Calvin reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. “Dani Higgins, I know it hasn’t been long, but I can’t imagine you not in my life. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
He popped the lid open and tears sprung into Dani’s eyes. The ring was small, but one of the most beautiful she had ever seen. She wanted to answer yes, but her throat was constricted with emotion. All she managed was a nod, but it was an enthusiastic one as Calvin took the ring out of the box and slid it onto her finger.
As he leaned in to kiss her, clapping and cheering erupted around them. Dani couldn’t remember a time she had been happier.
21
“You sure you want to go through with this?” Chris asked as he straightened his tie in the mirror.
“Very funny, little brother,” Calvin said, coming up behind him and throwing an arm about his shoulder. Now that Chris was clean and sober, the resemblance between the two brothers was much greater. Chris was clean shaven, but they shared the same hazel eyes inherited from their mother and the same strong nose and chin their father passed to them.
“You know I’m only kidding,” Chris said. “Dani is amazing. I hope I find a woman like her soon.”
“You will,” Calvin said, patting Chris’s shoulder. “Remember, you’re kind of starting fresh, but you have a new job, a new home, a church, us, and most importantly God on your side. He will send you the right woman when it’s time.”
Chris had been out of rehab for six months. Around the second month, Calvin managed to find him a position with his company. Together, they fixed up Chris’s old house to salvage some of his deposit, and Chris moved in with Calvin. He would soon be the sole owner of Calvin’s house as Calvin and Dani had decided to live in her house after the wedding.
“You’re right. I’m so glad I got the chance to start over again. Okay, you ready to get married?”
“Absolutely,” Calvin said with a smile. He had waited for this moment for eight long months. Originally, they planned to wait only until Chris was out of rehab, but then Dani decided she wanted to get married a year from the day they met which added another few months. He hadn’t minded too much though as it gave them time to get everything else settled and in order. And really, as long as Dani became his wife, he would have waited as long as it took.
“You have the rings?” Calvin asked Chris.
“Yep, right here.” Chris patted his pocket and the two headed out to take their place in the sanctuary.
The small church was nearly filled to capacity between their church friends and Dani’s friends in the department, but Calvin only vaguely registered them. His gaze was fixed on the back door of the sanctuary, where any moment, the woman he loved would appear.
The music started, and the back doors opened. Gabby, Dani’s half-sister, entered first. She was pretty much the opposite of Dani with darker hair and a fuller figure, but Calvin was still glad she'd come. Dani had worried her family wouldn’t show, but her mother and both her half-brothers made the trip as well. It warmed Calvin’s heart to see them rekindle their relationship over the last few days, and he hoped they would continue to get together after the wedding.
Gabby smiled at him as she reached the front and then took her place on the opposite side of the preacher. The music changed then, and Calvin’s breath caught in his throat as Dani entered the sanctuary. Her blond hair was pulled up in some sort of elaborate updo with only a few tendrils curled around her cheeks.
She glided forward like an angel. The dress she'd chosen showed off her slender shoulders and pooled out around her feet in a satin train that made it appear as if she were walking on a cloud.
As she reached the front, she handed her bouquet to Gabby and took his hands. Just like the first time they touched, his heart sped up as their skin met.
“Dearly beloved,” the pastor began, “we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”
Dani smiled as Calvin squeezed her hands. She couldn’t believe the moment was finally here or that her family showed up. The last few days had been amazing as she spent time with them and caught up on their lives.
“Do you, Calvin, take Dani to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold? Through sickness and in health? As long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” Calvin said.
“And do you, Dani, take Calvin to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold? Through sickness and in health? As long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” Dani said, not bothering to contain the smile spreading across her cheeks.
“Then by the power vested in me by God and the state of Washington, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
At those words, Dani’s smile stretched even further. She had waited a long time to hear them and she didn’t want to waste another moment kissing Calvin as her husband for the first time.
He winked at her as he pulled her to him and seared her lips with a kiss. Though the kiss itself was short, it held the promise of much more to come in a few hours and a heated blush spread up Dani’s cheeks.
“I can’t wait till this evening,” Calvin whispered in her ear.
“Me either,” Dani returned, “but right now we better get to the reception.”
“Whatever you say, Mrs. Phillips,” Calvin said as he took her hand and led her down the aisle.
Mrs. Phillips! Though new and different, she enjoyed the sound of it. As she passed Aaron and Margaret on the way out, she couldn’t help thinking about how much her life had changed in just one short year and how she owed it all to one all-powerful God and one former drug addict. He really did work in mysterious ways.
The End!
It’s not quite the end!
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January 1883
Adeline stood at the stove stirring a pot of venison stew. She hoped that making her father’s favorite meal would put him in a pleasant mood. Dread filled her at the thought of him spending another night extolling the virtues of marriage and attempting to convince her that James Cleveland would make the perfect husband. Mr. Cleveland was a pompous bore. Her parents and caretakers had attempted to imbue in her a sense of duty, but they’d failed. She would not deign to consider a marriage of convenience. She’d rather die an old maid.
At the sound of a gunshot, Adeline flew into the adjoining room. The wooden spoon clattered as it hit the floor. Bending down over her father, Adeline attempted to stop the bleeding. He’d been shot in the shoulder.
“Get up.” The stout bearded man spoke in a low growl.
“No.” Adeline made eye contact with the shooter. “I will not.”
“Then I’ll shoot a hole in that pretty little redhead of yours.”
“Go right ahead” She tore a piece off her petticoat and tied it around the wound. “I’ll not leave my father’s side willingly.”
The sound he emitted was more of a cackle than a laugh. He gestured with his gun to a taller man standing by the front door. “John, get her out of my way.”
You won’t want to miss the other books in the series!
Turn the page for a sneak peek!
The Other Books in the Series
Lawfully Matched: A Texas Lawkeeper Romance by Lorana Hoopes http://amzn.to/2sj3m8T
Lawfully Loved: A Texas Lawkeeper Romance by Jenna Brandt: http://amzn.to/2skQmiX
Lawfully Justified: A Bounty Hunter Historical Lawkeeper Romance by Lorana Hoopes http://amzn.to/2C3BXfd
Lawfully Adored: A K9 Contemporary Lawkeeper Romance by Jenna Brandt http://amzn.to/2sDk6aL
Lawfully Yours: A Bounty Hunter Historical Lawkeeper Romance by Ginny Sterling http://amzn.to/2GDMiN8
Lawfully Held: A K9 Con
temporary Lawkeeper Romance by Elle E Kay http://amzn.to/2HGmUYv
Check out all the law keeper books at The Lawkeeper Author Page
About The Author
Lorana Hoopes is an inspirational author originally from Texas but now living in the PNW with her husband and three children. When not writing, she can be seen kickboxing at the gym, singing, or acting on stage. One day, she hopes to retire from teaching and write full time.
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Also By Author
If you enjoyed this story, be sure to check out Lorana’s other books.
When Love Returns: The first in the Star Lake series. Presley Hays and Brandon Scott were best friends in High School until Morgan entered their town and stole Brandon’s heart. Devastated, Presley takes a scholarship to Le Cordon Bleu, but five years later, she is back in Star Lake after a tough breakup. Brandon thought he’d never return to Star Lake after Morgan left him and his daughter Joy, but when his father needs help, he returns home and finds more than he bargained for. Can Presley and Brandon forget past hurts or will their stubborn natures keep them apart forever? http://books2read.com/whenlovereturns
Once Upon a Star: The second book in the Star Lake series. Audrey left Star Lake to pursue acting, but after an unplanned pregnancy her jobs and her money dwindled, leaving her no option except to return home and start over. Blake was the quintessential nerd in high school and was never able to tell Audrey how he felt. Now that he’s gained confidence and some muscle, will he finally be able to reveal his feelings? Once Upon a Star will take you back to Christmas in Star Lake. Revisit your favorite characters and meet a few ones in this sweet Christmas read. https://www.books2read.com/OUAStar
Love Conquers All: Lanie Perkins Hall never imagined being divorced at thirty. Nor did she imagine falling for an old friend, but when she runs into Azarius Jacobson, she can't deny the attraction. As they begin to spend more time together, Lanie struggles with the fact Azarius keeps his past a secret. What is he hiding? And will she ever be able to get him to open up? Azarius Jacobson has loved Lanie Perkins Hall from the moment he saw her, but issues from his past have left him guarded. Now that he has another chance with her, will he find the courage to share his life with her? Or will his emotional walls create a barrier that will leave him alone once more? Find out in this heartfelt, emotional third book (stand alone) in the Star Lake series. https://www.books2read.com/loveconquersall
Where It All Began: Sandra Baker thought her life was on the right track until she ended up pregnant. Her boyfriend, not wanting the baby, pushes her to have an abortion. After the procedure, Sandra's life falls apart, and she turns to alcohol. Her relationship ends, and she struggles to find meaning in her life. When she meets Henry Dobbs, a strong Christian man, she begins to wonder if God would accept her. Will she tell Henry her darkest secret? And will she ever be able to forgive herself and find healing? Find out in this emotional love story. http://books2read.com/WhereBegan
The Power of Prayer: Callie Green thought she had her whole life planned out until her fiance left her at the altar. When her carefully laid plans crumble, she begins to make mistakes at work and engage in uncharacteristic activities. After a mistake nearly costs her her job, she cashes in her honeymoon tickets for some time away. There she meets JD, a charming Christian man who, even though she is not a believer, captures her interest. Before their relationship can deepen, Callie’s ex-fiance shows back up in her life and she is forced to choose between Daniel and JD. Who will she choose and how will her choice affect the rest of her life? Find out in this touching novel. http://books2read.com/PowerofPrayer
When Hearts Collide: Amanda Adams has always been a Christian, but she's a novice at relationships. When she meets Caleb, her emotions get the best of her and she ignores the sign that something is amiss. Will she find out before it’s too late? Jared Masterson is still healing from his girlfriend’s strange rejection and disappearance when he meets Amanda. She captivates his heart, but can he save her from making the biggest mistake of her life? A must read for mothers and daughters. Though part of the series and the first of the college spin off series, it is a stand alone book and can be read separately. http://books2read.com/Whenheartscollide
A Past Forgiven: Jess Peterson has lived a life of abuse and lost her self worth, but when she is paired with a Christian roommate, she begins to wonder if there is a loving father looking down on her. Her decisions lead her one way, but when she ends up pregnant, she must make some major changes. Chad Michelson is healing from his own past and uses meaningless relationships to hide his pain, but when Jess becomes pregnant, he begins to wonder about the meaning of life. Can he step up and be there for Jess and the baby? http://amzn.to/2Bo8njt
A Father’s Love: Maxwell Banks was the ultimate player until he found himself caring for a daughter he didn't know he had. Can he change to become the role model she needs? Alyssa Miller hasn't had the best luck with past relationships, so why is she falling for the one man who is sure to break her heart? Though nearly complete opposites, feelings develop, but can Max really change his philandering ways? Or will one mistake seal his fate forever? http://books2read.com/AFathersLove
Love Breaks Through: Brent just wanted to finish his novel in peace, but when his car breaks down in Sweet Grove, he is forced to deal with a female mechanic and try to get along. Sam thought she had given up on city boys, but when Brent shows up in her shop, she finds herself fighting attraction. Will their stubborn natures keep them apart or can a small town festival bring them together? http://tinyurl.com/lovebreaksthrough
Lawfully Matched: Kate Whidby doesn't want to impose on her newly married brother after their parents die, so she accepts a mail order bride offer in the paper. Little does she know the man she intends to marry has a dark past, sending her fleeing into a neighboring town and into Jesse Jenning's life. Jesse never wanted to be in law enforcement, but after a band of robbers kills his fiancee, he dons the badge and swears revenge. Will he find his fiancee's killer? And when Kate flies into his life, will he be able to put his painful past behind him in order to love again? http://amzn.to/2sj3m8T
Lawfully Justified: William Cook enjoyed serving the town, but he enjoyed the money of bounty hunting even more. When an injury threatens his life, will he change his ways to settle down or will his wild spirit always run free?Emma Stewart recently lost her husband and has moved back in with her widowed father. While she likes helping him heal the sick, she wants a family of her own. So no one is more surprised than she is when she falls for William. Can she offer him enough to get him to stay? http://amzn.to/2C3BXfd
Her children’s early reader chapter book series:
The Wishing Stone #1: Dangerous Dinosaur http://books2read.com/WishingStone1
The Wishing Stone #2: Dragon Dilemma http://books2read.com/WishingStone2
The Wishing Stone #3: Mesmerizing Mermaids http://books2read.com/wishingstone3
The Wishing Stone #4: Pyramid Puzzle COMING SOON
authorloranahoopes.com
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Lawfully Redeemed: Inspirational Christian Contemporary: (A K-9 Lawkeeper Romance) (The Lawkeepers) Page 8