by Delia Latham
She swung to her right, where a beaming Claire stood next to Preston. Her silver-gray eyes shone with tears, but Destiny knew they were happy ones. She pulled another rose from her bouquet, kissed Claire’s pink cheek, and placed the bloom in her hand. “I love you, Mama Claire,” she said. “Thank you for sharing him with me.”
Just when the guests expected her to turn to Clay, she stepped past Claire and Preston to a small white table, draped with white lace and teal ribbons.
Another photo. Another lighted candle. Another vase. Destiny carefully placed the last long-stemmed rose in the crystal container and brought her finger to the dour, pinched face in the picture. “Thank you, dear Aunt Betty, for sending him to me. You will never be forgotten.”
Finally she turned back to her brother, and they walked the remaining few steps to her waiting bridegroom. Releasing her arm, Jeremy placed Destiny’s hand in Clay’s outstretched one.
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” Pastor Paul Porter asked.
“Her sister and I.” Jeremy kissed Destiny’s cheek and joined the groom’s attendants.
Later, she remembered little of the actual service. She and Clay waited, lost in each other, while Julie and C.J. repeated their vows. Clay stepped away when the time came to place Julie’s wedding ring in his brother’s hand, then hurried back to his place beside Destiny.
Then it was their turn. Pastor Paul walked them through the traditional recitation then informed the guests that Clay and Destiny had something more to say to each other.
Holding Clay’s hands in hers, she smiled into the eyes of the man with whom she would spend the rest of her life. Her voice trembled a bit with emotion, but it was strong and sure as she spoke the words she and Clay had chosen together from the Song of Solomon.
“My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.”
He squeezed her hands. “Behold, thou art fair, my beloved. Sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.”
“Set me as a seal upon thine heart.” She whispered the words, speaking only to Clay.
“Set me as a seal upon thine heart.”
“I have found he whom my soul loveth.” Despite all the promises she’d made to herself, a tear slipped from beneath her lashes as she spoke those words.
Releasing one of her hands, Clay caught the sparkling drop on a finger and brought it to his lips before making his reply. “I have found she whom my soul loveth.”
Together, they spoke the final words. “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.”
“Amen.” Pastor Paul spoke up. He grinned at Clay. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Go ahead, son. Kiss your bride!”
Clay gently lifted the veil and took her face in his hands. “I love you, Mrs. Gallagher.”
“And I love you, my darling,” she whispered back.
“Kiss her already!” C.J. hollered.
Destiny laughed softly. “Kiss her already,” she invited.
Laughter broke out in the audience, and they took up the chant.
“Kiss her already.” Clay whispered the words himself before he pulled her into his arms…for always.
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Where Faith is the Cornerstone of Love™
www.WhiteRosePublishing.com
May God’s glory shine through
this inspirational work of fiction.
AMDG
A Message from the Author about Anointing Oil
In this book, Destiny uses anointing oil when she prays over her Seekers’ applications. This is a practice known since early Bible history. It is used for many things—healing being the most common, but far from the sole purpose. The scriptures below are a small sampling of biblical passages supporting the use of anointing oil.
Exodus 30:2: And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.
Exodus 40:9: And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.
Mark 6:13: And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.
James 5:14: Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
The author wishes to express her sincere appreciation to Christy Borelli of The Master’s Jewels. Christy’s contribution toward the promotional campaign for Destiny’s Dream was a tremendous blessing! The Master’s Jewels offers gorgeous bottles and various anointing oils, along with a variety of inspirational jewelry.
Do you seek a stronger, more effective prayer life? Anointing oil may be the missing element. Look to the Word of God for support of this effective prayer tool.
