.”
A smile bloomed on her lips. “As long as you keep up those kisses, Mr. Easton,” she teased, “that shouldn’t be a problem.”
Then, not caring who might object, Andrew kissed his wife once again for good measure.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It has been a true pleasure writing a story set in my own country and getting to know my history in more depth. Toronto is truly a fascinating, multicultural city. Exploring its old buildings and houses has been a real treat.
I’d like to thank my agent, Natasha Kern, for giving me a gentle push when needed! Her prodding at a time when I was feeling burned out made me buckle down and come up with the proposal for CANADIAN CROSSINGS.
Thank you to David Long and Jen Veilleux, my editors at Bethany House. Your suggestions and attention to detail are very much appreciated. A special thank-you to Jennifer Parker and the creative team who design the amazing covers that grace my books. They are truly awesome. And thanks to all the wonderful staff who work so hard on our behalf. I am so honored to be a Bethany House author.
As usual, my sincere gratitude goes to my amazing critique partners, Sally Bayless and Julie Jarnagin, who are most generous with their time and advice. I’m so happy to be sharing this career with you both!
Thank you, as always, to my husband, Bud, and my children, Leanne and Eric, who support me every day.
Once again, I must thank my wonderful readers. I was so grateful to have the chance to meet quite a few of you at the past two Christian Fiction Reader Retreats in Nashville and Cincinnati. I appreciate you all so much!
And my most gracious gratitude goes to God for the inspiration and stamina required to bring these characters and stories to life. I could never do this alone!
With hugs and good wishes always,
Susan
Susan Anne Mason describes her writing style as “romance sprinkled with faith.” She loves incorporating inspirational messages of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness into her characters’ journeys. Irish Meadows, her first historical romance, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest sponsored by the Mid-American Romance Authors chapter of RWA.
Susan lives outside Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, two children, and one rather plump cat. She loves red wine and chocolate, is not partial to snow even though she’s Canadian, and is ecstatic on the rare occasions she has the house to herself. Learn more about Susan and her books at www.susanannemason.net.
Books by Susan Anne Mason
COURAGE TO DREAM
Irish Meadows
A Worthy Heart
Love’s Faithful Promise
A Most Noble Heir
CANADIAN CROSSINGS
The Best of Intentions
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The Best of Intentions Page 34