At one end of the garden, tables had been set up for the reception. At the opposite end, where the ceremony would take place, white chairs were lined up in front of an archway, lush with greenery entwined with sweetbay magnolias. Nearby, Marissa’s roses were in full bloom, a burst of red, pink, and white.
Van spotted Leia and Lianne emerging to his left into the hallway, hurrying to take their places. The music changed outside, his cue that it was almost time. He had one job today and he intended to do it right.
The crowd suddenly stopped buzzing and chatter outside came to a halt.
Lianne went out the door first followed by Leia wearing their lilac gowns and carrying bouquets of deep purple larkspur.
Daniel, the ringbearer, went next, holding the white pillow out away from his body like it might have cooties. But with a determined expression on his face, he marched the rings down the aisle with as much enthusiasm as he could muster.
Allie was next, carrying her basket of blossoms, a mix of peony petals and feathery hydrangeas, and began tossing them along the ground.
Back inside the solarium, Van stuck his arm out to Gemma and felt her latch on tight, wrapping her fingers into his biceps in a vice grip. “Easy there, girl. Lighten up. Don’t worry, I’ll get you there.”
“Thanks. I’m more nervous than I thought I’d be.”
“Only natural. You should’ve seen me. I was sweating bullets at mine. But don’t tell Nova I said that.”
“It’s our secret.”
“Now take a deep breath and start walking,” Van whispered.
Greta Todd began to play her flute, low silky notes at first before Bosco joined in on saxophone. Dale went into the first notes of Mendelssohn’s wedding march while sitting at Silby’s old piano and Jimmy joined in on rhythm guitar.
Feeling like a bride for the first time in her life, Gemma’s eyes sought out Lando’s. She found him standing at the altar, waiting.
Under the arbor, Lando got his first look at Gemma since they’d parted the night before after the rehearsal dinner. Any anxiety he’d felt up to now, dropped away. This was the woman he’d loved as far back as he could remember. He gazed at his bride as if seeing her for the first time until ninety-year-old Callie Lightfeather cleared her throat to speak.
Dressed in cream-colored deerskin and beaded regalia, Callie looked out at the crowd and smiled. “Who gives this woman in marriage?”
Van placed Gemma’s hand in Lando’s. “Her brother and grandmother do.”
Gemma paused to glance over at Paloma before taking a step closer to Lando, where she stood with her eyes locked on his. For the first time that day, her stress fell away.
Before she began, Callie waved dried sage around the couple to cleanse the past. “The spirits smile on us today because they know Lando Bonner and Gemma Channing seek to become one. Their future together begins today.”
The woman turned her attention to the couple. “Through the years, you will find that it’s easier if you become each other’s strength during bad times, and there will be storms, for no relationship is perfect. But whatever hardship comes your way, when the sea becomes rocky, you must be there for each other. You will warm each other when it is cold. You will be each other’s shelter when it rains, you will be best friends, so you will never be lonely. From this day forward, and all your days ahead, you will respect each other first, offer kindness when you are frustrated or afraid, offer gentleness when you are angry, and tenderness when you feel threatened. Offer patience to each other when you are frustrated. Lean on each other for guidance and remember always the bond that brought you together in the first place. When you feel sorrow or sadness, you must turn to one another for support. If you do these things, the spirits will shine down upon you always.”
Callie paused to light the unity candle. “And now we turn to Lando. Lando Bonner, do you promise to love and cherish this woman in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, until death do you part?”
“I do.”
“Then place the ring on her finger and tell her what is in your heart today.”
On cue, Little Daniel held the pillow up to Lando for him to untie the ribbon so he could pick up the ring.
For a few seconds, Lando fingered the rose quartz before sliding it onto Gemma’s finger. “You’re my partner in life. I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. You are the light in my life. I promise to love you, honor you, cherish you, and keep you safe. Always.”
Callie angled toward Gemma. “And now, Gemma Channing, do you promise to love and cherish this man in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, until death do you part?”
“I do.”
“Then place the ring on Lando’s finger and tell him what is in your heart.”
Gemma handed off her bouquet to Leia and plucked the sterling silver band off the pillow Daniel held. In one fluid motion, she slid the ring onto his finger.
Taking a shaky breath, she inhaled sharply, hoping to get her words to come out right. “You are my best friend. You’ve always been someone I could count on. And from this day forward, I promise to be honest and truthful, I promise to love you as no other could. I will honor and support you in all that you do. I will offer you compassion and understanding, and I will always be there for you no matter what. I will never let anyone take what we have, because I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone.”
Callie joined their hands together. “Then by the power vested in me by the spirits and the state of California, I pronounce you husband and wife. May you forever love each other as much as you do right now.”
Lando took that as a signal and kissed his bride, a simple lock of lips at first, and then a tender embrace, resting his forehead against hers. “We did it.”
Gemma smiled back. “We did.”
Callie chuckled and turned them around to face the audience. “I’m proud to present Mr. and Mrs. Lando Bonner.”
The band began to play “I Melt with You” as the couple walked back down the aisle where they’d pose for pictures in the garden.
Afterward, family and friends surrounded them, offering congratulations. Lando and Gemma greeted their guests, making small talk as kids ran around in the yard to play. Everything was so peaceful compared to what they’d endured leading up to the big day.
Somewhere in the line, the talk turned to the town’s mayoral situation. The town no longer had the two viable candidates they’d had before.
As Gemma shook Enid Lloyd’s hand, the elderly woman pumped hers with more vigor than necessary and declared, “You’ve got my vote.”
It didn’t sink in until Elnora and Ansel mumbled the same thing.
“What are they talking about?” Gemma whispered to Lando.
Leia and Lianne whisked Gemma to the side, grabbing her by the arm, and led her a few feet away.
“What’s going on?” Gemma wanted to know.
Lianne cut her eyes to Leia’s. “We did something you probably aren’t going to like. Before the deadline, Leia and I pooled our money and paid the filing fee, officially putting your name on the ballot.”
“You did what? But I can’t be mayor. I can’t. Guys, Lando is the Chief of Police. That would make me his boss.”
Leia grinned. “It was Luke’s idea.”
“You’re nuts. Both of you. All of you. That’s a lousy idea, and an even worse way to start off our marriage. No, I’m not doing it. Take my name out of the hat.”
“Too late,” Lando said as he came up behind her and reached around her waist. “The yard signs go up tomorrow while we’re flying to Maui.”
“You knew about this?”
“Oh, I did. Luke can’t keep a secret. Personally, I think it’s a great idea. We make a good team, remember?”
“But…I don’t know anything about politics.”
“That didn’t stop you from wanting Luke to do it,” Lianne began. “What was it you said? I could be the power behind his th
rone, his puppet master, making the big decisions. That’s you now, Gemma.”
“Oh, shut up. I didn’t mean I wanted the job. You guys should’ve asked me before you did something this huge. I’m not doing it.”
“You’re not elected yet,” Paloma piped up behind her. “The voters still have to decide. You haven’t kissed any babies yet or pressed the flesh with the public. You haven’t even stated your position on important stuff. But we’ll do that for you while you’re gone. Don’t worry about a thing. We’ll get the word out.”
“But I’m going on my honeymoon,” Gemma insisted.
“That’s okay. You guys have fun. We’ll take care of spreading the word and putting out all your campaign signs,” Van promised. “Gemma Bonner for mayor, imagine, my little sister the politician.”
“You guys have lost your minds. I sell chocolate.”
Greta Todd squeezed in around Gemma. “That’s just it, you could become the voice of the chocolate party. Truffles for everyone. I’ve talked to a lot of people and they’re anxious to hear your first speech at your first rally.”
Gemma rolled her eyes. “I’m getting on that plane tomorrow for Hawaii. And now that I know about this I may not come back.”
“No need to overreact,” Paloma said, calm in her voice. “You have the support of the people who matter.”
“I’m telling you, I’m not cut out for politics. I’ll say the wrong thing.”
“How does it feel when people poke their nose in without telling you what’s going on?” Lando quipped.
She sent him a glare. “If I wasn’t wearing a thousand-dollar dress and expensive uncomfortable shoes at the moment, I’d be happy to show you right about now.”
She smoothed a hand down her dress and swept up her train. “But today, I’m a bride and I’m a lady. I’m Mrs. Lando Bonner, and dignity must prevail. Although…if I become your boss, you may be the one riding around in that three-wheel traffic scooter during the festivals. Matter of fact, I’m thinking of putting all of you on scooter patrol and trash clean up.”
“The power’s already gone to her head,” Leia bemoaned. “We’ve created a monster.”
Gemma heard Salisaw’s voice in her head. Do not abuse your power. There are no allowances for personal gain. You must do right by your people.
She slipped her arm through Lando’s and sighed, making their way toward a lovely three-tiered cake that others waited for them to cut and serve. “It’s tough taking the high road all the time, isn’t it?”
“Yep. And every time you’re tempted to take the wrong fork in the road, I’ll be right there steering you toward the right path.”
“Hmm, who’s gonna steer you?”
“That’s your job. And with friends and family like we have, we’re gonna need all the steering we can muster.”
“Are these really my people?” Gemma wisecracked, trying to come up with a loophole that would stand up to Salisaw. “I made promises that I’d do the right thing.”
“No turning back now,” Lando stated with a kiss on her cheek. “You’ve signed up for the long haul.”
And with that, the two of them walked toward a circle of people, through a crowd of enthusiastic well-wishers, surrounded by a new wave of harmony and community.
Cast of Characters
Gemma Channing – Granddaughter of Marissa and Jean-Luc Sarrazin, now owner of Coyote Chocolate Company, also the daughter of Genevieve Wentworth
Lando Bonner – Coyote Wells police chief, ex-husband of Gemma
Leia Bonner – Daughter of Lydia, sister to Lando and Luke, chef at the family-owned restaurant, Captain Jack’s Grill
Dr. Luke Bonner – Doctor on at the reservation clinic, brother to Lando and Leia
Marissa Sarrazin – Gemma’s grandmother, Gram, who owned Coyote Chocolate Company for forty years.
Jean-Luc Sarrazin – Gemma’s grandfather, she calls Poppy
Lydia Bonner – owner of Captain Jack’s Grill and mother to triplets Lando, Luke, and Leia
Zebediah Longhorn – Police chief on the reservation
Vince Ballard – Owner of Wind River Vineyard and a real ladies’ man
Collette Whittaker – Longtime administrative assistant to Vince Ballard
Lianne Whittaker – Sister of Collette, down from Portland to look for her sister
Marnie Hightower – Eighth grade school teacher at Harbor View Middle School
Daryl Simmons – Former boyfriend of Marnie Hightower, basketball coach at Harbor View Middle School
Paloma Coyote – Her great-grandfather founded the town. Former mayor.
Van Coyote – Paloma’s grandson, son of Michael
Nova Coyote – Van’s wife
Michael Coyote – Deceased son of Paloma
Coyote Wells Police Department:
Louise Rawlins – Desk sergeant, mother to Mallory
Payce Davis – Coyote Wells PD
Jimmy Fox – Coyote Wells PD and guitar player for the band Fortitude
Dale Hooper – Coyote Wells PD and keyboard player for the band Fortitude
Mallory Rawlins – Adopted daughter of Louise
Holly Dowell – Sister to Louise, birth mother to Mallory
Elnora Kidman – The town librarian
Adam Greendeer – Owner of Duck & Rum, a bar at the edge of town
Fleet Barkley – Mayor
Reiner Caulfield – Former chief of police
Marshall Montalvo – Real estate developer, wealthiest man in the county
Buddy Swinton – Son of Roland Swinton who owned a pizza parlor in town, now closed. Husband to Suzanne
Suzanne Swinton – Buddy’s wife, who often calls the police on Buddy
Roland Swinton – Owned the pizza parlor next door to the Chocolate Company. Marissa’s and Jean-Luc’s friend
Genevieve Channing Wentworth – Gemma’s estranged mother
Judge Hartwell – State magistrate
Alex Kedderson – Attorney
Duff Northcutt – Friend of Marissa
Billy Gafford – Antisocial guy living on the edge of town near Duff Northcutt
Natalie Henwick – A member of the book club and real estate agent
Lucinda Fenton – Marissa’s next door neighbor
Ginny Sue Maples – Luke’s nurse
Radley Fisk – Drummer in the band Fortitude, schoolteacher
Bosco Reynolds – Plays bass guitar for the band Fortitude, bartender at Duck & Rum
Theo Longhorn – Zeb’s father
Rima Longhorn – Zeb’s mother
Willow Longhorn – Zeb’s sister
Denise Coolidge – Dale’s girlfriend
Cheyenne Song – Veterinarian
Ebbie Lucas – Receptionist for Dr. Song, the veterinarian
Corkie Davenport – Dr. Song’s tech nurse
Ansel Conover – Elnora’s boyfriend
Enid Lloyd – Lianne’s next-door neighbor
Aaron Barkley– Fleet’s father
Harry Ashcomb – Pharmacist
Sam Wells – President of the bank and owner of the local radio station KYOT
Talia Davis – One of Leia’s friends who recently got married
Birdie Sanger – Friend to Enid Lloyd
Inez LeMond – Runs Protect the Paws, a no-kill shelter for animals.
Tully Beacham – Fire chief
Dinah Underwood – Sister to Dharma and co-owner of Two Sisters’ Food Mart
Dharma Kelly – Sister to Dinah and co-owner of Two Sisters’ Food Mart. Mother to Denise Coolidge.
Greta Todd – A recent high school graduate who plays the flute
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vickie McKeehan's novels have consistently appeared on Amazon’s Top 100 lists in Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense and Mystery / Thriller. She writes what she loves to read—heartwarming romance laced with suspense, heart-pounding thrillers, and riveting mysteries. Vickie loves to write about compelling and down-to-earth characters in settings that stay with her readers long after they've finished her books. She makes her home in Southern California.
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