by Delia Latham
“And I adore you, Michael Trevor. I always have.”
He gathered her close, touched his lips to hers, and forgot they had an audience until the minister cleared his throat.
“Pardon me, sir!” Michael took a step backward but grinned and held his new wife close to his side.
“Please face the audience,” Ken instructed, and then made the introduction Michael had waited an entire decade to hear. “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Michael Holliday.”
****
The flawlessly catered meal had been enjoyed. After-dinner espressos were lingered over. Christmas greetings had been exchanged, along with teasing comments about Noelle’s last-minute-appearance.
Noelle was beyond ready to be alone with the love of her life and sighed with pure relief when the door closed behind the last guest.
Without a word, Michael reached for her hand, and they walked up the stairs together. At the top, he swept her into his arms and carried her through the door to his bedroom, which their mothers had turned into a gorgeous honeymoon suite.
He set her on her feet but then gathered her into his arms. “You gave me quite a scare, my darling.”
“I’m so sorry.” Noelle snuggled against his chest. “I was there, just inside the doors, while you spoke your vows, and I hugged each one to my heart. Oh, Michael…I loved knowing you were making those beautiful promises just for me.”
“For you alone, Noelle. Always and forever.”
“As are mine for you.” She hesitated, and then put a hand against his cheek. “Michael, would you make one more vow with me? I promise to always trust in our love for each other, no matter what, and to remember how truly unimportant everything else really is.”
“That’s actually two more vows.”
She grinned without apology. “Why, yes, it is.”
Michael chuckled but sobered quickly. “I promise to always trust in our love for each other, no matter what.” He trailed kisses along her jawline. “And to remember how unimportant everything else is.”
“Thank you, my handsome, hunky, perfect husband.” Noelle slid her arms around his neck. “Now…are we going to stand here and talk all night?”
Her husband swept her up into his arms yet again, making her squeal in surprise at the sudden move. “We’ve done quite enough talking today…and waited far too long for what comes next.”
She nuzzled his neck and moved her lips close to his ear. “Far, far too long.”
Michael lay her gently on the bed their mothers had turned back for them. Scooping scattered chocolates off their pillows, he dropped them next to a bottle of sparkling cider nestled in a silver cooler. Then he eased down beside her, plucked a rose petal from her hair, and traced her lips with one finger. “I’m so happy you’re back, Noelle.”
She laughed softly. “It would’ve been hard to say I do from San Francisco.”
“True, but that’s not what I meant. I’m glad you’re back. The Noelle I remember.”
A smile teased her lips upward. “Oh…you mean the first Noelle?”
Michael hiked a brow, puzzlement darkening his expression for half an instant. And then he laughed as understanding dawned. “Yes. The first Noelle…as my angel did say.”
He drew her closer than he’d ever had the right to before. Ever so slowly, he bent his head to hers, and almost…almost…touched her lips with his own.
Noelle clutched at his shoulders, barely able to draw a breath. His lips tilted into the smile that never failed to make her heart race. From his eyes shone all the love he’d held so long in his heart. Over his shoulder, she glimpsed the blink and twinkle of silver bells on a Christmas tree hung with wedding-themed ornaments and wrapped in red and white ribbon. Then, at last, Michael touched his lips to hers, and she forgot the tree, and the mansion, and that the morning would bring Christmas day.
His kiss melted away every trace of the Ice Princess. Only the first Noelle remained, happy and secure in her husband’s love—a love once lost, and now forever found.
Thank you
We appreciate you reading this White Rose Publishing title. For other inspirational stories, please visit our on-line bookstore at www.pelicanbookgroup.com.
For questions or more information, contact us at [email protected].
White Rose Publishing
Where Faith is the Cornerstone of Love™
an imprint of Pelican Book Group
www.PelicanBookGroup.com
Connect with Us
www.facebook.com/Pelicanbookgroup
www.twitter.com/pelicanbookgrp
To receive news and specials, subscribe to our bulletin
http://pelink.us/bulletin_
May God’s glory shine through
this inspirational work of fiction.
AMDG
You Can Help!
At Pelican Book Group it is our mission to entertain readers with fiction that uplifts the Gospel. It is our privilege to spend time with you awhile as you read our stories.
We believe you can help us to bring Christ into the lives of people across the globe. And you don’t have to open your wallet or even leave your house!
Here are 3 simple things you can do to help us bring illuminating fiction™ to people everywhere.
1) If you enjoyed this book, write a positive review. Post it at online retailers and websites where readers gather. And share your review with us at [email protected] (this does give us permission to reprint your review in whole or in part.)
2) If you enjoyed this book, recommend it to a friend in person, at a book club or on social media.
3) If you have suggestions on how we can improve or expand our selection, let us know. We value your opinion. Use the contact form on our web site or e-mail us at [email protected]
God Can Help!
Are you in need? The Almighty can do great things for you. Holy is His Name! He has mercy in every generation. He can lift up the lowly and accomplish all things. Reach out today.
Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
~Isaiah 41:10 (NAB)
We pray daily, and we especially pray for everyone connected to Pelican Book Group—that includes you! If you have a specific need, we welcome the opportunity to pray for you. Share your needs or praise reports at http://pelink.us/pray4us
Free Book Offer
We’re looking for booklovers like you to partner with us! Join our team of influencers today and receive at least one free eBook per month. Maybe more!
For more information
Visit http://pelicanbookgroup.com/booklovers