By His Hand: Truly Yours Digital Edition
Page 15
Victoria felt her own eyes mist, and she swatted her hands in front of her face. “Daddy, don’t make me cry. My makeup will smear, and my freckles will pop out.”
He placed her hand into the crook of his arm. “Your freckles are beautiful.”
She allowed him to guide her to the back of the church. She tried to see Chris through the crack of the door but couldn’t. Instead she sneaked peeks of Abby, Sondra, Lizzie, and Emily as they started their descents down the aisle. Finally, it was her turn. The doors were opened wide, and she saw the altar … and Chris!
His eyes widened and a smile split his lips. Her heart fluttered, and even from a distance he made her feel as if she were the most special woman in the world. The aisle seemed too long. Her dad moved too slowly. She wanted to be beside the man she loved. She could hardly wait to say her vows and have Chris take her into his arms as his one and only.
“Aunt Vic’s pretty.”
Her sweet nephew’s voice echoed through the church. Amongst the laughter Victoria skimmed the crowd and saw Zack and Rosa holding hands in a middle row. She grinned and then gazed at Peewee. He stood tall and proud beside the only daddy he’d ever known.
His face lit up with pure happiness, and Victoria had never been so thankful that God had allowed a tragedy to be the biggest blessing He had ever bestowed. Not only had she become a part of a family in Lasso but one with her own parents, as well.
Closing the distance between them, Chris took her hand in his. The coarseness of his palm scratched hers, and she relished the feel of it. Her man worked hard, completely, and with integrity. He loved the same way.
She gazed up at him and noted her burly fellow’s eyes glistened with the threat of tears. He leaned over and whispered, “You’re beautiful, my Mary Ann Mangler.”
She smiled. “I love you.”
“I love you.” His gaze spoke of his commitment and yearning.
They turned and faced the pastor. There is a time for everything, God’s Word spoke to her heart, and a season for every activity … Victoria thought of all the seasons of life she’d weathered this year—the alleged embezzlement, the wreck, her first job, Peewee, Abby … and Chris. Maybe God will use me to help. Chris’s words from the night of their first kiss ran through her mind.
And He had. Chris had shown her patience when precious treasures were damaged, he’d shown her strength when people in their lives were tough, and he’d shown her love, even when he thought it wouldn’t be returned. God had used Chris, and Victoria longed to see what God would show them for the rest of their lives together.
They turned to face each other to recite their vows. Chris leaned over and whispered, “I’ve never felt so blessed.”
Victoria gazed up at him. “By His hand … neither have I.”
This book is dedicated to my husband, Albert. You’ve been my Prince Charming for more than half my life. I love you so much.
Thank you, Cathy Marie Hake, Rose McCauley, Chris Lynxwiler, Jeri Odell, and Jim and Tracie Peterson for working so hard with me.
Most importantly, praise You, Jesus. You bless me over and over and over again. May I always yearn to know You better!
A note from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Jennifer Johnson
Author Relations
PO Box 721
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
JENNIFER JOHNSON and her unbelievably supportive husband, Albert, are happily married and raising Brooke, Hayley, and Allie, the three cutest young ladies on the planet. Besides being a middle school teacher, Jennifer loves to read, write, and chauffeur her girls. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Blessed beyond measure, Jennifer hopes to always think like a child—bigger than imaginable and with complete faith. Send her a note at jenwrites4god@bellsouth.net