Apple Orchard Bride

by Jessica Keller

  Jenna leaned over him, careful not to put weight on his body, and pressed a kiss to his injured arm.

  “I could get used to this.” Toby laughed—then moaned and braced his hand along his side. “Okay, no laughing. That really hurts.”

  “Toby?”

  He traced his noninjured hand down her arm, sparking a convention of goose bumps on her skin. He took her hand and laced their fingers together.

  “I was so cruel to you last night and this morning. The things I said.” She shook her head. “I can’t take them back, and I wish I could. I was so wrong about you. You’re the wonderful one, and I’m working through so much junk. I exploded on you and didn’t let you explain yourself. There’s no excuse for how I acted.” She traced her finger over his knuckles. “Please forgive me.”

  “Of course I forgive you.” He let go of her hand and brought it up to cup her jaw, turning her face to meet his gaze. “But please cut out that ‘you’re wonderful and I’m not’ garbage, because I think you’re wonderful, and I’ve got so much growing to do. But it turns out, that’s basically life. We’re all dealing with our own messes, and anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong. Love is about coming alongside someone and saying ‘I love you, not despite or for your mess, but I love you in the midst of this mess and want to be in it with you.’”

  “Sounds like you’ve been talking to my dad.” She straightened his bedsheet.

  Toby caught her hand again. “He’s a smart man.”

  “That he is.”

  “I think I’ve been in love with you my whole life. I’ve been trying to tell you for weeks.”

  Jenna soaked in his words. “You should have grabbed me and kissed me. Swept me off my feet. Anything! If I had known you loved me, nothing would have stopped me from lunging into your arms. I kid you not.” Even as she said it, though, she knew it probably wasn’t true. Everything had happened at the right time. God had used Dad, Kasey and Toby to chip away at the cave she’d hidden in, freeing her for love. If Toby had professed his feelings for her two or three weeks ago, she might not have accepted it like she could now.

  “With everything you’ve been through, I didn’t want to scare you.” His words were so quiet, but they struck Jenna hard. Toby had been showing her love the whole time through respecting her and by treating her honorably. To wait for her—to care that much—he was, by and large, the best man she’d ever known.

  She pressed her lips to the back of his hand. “The only thing that scares me is picturing a life without you beside me.”

  “Not a problem. I want to be with you forever.”

  “I thought you said you weren’t interested in dating,” she teased.

  “I’m not.” He bit back a groan as he scooted forward, sitting up farther. He took her chin again and leaned so they were a breath apart. “I’m saying skip that part. Marry me.”

  She traced her fingers up his jawline, tucking them into the hair at the back of his neck. “I’ll marry you right here, right now. Just say the word, and I’ll go fetch the on-duty chaplain. Or we could wait until you’re strong enough to carry me in the orchard again.”

  Toby’s eyes widened. “So you were awake that day.”

  “Tobe, don’t you see? I’ve been awake since that first day you spooked me by the fence. You do that to me. That’s one of the reasons I love you so much.” Jenna closed her eyes and met his lips.

  “Yeah?” His words heated her cheeks. “What are the other reasons?”

  She pressed back, giving him space. He was smiling, but broken ribs had to be painful.

  “I’ll tell you one a day for the rest of our lives,” she promised.

  “Here’s to a long life, then.”

  Epilogue

  Jenna wrapped her fingers over the doorjamb on the front sliding door to the barn at Crest Orchard and watched the wedding guests inside. It was still light out, as they’d chosen to have an early ceremony, and the reception would end soon. The guests would be gone before sunset.

  Lively music pulsed throughout the building. The country band they’d hired was still in full swing, and people were inside mingling, smiling, laughing—having a good time. Even now, standing in the all-white dress that went along with the new diamond band on her finger and her new name, she was having a hard time believing that they’d pulled off planning everything in only three weeks. But the wedding had happened just as she’d dreamed it would all those years ago. She’d married her best friend, Toby Holcomb, under an archway of apple trees.

  “Mrs. Jenna Holcomb.” She spoke the cherished words for her ears only.

  Dad wheeled over to fill the doorway next to her. “You’re beautiful, honeybee. More than ever. You downright glowed today. That’s the only way to describe it. That boy does that to you. He always has, but today was a wonder.”

  She rested her hand on his arm as emotion balled in her throat. Dad had saved up his strength all week in order to walk her down the aisle. He’d rotated between crying and grinning all day. Sometimes both at once.

  He reached up to set his hand on top of hers.

  “I wish Mom were here,” Jenna said.

  Dad closed his eyes and breathed deeply. “Today would have been her proudest moment. I know it’s mine. Not because you weren’t fine on your own, but because we both knew early on that God had plans for you and Toby. We used to pray together for both of you. We prayed about this day many times.”

  It was hard to take in. When she and Toby were still children, her parents had been praying for their future. For years she’d believed that God had turned His back on her life, only to discover He’d been present in every moment. He’d been working through her parents for so many years. Tonight she and Toby would start praying for Kasey together—for her future and for the people that they might not even know yet who would someday impact her life. It was an awesome responsibility—and it was hers. She’d become a wife and mother all in one day.

  Jenna scooted to get in front of her dad’s chair and leaned in to hug him. “Thank you for showing me such steadfast love and believing God was working in my life. Especially on the days I was at my worst. I wouldn’t be here today, whole and able to love Toby like I do, without everything you’ve done over the years.”

  “Love is a gift. When viewed that way, it’s never hard to give to anyone. Remember that.” He peered over her shoulder. “Looks like your friend Maggie is heading this way to collect me. I better find Kasey, too.”

  Her father and Kasey would spend the weekend at Maggie’s inn, which was situated closer to the downtown section of Goose Harbor, leaving Toby and Jenna the orchard for the evening. Tomorrow the newlyweds would head to the airport, and Jenna would board an airplane for the first time in her life to head to their honeymoon.

  When Dad returned with Kasey, Jenna kissed her father goodbye and bear-hugged Kasey. “We’ll be back before you know it.”

  Kasey squeezed her with rib-crushing strength. “I’ll miss you guys, but Grandpa C says you two have to have time alone, and he’s cool and I’ll be with him, so that won’t be bad.”

  “Hey.” Jenna squatted down to be on eye level with her. “I love you. I love you so much.”

  “We’re a family now, aren’t we?” Kasey played with the pale blue ribbon on her dress. “You and Toby will be like my parents now.”

  Jenna cupped the child’s face. “Forever and ever. You’re stuck with us.”

  “I like that.” Kasey offered a sheepish smile.

  Jenna smoothed her fingers down Kasey’s hair. “I love it.”

  “Come on now, Kasey,” her dad hollered and motioned for her to join him. “Time to bid our goodbyes to everyone.”

  As Jenna got to her feet, an arm wound around her stomach and Toby pulled her so her back was snug against his chest when she stood. His jaw brushed through
her hair until his lips found her ear and he whispered, “Run away with me.”

  She melted against him, letting his arms hold her up. “I wish we could.”

  “Why can’t we?”

  “There’re still people here.” She gestured toward the guests in the barn.

  “They have cake. They’ll be fine without us.” Toby turned her in his arms, cradled the back of her neck and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Then he walked his fingers down her arm, scooped up her hand and gave a playful tug as he jerked his head in the direction of the orchard. “Let’s get out of here.”

  “But they all—”

  “I repeat—they have cake,” he deadpanned while he played with the fingers of the hand he held.

  Jenna swatted his chest. “Have I ever told you that you’re a rat?”

  He caught her other hand. “A time or two. And if I forget, I’m sure you’ll remind me.” He pulled her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her so she was pinned in place.

  She didn’t mind one bit.

  But the rule follower in her urged her to go play hostess inside the barn. “Shouldn’t we?”

  “I want to be with you.” He took a few steps back, bringing them closer to the tree line. “Not them.”

  Jenna playfully pushed on his chest, feeling the rich fabric of the suit he wore. “You win. Lead the way, handsome.”

  And just like that, as if they were teenagers sneaking off like the old days, they laughed and started running hand in hand into the orchard.

  “I can’t keep up.” Jenna dropped his hand once they were hidden beyond a few rows of trees. “These shoes.” She glared down at her sparkly shoes. They were pretty, but they pinched.

  Toby shook his head, a huge smile on his face. “You’re so cute when you’re frustrated.”

  “It might not be as cute if that frustration is aimed at you, dear husband of mine.”

  “Wow. That sounds good. Husband.” He closed the distance between them and gave her the kiss she’d been wanting all day. Not the polite kiss couples gave at the altar. No, this one was deep and long enough to get lost in. Jenna wasn’t sure she ever wanted to find her way out of their embrace.

  When they finally broke apart, Toby pressed his forehead to hers and kept his eyes closed. “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is finally mine. Thank You, God. Thank You for letting us find this day. Thank You for my wife.”

  In a fluid motion, he bent and lifted her into his arms.

  “Tobe! You goof.” She circled her arms around his neck and smiled at him. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m keeping a promise. You said you wanted me to carry you through the orchard on our wedding day.”

  “What about your ribs?” They’d married as quickly as they could after his car accident. All his bruises were gone, and for the most part his scrapes and cuts were healed, but the doctor had said it would take a while for his ribs to fully mend. However, Toby had insisted he was well enough and didn’t want to wait another week.

  “They’re fine.” Seemingly in no rush to move, he stood between two rows of trees holding her. Despite the autumn chill in the air and the fact that she wore only her dress without a coat, the last afternoon rays of sunlight plus Toby’s proximity were enough to keep her warm.

  “What do you say, should I carry you home?” Toby asked in a low, rumbly voice.

  Jenna gave him a serious look. “I’m afraid you’ll have to carry me forever, then.”

  “I’ll carry you anywhere. I’ll go anywhere you go. My life is where you are, Jenna. Always.”

  “Toby, don’t you see? Right here. Your arms.” She slipped a hand under his suit coat and felt around until she found his heartbeat. This is home.” Jenna tilted in his arms to give him a sweet, lingering kiss. “You have made all my dreams come true.”

  “Ah, but see, that’s where you’re wrong.” Toby winked at her and turned so he could carry her in the direction of their tree house. “I’d say our dream has only just begun.”

  * * * * *

  Pick up these other GOOSE HARBOR stories

  from Jessica Keller:

  Love is in big supply on the shores

  of Lake Michigan

  THE WIDOWER’S SECOND CHANCE

  THE FIREMAN’S SECRET

  THE SINGLE DAD NEXT DOOR

  SMALL-TOWN GIRL

  Available now from Love Inspired!

  Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com

  Keep reading for an excerpt from SECOND CHANCE FATHER by Renee Andrews.

  Join Harlequin My Rewards today and earn a FREE ebook!

  Click here to Join Harlequin My Rewards

  http://www.harlequin.com/myrewards.html?mt=loyalty&cmpid=EBOOBPBPA201602010003

  Dear Reader,

  Lies are the worst, aren’t they? Especially ones we tuck away in our hearts—ones we allow to begin to define us.

  Sometimes we’re aware of the falsehoods we believe. We repeat them over and over to ourselves when we’re hurting. Because of what had happened in his life, Toby believed he was a failure. It stopped him from being able to grow in his relationship with God, and it kept him from understanding his value in the world.

  Other times a lie can be buried so deep we don’t realize it’s there or how much it affects the way we view the world and ourselves. Jenna didn’t realize that she believed she wasn’t worthy of love, but everything about how she interacted with others showed this to be true. She believed this so much that it blinded her from seeing God was there beside her, fighting for her, loving her.

  I’m so glad Toby and Jenna chose to be strong. They’re on their way to eradicating the lies that were so comfortable to cling to for so long. That’s hard work, friends. I pray you’re in the process of doing this, as well. The truth is that God’s love for you is not dependent on anything you can do to lose or gain His attention. He loves you. You can choose to believe that or not. That’s really all there is to it.

  Thanks for walking through a part of Toby and Jenna’s love story with me. Make sure to read all the other books in the Goose Harbor series. I love connecting with readers! Look for me on my author Facebook page or on Twitter, or connect with me through my website and newsletter at www.JessicaKellerBooks.com.

  Dream big,

  Jess Keller

  Join Harlequin My Rewards & Instantly earn a FREE ebook of your choice.

  Earn points for every Harlequin print and ebook you buy, wherever & whenever you shop.

  Turn your points into FREE BOOKS.

  Don’t miss out. Reward the book lover in you!

  Register Today & Earn a FREE BOOK*

  *New members who join before Dec. 31, 2016 will receive 2000 points redeemable for eligible titles.

  Click here to register

  Or visit us online to register at

  http://www.harlequin.com/myrewards.html?mt=loyalty&cmpid=EBOOBPBPA201602010001

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.

  You believe hearts can heal. Love Inspired stories show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives—always.

  Enjoy six new stories from Love Inspired every month!

  Connect with us on Harlequin.com for info on our new releases, access to exclusive offers, free online reads and much more!

  Harlequin.com/newsletters

  Facebook.com/HarlequinBooks

  Twitter.com/HarlequinBooks

  HarlequinBlog.com

  Second Chance Father

  by Renee Andrews

  Chapter One

  A dark-haired boy stood at the edge of Jack Simon’s property.

  Yesterday, when Jack first saw the child near the woods, he’d believed his grief had finally taken its toll o
n his mind. He’d bought this cabin specifically for the location, far enough away from civilization that he’d never be reminded of everything he’d lost—not the wife who loved him with the kind of adoration he attempted to portray on the silver screen, or the twin girls who made his heart soar with their uninhibited giggles, or the son...

  The boy looked as real as the woman Jack had fabricated last week during his morning run. He’d never encountered anyone in that time, when daylight barely touched the forest and the trail was as desolate as his soul, but that day, he’d envisioned a striking woman, her arms wrapped around her stomach as she curled into herself, rocking through the pain of her sobs.

  Dark chestnut hair veiled her face until she must have sensed she’d been spotted and peered through the woods toward Jack. Even with tears streaming down her cheeks, she’d been one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen. Olive skin. Doe eyes. A full mouth curved down with sadness.

  Angry he’d allowed himself to betray Laney’s memory with the alluring vision, Jack had increased his speed, running with such abandon that he left the path and lost himself in the dense woods, where the canopy of trees blocked out every ounce of light.

  He had no idea how long he ran that morning, not that it mattered. It wasn’t like he had anywhere to be at any certain time.

  Another reason he’d moved here.

  The boy tapped his fingers together at his chest. If Jack were imagining a child, would he look so detailed, with his head cocked to the side as though he were confused to find Jack in the middle of the woods, instead of the other way around? And if Jack had dreamed up a kid that looked ten years old, the same age as Jack Jr. had been, wouldn’t the boy be sandy-haired, like his son? Or have that easy smile and those deep dimples that always graced JJ’s face? This boy’s mouth stretched flat, not quite in a frown, but closer to a grimace than a smile.