by Cyndi Raye
“He’s here. They brought him here last night so I could keep an eye on him.”
“Thank you. He means a lot to me. I’m so glad he wasn’t hurt.”
“Don’t worry. It’s all over.” Frank took her face in the palm of his hands and kissed her mouth gently. “Do you know what today is?”
“I do.”
“Are you feeling good enough to go through with our wedding today?”
She smiled. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I have a surprise for you. I made a beautiful dress to walk down the aisle.”
“I can’t wait. Although, tradition says it’s bad luck to see the bride the morning of the wedding, I call needing a doctor who happens to be your future husband an exception to the rule.”
Mercy lifted her chin in defiance of the rules. “I heartily agree. I love you, Frank Mason. I can’t wait to become your wife.”
He stood up and bowed. “And I can’t wait to be your husband.”
He took her hand and kissed the skin, his eyes staring intently into her eyes.
Mercy wasn’t nervous any more about becoming his wife. After what happened, she’d face everything head on.
<><><>
Frank stood alongside the pastor, patiently waiting for his bride. The organ had been playing for a few minutes when he heard grumbling from the back of the church. “I’m not using a cane! I’ve got two perfectly fine feet! Let’s get this show on the road.”
The congregation turned heads to see what all the commotion was. Slowly, the bride and Mr. Parson began the walk up the aisle.
She wore a beautiful lavender and white gown with soft ruffles and lace adorning the neckline. A sheer veil covered her beautiful hair and eyes. He loved her just the way she was. However, today, on their wedding day, his love reached new heights.
She was beautiful.
She was going to be his partner for the rest of their lives.
Frank forgot about everyone else, even the pastor.
When his love stood before him on the arm of Mr. Parson, he stared into her sweet face, unable to look away.
“Well, you going to stand there all day with that dumb look on your face or you going to marry the girl?”
The congregation gasped. A few trickles of laughter were heard since everyone knew old man Parson’s demeanor.
“I’m going to marry the girl,” Frank announced, holding out his arm.
“About time!” the old man mumbled, placing Mercy’s hand in his.
He turned and wobbled a bit before taking a seat in the front pew.
“I love you,” Frank told her in front of God and the whole church.
“I love you, too,” Mercy said, a tear slipping down her cheek.
Frank took his thumb and wiped the tear away. They both turned towards the pastor, who had a bible open in his hand.
“We’re ready now,” Frank told him.
“Today, the two of you will be joined as one. Mercy, she is a gift to you, Frank, from God above. The same goes for you, Frank. You are a gift to her. Let me read a verse in the bible -”
He gazed at Mercy. She was trying to pay attention but couldn’t stop looking at him either.
She leaned into him. He leaned into her. As the ceremony went on, as the pastor spoke his truth and the congregation listened, everything faded away as Frank thanked the man above for the gift of love he received. Mercy’s gift. He’d treasure her forever.
Thank you for reading Mercy’s Gift. I’ve enjoyed writing this short story.
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Keep reading to see my other books and where to find them!
Cyndi’s Books
Mail Order Brides of Wichita Falls Series
Ruby
Grace
Lily
Charity
Hannah
Rebecca
Sophie
Ellie
Jenna
Leila
Boxed Set Vol 1-8
Christmas in Wichita Falls Holiday Book
Brides of Mill Ridge Series
An Outlaws Honor
A Reverend’s Rose
The Ranger’s Redemption
A Doctor’s Devotion
A Teacher’s Treasure
A Sister’s Sanctuary
Sons of Nora White Series
A Bride for Luke
A Bride for Adam
A Bride for Samuel
A Groom for Nora
A Bride for Russell
A Bride for Wesley
A Groom for Widow Young
Multi-Author Series Contributions
A Bride for Abel - The Proxy Brides Book #4
A Tin Star for Christmas - The Belles of Wyoming
Candy Cane Christmas - Ornamental Matchmaker Book #10
A Bride for Calvin - The Proxy Brides Book #13
Mercy’s Gift - The Belles of Wyoming Book #8
Contemporary Small Town Romance
Florida Keys Romance in Paradise Series
The Tomorrow Serial
The Forever Serial
Escape Serial
Island Keeper
No Name Inn Series
Boot Key Harbor Short Story Boxed Set
Santa’s Wrong Turn & Save Me Santa Holiday Shorts
All these books can be found by visiting https://www.amazon.com/Cyndi-Raye/e/B00ENA1WEG