“I love you, too, Daddy.”
Krispin squeezed her hand and gave Wayne a wink. Pastor Russell continued with the wedding service. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today… .”
Her eyes met Krispin’s. The confessions of love and fidelity were spoken with such truth and honesty Jess had no doubt this man would keep his word to her and to God. Her love for Krispin deepened as she professed her love to him.
“Krispin, you may kiss your bride.” Pastor Russell smiled.
Krispin cradled her head in his hands. “I love you, Jess.”
“I love you, too.”
Their lips met. A deep warmth of excitement, passion, and completeness filled out the kiss. Oh yes, she was one with this man and would be for the rest of her life.
Slowly the sounds of the cheers and clapping from those watching penetrated their senses, and Krispin pulled away. His fingers slid down her arms and entwined hers. They turned and met the congregation.
“May I present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Krispin Black.”
Jess’s smile filled her face. Krispin’s did the same.
The old pipe organ cranked out the traditional wedding recessional, and Krispin led her down the aisle, past his parents, past hers. In the row behind her father and stepmother was her bio-mom, Terry, with her husband and children. Jess smiled. Terry actually seemed comfortable being there.
Krispin pulled Jess into his embrace once they stepped into the foyer. “I love you, Mrs. Black.”
“I love you, too.”
“What did your mom say about her matron of honor present?”
“She and Dad were floored. I can’t believe you worked it out for them to join us the second week in Italy.”
“Well, you said your father wanted to travel more, and I know Dena’s been there before, so she’ll be a great tour guide.”
“Honey, that isn’t why you invited them, is it?”
“No, it isn’t. But I love the togetherness of your family.”
“I know, and that’s what I told them. They’re excited and will be joining us.”
“Great. Besides, your stepbrother, Chad, got us a fantastic rate. Oh, by the way, he and his family will be joining us, as well.”
“What?” Jess’s knees felt weak.
“I rented a large villa for the second week. There are six bedrooms, so I figured we had room to invite the rest of the family to join us. I know that Amber and David would never be able to afford a trip like this, and neither would pastor, so I figured with the rate Chad was able to get, we could afford to bring the entire clan over with us.”
“You’re kidding!”
People were gathering to shake their hands and congratulate them. “Nope. I figured it would be fun to have a family Thanksgiving in Italy.”
“Do Mom and Dad know?”
“Probably by now. I had the family keep it a surprise from you and your parents. I had to check with them to see if they could arrange their schedules to join us. It took some work, but they’ll all be able to come.”
“Just how much money did you make last month?”
Krispin leaned over and whispered in her ear. Jess’s eyes bulged. “You’re kidding!” she said again.
“Nope.”
“So you could have afforded that forty-thousand-dollar ring?”
“Yup. But this trip is better than that ring, right?”
Jess started to giggle. She giggled all during the receiving line. Not only was Krispin Black suited for love, he was the giver of love to others. As they walked back into the church for the wedding photos, she said, “You’re nuts, you know.”
“Absolutely. Nuts about you and nuts about a forgiving God who has blessed me beyond all I could ever hope for.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.” They stood arm in arm and posed for the cameras. Jess’s heart swelled yet again with love for this incredible man. And for an incredible God who would, and could, take away all the hardness of the world and make vessels suitable for His love for others.
About the Author
LYNN A. COLEMAN lives in north central Florida with her pastor husband of thirty-two years. She has three grown children and eight grandchildren. She enjoys writing for the Lord. She is the co-founder and founding president of American Christian Fiction Writers, Inc. Currently she is the E-Region director of the Florida Writers Association. Lynn enjoys hearing from her readers. Visit her Web site at www.lynncoleman.com.
Dedication
I’d like to dedicate this book to all eight of my grandchildren: Jonathan, Joshua, Leanna, Serenity, Matthew, Kayla, Jeremiah, and Hannah. God’s grace has blessed me with a wonderful husband. Then He blessed us with three children who have turned around and blessed us with the eight of you. My prayer for each of you is that you will find the gift of a spouse who is suited for loving you and Him. God bless you all.
Love, Grandma
A note from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Lynn A. Coleman
Author Relations
PO Box 721
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
Suited For Love Page 16