“That’s not even funny.” Raven giggled anyway, thankful for friends who always found a way to make her laugh. She glanced at Chrissy with a smile. “I wish I could drink coffee right now to calm my nerves.”
“And risk spilling it on that dress? Not a chance.”
Raven turned to look at herself in the mirror. She’d thought the dress was perfect the moment she saw it in the store. It looked even better now. Embroidered flowers covered the cream-colored fabric. It gave the whole dress a pretty, detailed look. The fabric hugged her waist and hips before flaring out into a beautiful floor-length skirt and a train that was just the right length.
No, she didn’t want to spill coffee on this dress. She couldn’t wait for Heath to see her wearing it.
The thought had her pulse racing again. “How much longer?”
“Fifteen minutes.” Rosie’s, Mandy’s, and Chrissy’s voices combined in a chorus that had everyone laughing. They gathered around Raven until they could see each other in the mirror.
Raven looked at each of them, thankful Rosie could be her maid of honor, and her two best friends her bridesmaids. “You ladies rock. Seriously, thank you for everything.”
The door opened and Mom came through. The moment she saw Raven, she fanned her face to keep the tears at bay. “Oh, honey. Look at you. Beautiful. I’m so happy both of my daughters will finally be married. Think about it: your babies can grow up together. Oh, it’ll be so much fun to see the cousins playing!”
Raven rolled her eyes at Rosie before placing a hand on each of their mother’s shoulders. “Let’s get me married first, huh? I’m pretty sure popping out babies while walking down the aisle is frowned upon.”
Mom gave her an exasperated look. “I wanted you to know your father’s waiting downstairs. We’ll be starting the ceremony soon.” She gathered Raven’s hands in her own. “I’m so happy.” She kissed Raven’s cheek before leaving.
Rosie patted Tilly’s diapered bottom. “I’ll go hand this baby girl off to her daddy and be right back.”
Raven called over her shoulder. “Will you do me a favor and see if Heath’s father made it in?”
“Of course.”
Raven chewed on her bottom lip for a second before Mandy smacked her arm. “Stop that, you’re messing up your gloss.” She grabbed the tube of lip gloss and reapplied it. “I take it Mr. Shaw still isn’t speaking to Heath? That’s so sad.”
Raven frowned. “Ever since they had that big blow up over Heath’s decision to retire, Mr. Shaw hasn’t spoken to him. Heath asked him to be his best man and was going to try and convince him to come this morning. One of his groomsmen will stand in if Mr. Shaw doesn’t show, but I’m hoping it won’t come to that.” The thought of something so hurtful marring their wedding made Raven both sad and angry for her future husband.
“That’s horrible.” Chrissy shook her head. “It was big of Heath to ask him to be his best man despite everything.”
The door opened again, and Rosie returned with a smile on her face. “Believe it or not, Mr. Shaw is downstairs and in position. Okay, your dad is on his way, Raven. The rest of us should go.”
The ladies held hands as Mandy led them in a prayer of blessing over the day and the couple’s future together. There was a knock at the door as they all echoed “Amen.”
Rosie, Mandy, and Chrissy slipped out before Raven’s dad entered the room. He stood looking at her, tears in his eyes.
“My baby girl, you are beautiful. I can’t believe my youngest daughter is finally getting married.”
For once, the comment about being the youngest by two minutes didn’t bother her one bit. Instead, she slipped her hand through his arm and smiled up at him. “Thanks, Daddy.”
“Are you ready for this?”
She nodded.
“Good. Because I don’t think I am.” He squeezed her hand and led her out of the room. They maneuvered their way down the short flight of stairs to the main level of the church.
The music played, and after a time Dad escorted Raven down the aisle. She basked in the love and support of her family, friends, and community.
But it was the man who stood at the end that truly drew her forward. Those blue eyes of his watched her every step, filled with the kind of love she’d only imagined before meeting him. When Dad placed her hand in Heath’s, she knew this was where she belonged.
Heath pressed a kiss to her hand and then held it firmly in his. They turned to face the pastor, and the ceremony began.
A few minutes into the ceremony, the pastor encouraged them to exchange vows. Heath smiled into her eyes. “Raven, from the moment I met you, I knew you were the one for me. We’ve had some hiccups along the way,” there were chuckles around the room, including a teary one from Raven, “and we’ve spent way more time apart than I would’ve liked. But tomorrow is the first day of a new year. It’s fitting because it’s also the first day of our lives together. I praise God each day that you gave me a second chance, and I’ll spend every breath He gives me loving you.” He slipped the wedding ring on her finger and kissed it.
How was Raven supposed to follow that when she had a lump in her throat and was doing her best not to cry? She sniffed and blinked rapidly to clear the tears. Heath reached up and swiped her cheek with his thumb.
She cleared her throat and focused on their joined hands. “I used to think of the years we spent apart and only saw what was missing. But now I understand we needed that time to grow and change into who we are today.” She raised her chin and gazed into his eyes. “You are my best friend and the man who holds the key to my heart. What we went through was hard, but I wouldn’t change a thing because it brought us to where we are now. I’m proud of who you are. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
The softness and love in his eyes followed her movements as she slid his wedding ring onto his finger.
The pastor smiled and put a hand on each of their shoulders. “Now by the power vested in me by the City of Clearwater, it is my honor and delight to declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Raven gave a little squeak as Heath scooped her into his arms and gave her a kiss that had her toes tingling. When they parted, everyone in the room was clapping, whooping, and whistling. Her cheeks grew warm, but she waved to the crowd as Heath held her close.
“You’re not going to drop me, are you?” she teased, one of her palms resting on the side of his face.
“Are you kidding? I have no intention of ever letting you go again.” His lips touched hers again in a kiss that promised forever.
~*~
Thank you for taking the time to read Marrying Raven. I hope you enjoyed it and will consider leaving a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. I like hearing what you think about it, and your review will also help other readers discover new books.
Read the rest of the books in the
Brides of Clearwater series today!
~*~
Subscribe to Melanie’s newsletter and receive
monthly emails containing recipes, information
about new releases, giveaways, and more!
Melanie D. Snitker’s
Newsletter
Acknowledgments
Marrying Raven would never have come together if it weren’t for the love, grace, and patience that God has seen fit to send my way. It is my prayer that He uses this book to bless others.
Many thanks to the wonderful people who took the time to read, critique, and help me edit this book: Steph, Mom (Suzanne), Rachel, Kris, Shanna, Denny, Sandy, and Heather. I appreciate you all!
This book cover is one of my favorites, and it never would have come together if it weren’t for the photography talents of Jennifer from Jennifer Pitts Photography and Vicki’s design skills at Blue Valley Author Services. Thank you, ladies, for this gorgeous cover that fits Raven’s book so perfectly.
About the Author
Melanie D. Snitker has enjoyed writing fiction for as long as she can reme
mber. She started out creating episodes of cartoon shows she wanted to see as a child, and her love of writing grew from there. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children, who keep their lives full of adventure, and two dogs, who add a dash of mischief to the family dynamics. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, crocheting, baking, and hanging out with family and friends.
www.melaniedsnitker.com
https://twitter.com/MelanieDSnitker
www.facebook.com/melaniedsnitker
Books by Melanie D. Snitker
Stand Alone Titles:
Calming the Storm
Love’s Compass Series
Finding Peace (Book 1)
Finding Hope (Book 2)
Finding Courage (Book 3)
Finding Faith (Book 4)
Finding Joy (Book 5)
Finding Grace (Book 6)
Life Unexpected Series
Safe in His Arms (Book 1)
Someone to Trust (Book 2)
Starting Anew (Book 3)
Brides of Clearwater Series
Marrying Mandy (Book 1)
Marrying Raven (Book 2)
Marrying Chrissy (Book 3)
Welcome to Romance
Finding Forever in Romance
Marrying Raven (Brides of Clearwater Book 2) Page 16