Family in His Heart
Page 19
“Toss the bouquet,” someone called.
Rona laughed and took the bouquet from Betsy. She turned and flung it over her head and Nick saw Mandy grasp the flowers above her head. Her date grinned at her and he wondered if it were a serious relationship. Love happens when you least expect it.
Jeanie came up with her parents and gave Nick a hug, then turned to Rona. “I can call you Mrs. Thornton now.”
“You can, Jeanie,” Rona said, as if she’d just realized it. She embraced the girl, and then turned to Gary. “I’m proud to have you as a stepson, Gary.”
“Let’s just say son,” he said, kissing her on the cheek. “You’ve been a great mom to me.”
Tears billowed in Rona’s eyes and Nick slipped his arm around her waist, feeling the silky fabric beneath his fingers, the soft beige gown with lace and beads. When he’d seen her for the first time that day, happiness had filled every pore.
Nick felt blessed with Gary’s amazing change, so blessed that on his last birthday, he’d given Gary a car as a surprise, a car Rona had bugged him about for months.
“Let’s eat,” Nick said, motioning their guests toward the French doors.
Shirley Bailey came forward, a coy grin on her wrinkled face. Nick had finally met her one day in town, and he liked her. She gave him a handshake, then took Rona’s hand in hers. “Didn’t I tell you?”
Rona’s face filled with question. “Tell me what?”
“God knew what He was doing. He had His plan.”
Rona shook her head and gave Nick a grin. “Shirley told me you and I were going to get together the second time I visited her.” She turned to Shirley. “Or was it the first?”
“This old mind can barely remember the time of day, but I did feel it in my heart. You both look so happy together. I’ll keep your family in my prayers.”
Family. Nick loved the sound of that word.
Shirley moved away and, one by one, others wished them happiness, then headed outside until Rona and Nick stood alone for a moment.
He drew her to him. “I can’t say it enough. You fill me with such joy.”
“I love you,” she whispered, her voice catching with emotion. She brushed tears from her eyes. “Now I suppose you expect me to move into the house.”
He laughed at her unexpected silliness. “I suppose, but if you don’t want to—”
She pressed her finger to his lips. “Nothing could keep me away.”
“That’s what I want to hear,” he said, when she lowered her hand. He drew her closer. “Before we go out to our guests, I want to tell you what a blessing you are. You’ve given me so much, especially the family that’s been in my heart.”
“And the family I never had.”
He wove his fingers through hers and they stepped outside into a new day and a new life together.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-1176-0
FAMILY IN HIS HEART
Copyright © 2008 by Gail Gaymer Martin
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