“This ring, my precious one, is a small token of my love. May it symbolize the unending love I have for you. I commit my life to you, Mitch. May our love last a lifetime and may God grant us many years together as husband and wife.”
Dale nodded toward Mitch. “You may kiss your bride.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, wrapping Tassie tightly in his arms, he complied.
❧
Tassie felt giddy with happiness as Mitch’s lips pressed against hers. Never in her wildest dreams the day she quit her job and decided to move back to Grand Island did she imagine she would be marrying a wonderful man like Mitch and become the stepmother of three children. How good God had been to her, and she knew He would be good to her in the future as she took on the daunting task ahead of her and worked to deserve the love of his children.
“Let us pray.” The chaplain bowed his head. “Oh eternal God, You have heard the words of promise these two have just spoken. May the Holy Spirit speak to this man and this woman and give them a sense of the sacred and binding power of their vows. May they be a blessing to each other, and to those about them, as they enjoy the blessedness of a home life together, and may they cling to each other and to You. We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Tassie leaned into the strength of Mitch’s arms. Never had she felt so exhilarated, so safe, and so loved.
“Tassie Springer and Mitchell Drummond, you have exchanged your promises and given and received your rings in my presence and in the presence of family and friends. By these acts and declarations you have become husband and wife. According to the power vested in me and the laws of the state of Nebraska, I hereby pronounce you are husband and wife.”
Tassie couldn’t help but let out a little squeak. Husband and wife! Mitch and I are officially married!
“Now if you would turn and face your audience of well-wishers, I would like to introduce you.” With a dramatic wave of his arm and smile of sincerity, Chaplain Dale said, “Friends, loved ones, it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Drummond. May God bless their union and bless them as they become a family.”
As the strains of the wedding march sounded from the organ, the two made their way out into the foyer, headed toward the life they had just dedicated themselves to—a life centered around their family and God.
About the Author
Joyce Livingston loves to write and feels writing inspirational romance is her God-given ministry. A wife, mother, grandmother, and former television broadcaster, she has many life experiences from which to draw. Her books have won numerous awards, including Heartsong’s Contemporary Author of the Year in 2003 and 2004, and Book of the Year numerous times. She has well over twenty books in print and more contracted and in the writing stage.
Dedication
As with every book I write, this book is dedicated to Don Livingston, my dear husband who went to be with our Lord in October 2004.
I also want to dedicate it to my pastor, Dale Lewis, of Wichita, Kansas. He is not only my pastor but also my Sunday School teacher, my friend, my mentor, and my encourager. He visits the sick and sorrowing in our church congregation daily, praying for them as only he can. Dale’s ministry is truly a calling from God. His sweet words, his gentle touch, and his far-reaching prayers have impacted many hearts. He is an example of a true man of God. Dale, we appreciate and love you. Stay just as you are.
A note from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Joyce Livingston
Author Relations
PO Box 721
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
Preacher Wore A Gun Page 16