by JoAnn Durgin
His bride was radiant, glowing, and he’d never seen Heather look more beautiful. Her white dress was simple but elegant and fell slightly below her knees, giving him a glimpse of those gorgeous long legs. The dress had a scooped neckline, cinched waist, and was sleeveless to show off her tanned, toned arms. She wore high-heeled white sandals, and her pink toes peeked out at him. She wore her gorgeous blonde hair down below her shoulders in the way she knew he liked it best. A small diamond tiara with a short veil sat on her head, an antique heirloom from Grandma M.’s wedding. Heather’s diamond teardrop earrings sparkled in the fading sunlight as she turned her head and they caught the light.
How did I get so blessed, Lord? He’d been given all the desires of his heart. He felt so undeserving, but he’d been entrusted with a precious woman as his wife.
In the last few months, they’d spent quality time with Jeremy. They’d met him for lunch downtown on a number of occasions. They’d also been invited to the palatial home in the suburbs for dinner several times, where they’d gotten to know Kate—a sweet, soft spoken woman—as well as the two children.
A month ago, Jeremy offered Heather a job as the assistant marketing director for The Montague. At first, she’d wavered on the decision. They’d prayed about it together, and Chase had encouraged her to accept the offer. It would be a smart move for her but first she’d complete her degree. She could learn the ropes of the position while still continuing to dance in the ballet. When the new hotel opened, she could work from an office there or from the new townhome they’d just bought. Until they moved, they’d stay in her current place. Some travel might be involved, but she promised him she’d never be gone more than a night at a time. Good thing because snuggling up to a feline wouldn’t be quite the same thing.
He’d continue with his youth ministry at the church. The group was growing and the kids seemed energized and eager to invite their friends. The new Soul on Fire program he’d started—a unique approach to youth ministry and the combined efforts of students, parents, as well as church members—had caught on and a couple of his youth pastor friends initiated the same at their own churches.
His father and Ellyn had forged a surprising but wonderful friendship in recent months. Nothing romantic, but they seemed to be good for one another. They both knew how loneliness could chip away at one’s soul if allowed to fester in the heart. Both had been attending church—David at Chase’s church where they’d welcomed him warmly, and Ellyn at her church in the suburbs where she’d become heavily involved in the women’s ministry.
They repeated the traditional vows and then spoke their own, alternating each line. His bride looked into his eyes and told him she’d haul him into a closet whenever they had a disagreement and they’d stay there until they’d resolved their dispute. He told her he’d make breakfast in bed for her at least once a week. She promised to buy every new Third Day album on the day of its release. He told her he’d support her ballet career and gladly watch men prance on the stage in tights.
“I’ll cherish you forever,” Heather said, tightening her hold on his hands.
“I’ll treasure you,” he whispered.
“I’ll trust you.” Her eyes were filled with promise.
“I’ll honor you,” he said.
In unison, they said, “I’ll love you until the end of days or until my time on earth is done.”
Marriage was about sacrifice and compromise. Today they stood in the beginning stages of their lives together. The Lord knew how much work it would take. They’d disagree, they’d fight, they’d be stubborn. They would say things they didn’t mean. They’d laugh, they’d tease, they’d flirt. Then they would join together and love one another, wholly and completely. Because that’s what God intended all along.
Chase whispered in her ear the private words he’d wanted to say and now had the liberty to say as her husband. Heather ducked her head and the sweet flush he adored filled her cheeks. Caressing his cheek, she drew him close, whispered words of her own in his ear. Their first kiss as man and wife was better than any they’d shared before, full of anticipation and excitement.
They chatted with their family for a few minutes.
“We’re going to sneak in that cabana,” Sawyer said to Chase. “Be back in a few.”
Chase laughed. “I knew you were creative, but can’t you wait a while longer, buddy?”
Sawyer snorted. “You’ll see. Listen for the bell.”
“The bell?” This should be good. Whenever Sawyer was around, things were never dull.
Not long after, a bell sounded. Chase laughed when he spied a pedicab on the sidewalk nearest the beach. This pedicab had two operator seats—Sawyer was perched on one and Ava on the other.
Beside him, Heather squeezed his hand and cried out in delighted surprise. “Did you know about this getaway vehicle?”
“No, but I think it’s perfect.”
“I think they’ve started a new tradition,” she said.
They waved to Ava and Sawyer and then, leaning on him for support, Heather slipped off her shoes. “We need to say our good-byes to the family,” she said.
“Agreed. Let’s do this together, and then”—Chase pressed a quick kiss to her sweet-scented hair—“the adventure begins.”
~~♥~~
With Chase beside her, Heather embraced her mother. “I love you, Mom. Thanks for everything. We’ll talk when we get back to Indy.”
“I’ll look forward to it.” Her mother’s cheeks bloomed with color and she appeared healthier and happier than Heather had seen her in a long time.
Ellyn took one of Chase’s hands and then did the same with Heather. “I love you both. You’re going to have a beautiful life together.” Leaning forward, she sweetly kissed Heather’s cheek. Heather’s eyes misted when Ellyn did the same with Chase.
Jeremy opened his arms and a tear slipped down her cheek as Heather hugged her father. “Thank you for being my dad,” she whispered.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way. God knew, sweetheart.” Jeremy winked at Chase. “Take good care of my future marketing director. Keep her happy or you’ll answer to me.”
“Assistant marketing director for now,” Heather reminded him.
“I’ll do everything in my power to keep Heather happy,” Chase promised her father. Heather’s breath caught as the two most important men in her life embraced. They’d established a good rapport and respected one another. Blessings were all around them, bathing them with God’s abundant grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
“Heather Bear, what a stunning bride you are. And this man…” Anna stood on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on Chase’s cheek. “You give her a honeymoon she won’t ever forget, young man.”
“You can count on that, Grandma M.”
She patted his arm and then wagged her finger at them. “You need any tips, you call on me. And that goes for both of you.”
Chase coughed and Heather hugged her grandmother tightly before doing the same with Tiffany and Palmer. Those kids would be okay. Kate was a good mother and Heather had no doubt she’d keep them as grounded as possible.
“Chase, look.” David and Jeremy talked together. “What a great sight.”
“Dad doesn’t have any issues with your father,” Chase said, watching the two men interact, just as she was. “For one thing, the man offered him a job. Not only Dad, but also Charlie. That’s a nice gesture on Jeremy’s part. He didn’t have to do it.”
“No, he didn’t.”
Chase moved his arm around her. “From what I could see, you had a special look in your eyes when you hugged your father just now. I’m pretty sure it’s the way you must have looked at him when you were a little girl…maybe tempered a bit by life, but it was there.”
“Perhaps. He’s a good man,” she murmured. “And the Lord knows we all make our mistakes, including jumping to conclusions and making wrong judgments.”
He lifted her hand and planted a gentle kiss. “Let God handle it.”
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“I’ll try,” she said. “You might need to remind me every now and then.”
Chase chuckled. “Same here. You know how impatient I can be.” They shared a grin.
David walked toward them. “Heather, you’ve made my son happier than I’ve ever seen him. You’ve brought the light back into his eyes. Thank you.”
Beside her, Chase cleared his throat and tightened his hold on her.
“I’m the one who’s blessed. I love Chase.” Heather smiled. “I love you, too, David.”
David visibly swallowed and nodded. Then he stepped close and enfolded her in his arms. “I’d like it if you’d call me Dad.”
“I’d like that, too, Dad.”
David kissed her cheek and then turned to Chase. “You’re a better man than I’ve ever been, but we’re both better because of your mother, son. I like to think she knows this is your wedding day. You chose well with Heather, and you are blessed with a good and godly wife. A man can’t ask for more than that.” David touched Chase’s arm. “Hold her close, Chase.”
“I will, Dad,” Chase said, his voice full of emotion, his eyes bright.
Heather’s heart swelled and she blinked hard to keep her tears at bay when Chase and David hugged one another. “I’m proud of you, Dad.”
“I’m proud of you, too, Chase.”
Chase slowly pulled out of the hug. “Now, I think it’s time to take our leave. Talk to you soon,” he said to his father.
Their family members stood in a small group on the beach waving and calling out their best wishes. With her back to them, Heather tossed the bouquet of pink and white roses over her shoulder. Turning, she laughed when she spied Grandma M. waving the bouquet and doing her little signature dance. “I got it, Heather Bear! Woohoo!”
“Seems somehow fitting,” Chase said, laughing.
“I think so.” Heather tossed him a grin.
Chase bent down on one knee. Heather lifted her gown so he could remove her blue silk garter. Turning his back to the group, Chase tossed it over his shoulder. They both winked at one another when they spied the garter perched on the top of David’s head. He raised his hands and laughed.
“We’d better get out of here before Grandma M. says something embarrassing,” Heather whispered to Chase.
“I know what you mean.” They waved to their family and then, hand in hand, made their slow way together across the beach.
“I knew you were expanding the business, but I never expected this, Mancini.” Chase assisted Heather onto the bench seat of the pedicab and then seated himself beside her. Putting his arm around her waist, he nestled her close beside him.
“It’s a rental, but you never know,” Sawyer told them. “I think a pedicab service on the island would be quite profitable if the overhead costs aren’t too high. I’ll investigate.”
“I have no doubt you’ll get on it soon. I’m surprised you didn’t do that when you were here on your own honeymoon.”
“Yeah, well, let’s just say I had more important business to take care of then.”
Chase and Sawyer laughed and Heather winked at Ava. “And is this something new for you, Ava?” Heather teased. “It’s nice to see you in the co-pilot’s seat.”
“The family that pedals together, stays together.” Ava laughed.
Chase groaned. “Sawyer, your warped sense of humor has now affected your wife adversely, I see.”
“It’s a great way to stay in shape,” Ava said. “Sawyer’s going to add tandem seats on some of his pedicabs back home.”
“That’s an awesome idea!” Heather relaxed against the seat, filled with contentment.
Sawyer pulled on his biking gloves and tugged on his helmet while Ava did the same. “Chase, remember that wedding night myth you mentioned?”
Heather glanced at Chase and quirked a brow. At first, Chase seemed puzzled, but then he chuckled and leaned forward to slap Sawyer’s shoulder. “Thanks for making good on my little white lie, buddy.”
“Well, not quite the same thing, but stay tuned. Coming soon in the next chapter of our lives,” Sawyer said.
Ava winked at Heather. Wait a second. Heather sat up straighter in the pedicab. “Ava Mancini! You’re expecting a baby?”
Her friend’s beaming face told her all she needed to know.
“Congratulations! I’m so thrilled for you both.” Heather leaned forward to hug her friend, almost losing her balance. Wrapping his arms around her, Chase steadied her. “We have a lot to talk about when we get back,” Heather told Ava before settling onto the seat again.
“I’m sure we will.” Ava turned back to the front and they began their short journey to the nearby private bungalow where they’d spend the next week.
Heather took Chase’s hand in hers and ran her thumb over his gleaming gold wedding band. They’d had the words Soul on Fire engraved on both of the rings as well as the reference to Philippians 4:8. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
“Looks like we’ll need to plan another shower for our friends,” Heather said.
Chase lowered the canopy on the pedicab and kissed her lingeringly. “You are so beautiful.”
“Hmm,” Heather said, dazed, as he trailed small, light kisses down her neck. “First, tell me about that little white lie. Should I be worried?”
“Not at all.” Chase kissed her collarbone, igniting all her senses. “I joked and told Sawyer that we’d eloped the night of his wedding to Ava.” He laughed. “That was even before our first official date.”
“Good to know you’re a forward thinking man. And?” she prompted when he seemed more interested in caressing her cheek. Not that she minded. Chase was very good at distracting her in the most wonderful ways. “I’m sure there’s more to it than that. What’s the wedding night myth?”
“Something about making a baby,” he murmured, turning her toward him and kissing her several times, each one filled with increasing passion.
“We don’t have to do that just yet, you know.”
“Oh, I know. But we can practice,” he said, a small groan coming from his throat. “Lots of practice.”
“Oh, my.” Laughing, she pulled her husband close. “That we can do.”
“I love you, Heather.” Chase’s blue eyes looked straight into her soul. “I’ll spend every day showing you how much.”
“That sounds promising. I love you, too, Chase.”
He rested his head against the seat. “Sawyer gave me a great book as a wedding gift.”
Heather loosened his tie and then slipped her hand beneath his shirt, resting it on his chest, above his heart. “Tell me about it.”
Chase grinned. “If I can think with you doing that, I will. It’s all about seven rules of marriage. The rules are based on solid biblical principles as a guide for how men should treat their wives. You can’t go wrong with those.”
“I should think not. Did you bring this book with you?”
“I have it. Sawyer gave it to me earlier when we were getting ready for the wedding.” Chase kissed her temple and stroked his fingertips down the length of her arm.
“Maybe you can read me a bedtime story,” Heather murmured, running her fingers over his beard in the way she knew Chase loved. “I’d like to hear these rules of marriage. Maybe it works both ways, and I’ll learn something, too.”
“I plan on telling you lots of bedtime stories.” Heather loved the huskiness in her husband’s voice.
As Sawyer and Ava pedaled them into the next phase of their lives, Heather kissed her husband with all the love in her heart.
From this day forward and always.
The End
~~♥~~
Haven’t read Ava and Sawyer’s love story?
LOVE SO AMAZING
Wondrous Love Series, Book 1
Available on Amazon!
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Dance instructor Ava Carlisle lost her fiancé in a tragic car accident.
Pedicab owner/operator Sawyer Mancini understands her pain all too well.
Ava and Sawyer aren’t looking for love when they meet outside an Indianapolis hotel. Drawn to one another, these two lonely souls discover they share much in common during a six-block trip when Sawyer pedals Ava home to her downtown apartment building. When they unexpectedly meet a second time, both interpret it as freedom from the chains of past heartache and the Lord’s blessing to pursue a relationship. Although they intend to go slow, Ava and Sawyer tumble headfirst into the kind of love that only happens once in a lifetime.
A few months later, Sawyer uncovers a shocking revelation. He and Ava share an unfathomable bond they never could have imagined, and one that threatens their love. Is it a cruel twist of fate or could it somehow be God’s perfect plan for their lives?
Love So Amazing is available individually here (the book is also included in a special, limited time box set—see the next page for details):
http://amzn.to/1Ol3gPs
Love So Amazing is also included in Immeasurably More, a box set with six, full-length contemporary Christian romance novels, available on Amazon Kindle and Kindle Unlimited for a limited time at only 99 cents! Find it here:
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Coming up next!
BY GRACE DRAW NEAR
The Wondrous Love Series, Book 3
Releasing in Late October 2016 on Amazon!
Eric Masterson never expected to be promoted to an executive position in his friend Sawyer Mancini’s successful pedicab business. His job to scout out new locations in Indianapolis takes him into many areas of the city and introduces him to business owners and inspiring stories. One of the more fascinating individuals is beautiful Grace Warner, the intriguing owner of a downtown art gallery. Grace demonstrates compassion for those with disabilities and interprets for the deaf in her church. She seems willing to help everyone else so why won’t she give him the time of day?
