“I understand now. I get it. You couldn’t talk about this and here I thought it was something else,” Michael said.
Faith kissed his mouth. “Yes, he did destroy my trust and my faith in men. All that was true, so what you picked up on was correct. But you restored that and I am so happy that you loved me enough to see me through.”
Michael playfully touched her nose with his forefinger. “For a minute there I didn’t know if I was the right man for the job, but I figured that if I loved you enough, you would come around.”
They kissed each other passionately as their bodies melted together. Once Faith broke the connection, she said to him, “Now we can go on with our lives.”
Epilogue
Valentine’s Day, One Year Later
Love was certainly in the air, and Faith McClendon’s eyes sparkled as she studied her reflection in the full-length wall mirror. She had waited for over a year, and the most important day of her life had finally arrived. In the next thirty minutes, she would marry her best friend, Michael.
Smiling at her reflection, she couldn’t get enough of looking at herself in her best creation to date—her wedding gown. With some help from Margaret, Faith had tailored a sophisticated and gorgeous, form-fitting ivory dress that made her feel like a queen. She loved the way the luxe satin material lay against her body, hugging her curves, making her feel sensual and perfect.
Faith took a deep breath before running her hand over exquisite embellished embroidery on the bodice and the long, sheer sleeves. Turning to the side, she marveled at the dramatic see-through back, with scroll designs, that featured covered satin buttons.
Stepping closer to the mirror, a wash of emotions hit her all at once as she reflected on her journey to happily ever after. It had been a long road and she had indeed grown into a much stronger, more independent woman.
She was proud of her accomplishments. From opening her own boutique, Made to Order by Faith, to saying yes to Michael—Faith had made some good decisions in her life.
And she didn’t have to worry about Kevin Harrington any longer because he was scheduled to be the guest of honor at the Illinois Federal Prison for the next fifteen years.
A knock on the door caused her to flinch and she looked over her shoulder. “Come in,” she said, waiting to see who was at the door.
Jennifer peeked inside. “Hey, you ready for us now?” she asked, walking in with Renee and Patrice in tow.
“You look so beautiful,” Renee commented, as the other two sisters stood with her.
They gathered around Faith, standing as close as they could without stepping on her gown. Jennifer secured a loose tendril of Faith’s hair. “Do you want me to touch up your hair?” she asked, removing a small hairbrush from her handbag.
They glared at each other, both women’s eyes sparkling with tears. Jennifer grabbed some Kleenex from the box and dabbed at Faith’s eyes. “Don’t ruin your makeup. It took me a long time to get it right.”
Faith chuckled. “I can’t believe I’m getting married today,” she said, turning back toward the mirror. Her sisters stood at her sides as, before glancing at them, she fanned out the elaborate cathedral-length veil she’d hand made.
“I have to say, you are stunning,” Patrice said.
Faith stood still as Jennifer took a small hairbrush and touched up the edges of her hair, smoothing them down, then adjusted the jeweled tiara that held together the elegant upswept hairstyle.
Jennifer stepped back. “Perfect,” she said before placing a kiss on Faith’s cheek.
“Where are my babies?” Faith asked, wanting to see her three-year-old twin niece and nephew who were serving as her flower girl and ring bearer, respectively.
“Mama is getting Mariah dressed and I just took Micah to Daddy.”
Faith waved her hand. “Step back so I can see how you guys look.”
Each of her sisters chose a dress that was comfortable, so the length of their dresses varied, but all three were ruby red. Patrice’s dress was a floor-length chiffon gown with a lace bodice, sweetheart neckline and wide shoulder straps. The back of her dress had the covered buttons similar to Faith’s. Renee chose a short chiffon dress with a sweetheart neckline and halter-style back. Jennifer’s dress was a three-quarter-length European satin dress with V-neck front and back, the cummerbund style accenting the waistline with a flared skirt.
“I think you all look amazing,” Faith said, her eyes filling with tears once again.
Patrice stepped forward. “Is this everything you dreamed of, Faith?”
Faith nodded. “Yes,” she said. “I couldn’t have imagined it any different.”
Suddenly, they could hear the church organ swell with “Ave Maria”, which signaled the wedding was about to begin.
Faith started fanning herself with her hands as soon as she glanced up at the clock on the wall. “It’s almost time,” she said.
She was so happy that she’d hired a wedding planner, Ivy Hart Damon from Hearts and Flowers. Ivy had a wonderful reputation and Faith found her to be very knowledgeable and resourceful.
They heard the door squeak open and Ivy came into the room. “Ladies, we’re ready to begin now.”
Each of Faith’s sisters kissed her cheek before leaving her alone in the room, but only for a short time. As soon as she heard the music change, she knew it was her turn, so she opened the door and saw her father standing there waiting.
“You look so good, Daddy,” Faith commented, walking over to him.
Russell kissed her on the forehead. “Baby, you are breathtaking.” He held out his arm for her to take.
Once she connected her arm with her father’s, he rubbed her hand. “You happy?”
Faith gave her father a big smile. “Happier than I’ve ever been in my life.”
Russell nodded. “That’s all I want to hear,” he said, leading her down the long hallway to the church sanctuary.
They stopped just before they got to the door. The midtempo beat of BeBe Winans singing “For the Rest of My Life” could be heard throughout the building. Faith had chosen that song because of the words. It fit her and Michael’s relationship to a tee.
Russell glanced at her. “You ready?”
Faith nodded. “Yes, as I’ll ever be.”
The double doors opened and the coordinator directed them to move forward. Once she stood at the door, Faith could see the red rose petals resting on the white carpet that would lead her to her love.
On her father’s arm, Faith walked down the aisle toward Michael. The church was filled with their family and friends who would witness and share their special day. Russell placed Faith’s hand in Michael’s and went to sit next to Myra.
After giving her bouquet to Jennifer, Faith captured Michael’s other hand and he gave her a wink. They turned in front of the minister, ready to recite their vows to one another. This was the beginning of their life together, one in which they would live happily ever after.
About the Author
Sean Young has always been an avid reader. This Gary, Indiana, native joined her first book club at the age of seven. A lover of the happily ever after, Sean uses her vivid imagination to craft heartwarming and passionate family love stories that deal with forgiveness, promise, romance and redemption. A certified wedding planner by trade, Sean continues to help brides plan the wedding of their dreams.
She loves to hear from her readers, who can contact her at [email protected].
Look for these titles by Sean D. Young
Coming Soon:
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This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.
Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
11821 Mason Montgomery Road Suite 4B
Cincinnati OH 45249
A McClendon Thanksgiving
Copyright © 2015 by Sean D. Young
ISBN: 978-1-61923-126-9
Edited by Latoya Smith
Cover by Syd Gill
All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: October 2015
www.samhainpublishing.com
A McClendon Thanksgiving Page 26