“Oh, I’m obligated, honey. Obligated to kiss your pretty lips. Often and thoroughly. I’m obligated to say ‘I love you’ instead of rattling off my to-do lists. Obligated to give you my heart and my life.” He lowered his head to hers, hovering just above her lips. “But there is one thing I need from you in return.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. He’d never felt anything quite as perfect.
“Name it,” she whispered. “It’s yours. I’m yours.”
“Yeah, that’s the thing,” he said back, kissing her, and then kissing her again. “You never really answered me.”
Their foreheads met and she smiled into his lips.
“Then I’m answering now. Yes.”
Epilogue
Rap. Rap. Rap.
Heather’s pulse jumped, but it wasn’t because someone was knocking on the door, or even because of who was on the other side.
Today was the day.
“Heather? You about ready?”
When Heather turned in her bustle to move to the door, Alexis gave a little squeal of distress and launched herself for the train of the white gown. Heather had thought a different color might be more appropriate, but Shawn had talked her into white. She had asked her new friends from church—Samantha Davenport, Mary Bishop and Alexis Haddon to stand up with her today.
“Sorry,” Heather said as she giggled, swinging the door open. They were tucked into one of the Sunday school rooms for final preparations.
Shawn’s father beamed back at her. Six months sober and counting. He was still in rehab but had come out for the wedding today. To their delight, Kenneth had come clean after Shawn had called to tell him of the engagement. He’d said he wanted to be there for all of his grandkids, and so far, it appeared he was serious about the endeavor.
“Shawn sent me to tell you that curtain call’s in fifteen minutes.” He wagged his eyebrows. “You’re certain you’re ready to get hitched to my son?”
“More than you could ever imagine,” she assured her soon-to-be fatherin-law. “Is everything good to go on the other end?”
“I don’t know about that,” Kenneth said with a laugh. “Shawn’s practically jumping out of his skin, he’s so anxious to tie the knot with you. I’m afraid he’s going to pass out from too much adrenaline. You don’t happen to have a paper bag on you, do you?”
“Sorry, no.”
“Just teasing, love. I’ll get him to the altar, don’t you worry none about that.”
“I appreciate it.” She smiled. She hadn’t really been worried. “Tell Shawn I’ll see him soon.”
Meeting Shawn at the altar couldn’t come soon enough for her. She’d been dreaming about this day for months now. Shawn had insisted she plan every little thing. She would have been happy with just the two of them standing up in front of one of his pastor friends, but he’d insisted she have a “real” wedding, whatever that was. He wanted everything to be perfect for her on her special day. Before she knew it she was caught up in colors and caterers and floral bouquets.
All she cared about was having a real marriage, and she knew she was going to get that with Shawn. She was glad, though, that they’d waited, if only because the extra time meant she’d had the opportunity to start attending church, reacquainting herself with old friends and neighbors and meeting new ones.
They were all out there now, waiting to see their beloved pastor marry the love of his life. She supposed it was about time she made that happen.
It was only when she stood in the vestibule just outside the sanctuary that her nerves kicked in. She was more than a little anxious about stepping on her dress and falling on her face in front of everyone, but not a bit worried about joining her life to Shawn’s.
There was no fear in love.
Samantha and Mary helped Henry, in a little white tux with his blond hair carefully slicked back, start up the aisle bearing the pillow on which their rings were bound. Next went Missy in her precious red flower-girl dress and carrying a basket of rose petals. Shawn had insisted on roses—it was the only real opinion he had on the wedding details other than the color of her dress.
With final giggles and well wishes, Samantha, Mary and Alexis drag-stepped down the aisle. Heather strained to see if she could catch a glimpse of Shawn, but he was standing off center and she couldn’t see him. She knew once she looked into his eyes all would be well in her world.
She carefully released a breath and smiled at Jacob, who was pacing the vestibule and looking uncomfortable in his classic black tuxedo. Like Henry, he’d slicked his dark hair back, but a stubborn lock fell over his forehead. Jacob, like his future father, preferred life in jeans and boots to dressing up, but he was trying to be a good sport about it. Just for today.
“Ready to do this?” she asked him.
The boy’s eyes gleamed. He stood tall and offered his arm to Heather.
“You look beautiful,” he murmured with an awkward grin.
“And you, sir, are unbelievably handsome. I’m so proud to have my son walking me down the aisle today.” The three children’s adoptions were set to be finalized just after the first of the year, but in Heather’s heart it was already a done deal.
The bridal march started and the congregation rose. Heather scanned the room, seeing a tidal wave of the joy-filled faces of her friends packing the entire sanctuary. The place was full to overflowing. Standing-room only.
Nerve-racking.
Thank You, Lord, for seeing me to this day, but please don’t let me trip over my dress. Or my feet. Or my tongue.
She stepped into the aisle, straining to see Shawn. Where was he?
Fresh Christmas trees with twinkling lights from Emerson’s Hardware lined the outside walls and poinsettias graced the altar, creating an intoxicating mixture of scents. The Christmas season would always carry a special place in their hearts, even without their anniversary falling deep in December.
Shawn stepped forward, into the middle of the aisle, and reached out his free hand to her. In the other he held Noelle, who’d grown considerably over the past few months. She was saying simple words and was near to taking her first step. Her little red dress matched Missy’s, and she had roses threaded through her black curls.
Shawn’s gaze met hers and she forgot to breathe. He was handsome in his work clothes—khakis and dress shirts—and even more so in jeans and boots and sporting that straw cowboy hat of his. But today, in a classic black tux and bolo tie, his black boots polished and shining, he was magnificent.
She reached his side and he wrapped his large, warm hand over hers. Kenneth took Noelle and deposited her into her birth mother’s arms. Kristen had made a full and complete recovery, a blessing the doctors could not explain. She was now enrolled at a community college and had a job and an apartment, all of which Shawn and Heather had helped her acquire. It was wonderful and satisfying to see the teenager get on her feet. She’d asked—begged—for them to adopt Noelle, and so they’d met with a lawyer to see about an open adoption. Kristen visited them on weekends to get to know her daughter, and they were happy to have her.
After all the years of not wanting to wake up in the morning, Heather now couldn’t wait for each day to begin. Holding the hand of the man she loved, surrounded by her family and friends, every day was an adventure, every second filled with love and joy.
The ceremony was kind of a blur to her. She couldn’t think. She could only feel—overpowering love and emotion for the man standing at her side. She didn’t hear a word anyone said until it was time for her to turn to Shawn so they could speak their vows to each other. He recited his vows to love and cherish her in the stout, persuasive voice of a natural-born orator, but she didn’t need his words to be convinced.
He proclaimed his love for her with every smile, every gesture, every expression. And when she looked into his eyes, she could see forever.
*
Keep reading for an excerpt from HER HOLIDAY FAMILY by Ruth Logan Herne.
Dear Reader,
What do you get when you combine rugged cowboys with adorable babies? Why, my new series, of course! I’m so excited to present Cowboy Country, where we’ll adventure together back to Serendipity, Texas. If you’ve read any of my previous Serendipity novels, you may catch a glimpse of some familiar characters.
In Yuletide Baby, Heather and Shawn were both survivors of wretched pasts and victims of others’ bad choices. When their pasts come back to disrupt their lives, they are only able to overcome and triumph with God’s help and by turning to each other.
Most of us battle some memories we’d rather forget. If you’re struggling to reconcile your past with your present circumstances, I hope you’ll be encouraged by Shawn and Heather’s story and, with God’s help, look to your future with renewed hope. God’s mercy is new every morning.
I hope you enjoyed Yuletide Baby. I love to connect with you, my readers, in a personal way. You can look me up at www.debkastnerbooks.com. Come join me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/debkastnerbooks, or you can catch me on Twitter, @debkastner.
Please know that you are daily in my prayers.
Love courageously,
Questions for Discussion
Why do you think Shawn believed he was unqualified to care for Noelle? What changed his mind?
Why do you think Noelle’s mother left her at the church? Was it an act of love or selfishness?
In what ways, practical and spiritual, did the community step up to support Shawn, Heather and the foster children? What are some ways you can offer your support to someone in need?
How did Heather’s abusive past affect her self-image? Has your self-image been impacted by any event or person? Was it positive or negative?
Why do you think Shawn continued to own his ranch even after he became the pastor of a church?
Why do you think Heather felt guilty about Adrian’s driving accident?
Did you relate more to Shawn or Heather? Why?
How did David’s accident affect Shawn as an adult?
Do you think Heather will ever be completely free of the trauma Adrian caused her?
In what ways was Noelle a blessing to Shawn?
Why do you think Missy’s accident shook Shawn’s faith in himself as a foster parent?
Why do you think Heather hesitated when Shawn proposed to her?
What are some of the challenges Shawn and Heather had as single parents? How will this change when they become a blended family?
What made you pick up this book? Title? Author? Cover?
Does this novel have a takeaway value? Can you define it? Does it apply to your life?
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.
You believe hearts can heal. Love Inspired stories show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives—always.
Enjoy six new stories from Love Inspired every month!
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Chapter One
The old familiar voice stopped Tina Martinelli in her tracks as she stepped through the back door of Campbell’s Hardware Store late Sunday morning. “I’ll do whatever you need, Dad. I’m here to stay.”
Max Campbell was here? In Kirkwood Lake?
Max Campbell, her teenage crush. The Campbell son who’d enlisted in the army and had never looked back. Max Campbell, the to-die-for, dark-haired, brown-eyed, adopted Latino son who’d broken countless hearts back in the day? The guy who used to hang out at her neighbor’s house, until Pete Sawyer and his girlfriend lost their lives in a tragic late-night boating accident.
She’d never seen Max at the Sawyers’ again. Not to visit Pete’s parents. Not to offer Pete’s little sister, Sherrie, a hug. Abnormally quiet became the new normal.
No more Max, no more Pete, no more parties.
A lot had changed on one warm, dark summer’s night.
The wooden back door of Campbell’s Hardware swung shut before she could stop it, the friendly squeak announcing her arrival. She did a very feminine mental reassessment before moving forward.
Hair?
Typical elfin crazy.
Nails?
Short and stubby, perfect for a hardware clerk, but not for coming face-to-face with Max Campbell over a decade later.
Makeup?
She hadn’t bothered with any. She’d spent her early morning testing a new recipe, something she hoped to use in the not-too-distant future.
“Tina? That you?” The forced heartiness of Charlie Campbell’s voice said she had little choice but to move forward, so that’s what she did.
“I’m here, Charlie.” She strode into the store, shoulders back, chin high, when what she wanted was a thirty—
minute makeover. Why hadn’t she worn her favorite jeans, the ones that made her feel young, jazzed and totally able to handle whatever life handed out?
Because you were coming to work in a hardware store, and who wears their best jeans to work in a hardware store?
The two men turned in tandem.
Her heart stopped when she locked eyes with Max.
She set it right back to beating with a stern internal warning because, despite Max’s short, dark hair and dangerously attractive good looks, the guy had left his adoptive family when he’d finished college and hadn’t come back since. And that was plain wrong.
“Tina, you remember our son Max, don’t you?” Pride strengthened Charlie’s voice, while the effects of his ongoing chemotherapy showed the reality of his current battle with pancreatic cancer. “He’s a captain now, but he’s come back home for a while.”
“For good, Dad.” Max’s gaze offered assurance tinged with regret, but life taught Tina that assurances often meant little and ended badly. Around Kirkwood Lake the proof was in the pudding, as Jenny Campbell liked to say. And Max had a lot of proving to do.
She stepped forward and extended her hand, wishing her skin was smoother, her nails prettier, her—
He wrapped her hand in a broad, warm clasp, sure and strong but gentle, too.
And then he did the unthinkable.
He noticed her.
His gaze sharpened. His eyes widened. He gripped his other hand around the first, embracing her hand with both of his. “This is little Tina? Little Tina Martinelli? For real?”
The blush started somewhere around her toes and climbed quickly.
Little Tina.
That’s what she’d been to him, an awestruck kid stargazing as the wretchedly good-looking youngest Campbell brother broke hearts across the lakeside villages. Max wasn’t what you’d call a bad boy…
But no one accused him of being all that good, either.
“It’s me.” She flashed him a smile, hoping her Italian skin softened the blush, but the frankness of Charlie’s grin said it hadn’t come close. “I—”
“It’s good to see you, Tina.”
Warmth. Honesty. Integrity.
His tone and words professed all three, so maybe the army had done him good, but she’d locked down her teenage crush a long time back. Over. Done. Finished. “You, too.”
Did he hold her hand a moment too long?
Of course not, he was just being nice.
But when she pulled her hand away, a tiny glint in his eye set her heart beating faster.
Clearly she needed a pacemaker, because she wasn’t about to let Max Campbell’s inviting smile and good looks tempt her from her newly planned road. Life had offered an unwelcome detour less than four weeks ago, when her popular café burned to the ground on a windswept October night. She’d watched the flames devour ten years of hard work and sacrifice, everything gone in two short hours. It made her heart ache to
think how quickly things could change.
“You’re working here, Tina?” Max angled his head slightly, and his appreciative look said this was an interesting—and nice—turn of events.
“Tina came on board to help when I got sick,” Charlie explained. He indicated the waterfront southwest of them with a thrust of his chin. “She had the nicest little café right over there in Sol Rigby’s old mechanics shop. Put a lot of time and money into that place, a bunch of years. Her coffee shop became one of those places folks love to stop at, but it caught fire a few weeks back. The local volunteers did their best to save it, but the sharp north wind and the fire’s head start was too much. So Tina’s helping us out while we’re waiting for the dust to settle with my treatments.”
Concern darkened Max’s gaze as he turned her way, as if the loss of her beloved business mattered, as if she mattered.
Don’t look like that, Max.
Don’t look like you care that my hopes and dreams went up in smoke. That despite how I invested every penny and ounce of energy into building that business, it evaporated in one crazy, flame-filled night. You’re not the caring type, remember? When life turns tragic, you tend to disappear. And I’ve had enough of that to last a lifetime.
Tears pricked her eyes.
She’d been doing better these past few weeks. She could walk past the burned-out building and not shed a tear. Oh, she shed some mental ones each time, but she hadn’t cried for real since that first week, when rain or a puff of wind sent the smell of burned-out wood wafting through the village.
“Tina, I’m so sorry.” He looked like he wanted to say more, but stopped himself. He appraised her, then stepped back. “You don’t mind teaching me stuff, do you? I’m pretty good with a grappling hook or an all-terrain vehicle on caterpillar treads. Put a semiautomatic in my hands and I’m on my game.” He made a G.I. Joe–type motion and stance, ready to stand guard for truth, justice and the American way. “But Dad’s new computerized cash registers?” He made a face of fear, and the fact that he steered the conversation away from her pain meant he recognized the emotion and cared.
Sure he cares. Like you’re a kid sister who just broke her favorite toy. Get hold of yourself, will you? “I’ll be glad to show you whatever you need, Max.” She shifted her gaze left. “Charlie, are you staying today?”
Love Inspired December 2014 - Box Set 1 of 2: A Rancher for ChristmasHer Montana ChristmasAn Amish Christmas JourneyYuletide Baby Page 77