CHAPTER FORTY

Hailey stood in the modest foyer of the Living Light Church up the road from Gran’s house. She smoothed the layers of tulle on her wedding gown and clenched the bouquet of red roses mixed in with golden rosebuds in her trembling hands.

A year ago, she’d said goodbye to Gramps in this chapel. But today, she was saying hello to a new life with Peter—the man she’d come to love even more deeply than the day she’d caught him at the airport. This last year had been filled with grand adventures and quiet moments, all shared with the man who had completely and wholly captured her heart.

“Look at my beautiful girl,” her mom said, then kissed her on the cheek. “Your father would be so proud.” She adjusted Hailey’s veil. “You are a perfect bride.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Hailey still couldn’t believe today was her wedding day. Her wedding day. She wanted to shout from the rooftops that she was marrying her best friend and the man of her dreams, but an internal “squee” would have to do.

“I’ll take my seat with Brit and the kids at the front.” She gave Hailey another kiss and then walked into the chapel.

“My lands, you are breathtaking,” Gran said, her eyes moist.

Hailey hugged Gran and tried to keep her emotions from spilling out of her eyes. “Thank you.”

“I wish Harry were here to see you and walk you down the aisle.” Gran’s eyes saddened.

“Me too.” Hailey let out a breath of regret. She so wished Gramps could’ve been here on her wedding day. She could almost see him standing there and grinning at her.

“I better find my seat. Regina will wonder where I am.” Gran disappeared inside.

The wedding march began on cue and Hailey couldn’t stop the smile that enveloped her face. She stepped into the chapel. Flowers were draped on the pews and the cool air from the AC circulated around her. All eyes were on her, but the only ones she noticed belonged to Peter. He stood at the front in a black tuxedo with a deep red vest and tie and a grin that stretched across his handsome face. Hailey wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

Today she and Peter would unite their lives and promise to love each other always—a promise she intended to keep every single day, just like Gran and Gramps. She drew in a deep breath that was sprinkled with a soft floral scent. Her heart skittered as she put one foot in front of the other and began the walk toward her one true love.

Keeping her gaze on Peter, she glided to the front of the church. As soon as he reached out his warm hand for hers, a gentle peace enfolded her. This is exactly where Hailey belonged.

The pastor began the ceremony and then turned the time over to Hailey and Peter to exchange their vows.

Peter cleared his throat. He caressed Hailey’s hand and gazed deeply into her eyes, making her breath catch. “You asked me what your grandfather said to me before we went to the karaoke bar. He said, ‘Be good to her.’ And that’s what I intend to do for the rest of my life. I pledge all of me to you, Hailey. I will spend every day loving you, honoring you, respecting you, and being true to you. I told your grandfather I’d be good to you and I intend to. In sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty, during the good times and the stressful times, I will love you. I promise to build a life with you and to grow old with you. You are the piece of my heart I didn’t know was missing, and from today until the rest of time, I promise to love and cherish you.” His eyes misted.

She blew out some air. “My turn?”

He nodded.

Trying to keep her voice from quivering, she said, “I give myself to you, body and soul. I give my heart to you today, tomorrow, and always. In sickness, in health, in good times or bad, if we are rich or if we are poor, I promise to love and honor you from this day forward. And to walk with you wherever our life leads us. You are my everything, Peter Stafford.” A tear edged out of her eye and Peter reached up to brush it away.

The pastor said a few words, then had them exchange rings. He said, “You may kiss your bride.”

Peter took a step toward her and enclosed her in his strong, capable arms. “You’ve made my dreams come true, Hailey Stafford.” He brushed her lips gently with his, sending a deluge of heat coursing through her. She melted into his arms, and their lips mingled together in a perfect rhythm of give and take while the world around them ceased to exist.

“Uh, excuse me?” the pastor said, interrupting them. “Remember, we’re all here.” He laughed.

Hailey pulled away from Peter, then leaned her forehead against his. She wiped at her mouth and said, “Sorry. We didn’t mean to get carried away.”

“Speak for yourself,” Peter said with a wink.

The pastor clapped Peter on the shoulder. “Please welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Stafford.”

Hailey had never heard such sublime words as those. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford. They danced on her tongue and sent a shiver of happiness down her back.

She looked out into the crowd, a sense of gratitude overwhelming her. A year ago, she’d come to Florida simply to help her grandparents, but instead found her destiny in the man who’d spoken to her heart.

THANK YOU