by Cara Putman
Two weeks later, the Morrises’ guests started arriving by ferry and settling into their rooms at a couple of bed-and-breakfasts. Jonathan felt almost completely recovered, and it was a good thing. He’d already made numerous trips between the sites to make sure everything was ready for the guests.
Nothing would mar this event. Not if he had anything to do with it.
Bonnie looked thin but serene as Edward pushed her wheelchair up the hill toward the fort. Edward grunted and pushed harder. “Why did I pick this location? Remind me.”
Jonathan laughed. “Because Bonnie loved the view. Next time let the taxi bring you around the backside of Fort Mackinac. It’s easier from there.”
“Next time.”
A large tent sat in the open field to the side of the fort. Rows of tables and chairs filled the tent, and he’d arranged for a multitude of games to be brought from the fort for the younger guests to play. Already he could see some playing with the wooden hoops and sticks and others with the horseshoes.
The aroma of barbecue filtered from the pit the caterer had installed. The spicy scent made Jonathan’s stomach rumble in anticipation. He couldn’t wait to have a couple of sandwiches once everyone had been served.
This was exactly the type of event Edward had ordered. And based on the delighted grins on his and his wife’s faces, they planned to make wonderful memories with their family and friends as they celebrated a lifetime of love.
Maybe it really was possible to have a love of a lifetime. One laced with both joy and pain. One only had to look at the Morrises to believe it just might happen.
Edward whistled. “Lookie there.”
Jonathan turned to follow his gaze. His heart stuttered in his chest as Alanna approached. She looked amazing in a flowing sundress that revealed narrow ankles and athletic calves. The sweater knotted around her shoulders was the only nod to the bite in the breeze on an end-of-June day on the island. The bright flowers on the gauzy material were perfect against the blue sky. He couldn’t tear his gaze from her as she approached.
She took Bonnie’s hand. “Thanks so much for inviting me.”
Bonnie smiled. “Delighted to have you. The more the merrier in my opinion.”
“That’s my girl.” Edward frowned though his voice was filled with affection. “She always said the only good party is one overflowing with friends and acquaintances.”
“It’s a great way to live.” Alanna turned to Jonathan. “I’m sure you’re busy. . .”
Bonnie made a shooing motion. “Not at the moment. Edward will call if we need anything. Enjoy all your hard work.”
Jonathan met Edward’s gaze. They paid him too much to have him disappear as the events got under way. Edward shrugged and patted his pocket. “I’ll call.”
“Yes, sir.”
Alanna slipped her hand into his, and they strolled toward the fort. When they reached a bench, he tugged her down. It felt so right to have her hand nestled in his, like an empty piece of him had found its home.
Children ran in wild circles while adults worked through the food line. Edward and Bonnie waited at the head of the line, welcoming everyone as if they stood in a receiving line at the wedding. The legacy of their lifetime together was clear from the simple touches and unspoken communication to the number of people who had come to the island to celebrate them.
That’s what he wanted. A life well lived in forty years. One lived with the woman on the bench next to him.
“What are you thinking?”
Her quiet words pulled him to her. Did he dare say? He took in her smooth skin, direct gaze, and the slight upturn of her lips. He’d never been more certain of anything in his life.
He might be certain, but when he opened his mouth, nothing escaped. It was like a block existed between his thoughts and his vocal cords.
“Must be serious.” She teased.
“Alanna, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” The words came out in a rush, blurted from a full heart.
“Jonathan. . . ” Caution replaced the teasing light.
“Listen. . . When you returned this summer, everything that existed between us erupted to life. I know it took a few weeks for me to sort through everything with Jaclyn, but I’ve never loved anyone like I love you, Alanna. You make my days complete. You make me complete, a better person than I ever was without you. I love you, Alanna. For always.”
He stopped as she started biting her lower lip. Tears leaked from her eyes, and panic spiked through him. “Don’t cry, Alanna. This was supposed to make you happy.”
“I am.” The words were choked. Then a smile crested on her face, like the sun breaking through the clouds after the long Mackinac Island winter. “I love you, too, Jonathan.”
Epilogue
Four weeks later
Alanna fidgeted in front of the mirror in her bedroom. The white gown was simple, its A-line design skimming her waist to balloon over her hips before it settled midcalf. She wore a hat rather than a veil. After everything they’d endured, she didn’t want anything coming between her and Jonathan.
They’d waited eleven long years to find each other and rediscover their love. Now that they had, she’d insisted on a quick wedding. She was ready to begin life as Mrs. Jonathan Covington.
Mom bustled into the room, Patience Matthews entering behind her. Mom stilled and placed a hand on her chest. “Alanna, you look beautiful.”
“Thanks, Mom.” The rising tide of excitement crested over her. It wouldn’t be much longer now. Soon. . .soon.
Patience extended the small bouquet she held. “I had quite the time finding lilacs but got them shipped in. Too bad you couldn’t get married during the lilac festival. That would have made things simpler.”
Alanna laughed, remembering how uncertain everything had been at the beginning of the season when the lilac festival had flooded the island with color. “These are perfect.” The heady aroma of lilacs, a mix of white and lavender blooms, was better than any perfume she could wear.
Everything was perfect. Trevor had settled back into life on Mackinac. He’d even offered art lessons on various Saturdays. So far the classes were small, but the idea seemed to catch on. By next summer, people would have to sign up in advance to get guidance from the great Trevor Stone. He’d started painting a couple days a week in front of the studio. It drew a crowd and pulled interested buyers into the store.
Dad was on the mend. He and Mom planned to move back to the island in time for the winter. Why they’d want to do that she wasn’t sure, but he insisted nothing could happen the medical center on the island couldn’t handle. Based on what she’d seen when Brendan shot Jonathan, he was right.
Her future wasn’t quite so settled. She’d returned to Grand Rapids long enough to move her things to storage and reclaim Midnight. The cat seemed to enjoy sitting on the porch and stalking birds, but Alanna needed more than that. Maybe she’d open a small practice or work with Jonathan, but for now she continued to run the studio while she prayed about what God wanted her to do.
“Come on, Alanna. Dad’s downstairs.”
Alanna nodded. Her future plans could wait. Right now she wanted to become Mrs. Covington as quickly as possible.
She took one more glance in the mirror, excitement meeting her gaze.
Patience and Mom each grabbed an arm and eased her toward the door. She took a last glance around the room. Tonight she’d move into Jonathan’s cabin next door. Even if it was small, that’s where they decided to begin their lives together. It would be a great place to start their married life together. When they reached the downstairs, Dad sat in his wheelchair. Trevor stood behind him wearing a suit, ready to push Dad.
The pastor and Jonathan already stood outside on the dock.
A small group of close friends and family waited in chairs. In a twist, Jonathan had planned the event, pulling together the perfect ceremony from his web of contacts.
“Are you ready?” Dad smiled up at her.
; “Yes. Yes I am.”
“Good. It’s time you married this man.”
“Dad!”
He chuckled, but a serious look settled in his gaze. “I have no doubt he’s the man for you. You’ll have a good life, though nobody guarantees easy.”
“Amen to that,” Mom stage-whispered.
Patience chuckled then scooted around the group. “I’m off to claim my seat.” She kissed Alanna. “Best wishes, dear.”
“Thank you.”
Mom kissed her cheek next. “I’ll let that anxious groom of yours know it’s almost time. Love you.”
“Love you, too.” Alanna loved the way God was rebuilding their relationship. He was so good to her.
Alanna sucked in a steadying breath as her daddy reached up. “Ready?”
“Yes, sir.”
Trevor slowly pushed the wheelchair down the temporary path workers had installed. Alanna stalled when her gaze collided with Jonathan’s. There might be rows of chairs between them, but at the arbor at the end of the dock, he was locked on her. She couldn’t tear her gaze from his even if she wanted to.
In that moment, she thanked God for bringing her home. For showing her it was time to stop running from the truth, and for saving this man for her.
She had all she wanted and more for a lifetime of love.
About the Author
Cara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. When she’s not writing, Cara lectures at a Big Ten University in law and communications. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management at Purdue, Cara loves bringing stories to life. Learn more about Cara and her writing at caraputman.com.
Discussion Questions
To help her family, Alanna Stone goes back to a place she swore she’d leave behind. Have you ever done something like that?
Family plays a pivotal role in this book. In what way do you agree with how Alanna prioritizes her family? Or do you disagree with how she handles them? Why?
Everybody has secrets, but when Alanna uncovers some of her family’s secrets, she’s not sure how to react. Have you ever faced a similar situation? How did you handle it?
The truth can set us free, but the process of finding it can be scary. Have you ever had to take a risk to find the truth? What helped you in the process?
If the truth is supposed to set us free, why do you think God makes the truth so challenging to identify sometimes?
How has God brought truth into your life? Was the process easy, or was it more like a painstaking journey?
Jonathan Covington has waited a long time for the woman of his dreams. Then suddenly he has to choose between two. Does he make the right choice? Why or why not?
Have you ever had a relationship that is clouded by events in the past like Alanna’s and Jonathan’s? If so, did you stay in the past, or were you able to break free? What advice would you give to people like Alanna and Jonathan?
Alanna returns to Mackinac Island after years away. What changes does she find? Have you ever made a similar journey? Was it easy to spot changes in others?
What advice would you have for Alanna or someone in a similar position of walking away from the comfort of their routines and launching into a new adventure?
