Linda Ford (13 page)

She whooped. “Jake Sperling, I love you so much now I can hardly think.” She threw her arms around his neck and raised her face for a kiss.

Epilogue

Hannah adjusted her veil. It shimmered exactly as she had once dreamed it would.

“You’re almost as beautiful as your grandmother was the day I married her,” Grandfather said as he waited to escort her down the aisle.

She had decided to stay at the hotel until the wedding to help her grandparents get settled back in. Even though Hannah missed Jake when he had to be away, she appreciated the time spent with her grandparents. Their love for each other and support for her meant a lot. She kissed her grandfather’s cheek. “I wish Mother would have come, but I’m awfully glad you and Grandmother are here.”

Audrey peeked around the corner, giving them a commentary. “Mother and your grandmother have been seated.” She turned to her sons. “You two are next. Now remember what I said. No running. No yelling. Walk quietly up to Uncle Jake and stand at his side.”

“Yes, Momma,” Luke said and took Sammy’s hand.

Hannah kissed them both on their cheeks before they headed down the aisle. They made it halfway before they broke into a run.

Jake caught them as they reached the front and steadied them into position, their freshly scrubbed faces looking cherubic against the backdrop of a lovely floral arrangement.

Audrey went next, her pale pink dress swishing around her ankles as she walked. She took her place at the front and turned to wait for Hannah.

“It’s our turn, little girl,” Grandfather said.

She nodded and took her grandfather’s arm. Even though she was glad her grandfather was there, she couldn’t help but wish for a moment that it was her father escorting her down the aisle to her future.

She’d told Jake how she’d come to realize that it was acceptance she longed for more than independence. She’d confessed she’d sold her prized possession, her father’s pocket watch. Jake had surprised her by presenting it as a wedding present. He had bought it back for her. Oh, how she loved this man.

She met Jake’s eyes and forgot everything else as Grandfather escorted her to his side.

Pastor Rawson smiled at them and began the service by reading scriptures reminding them that marriage was a holy institution. “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” He then began the vows. “Do you, Jake, take this woman—”

Jake squeezed Hannah’s hand, silently assuring her of his intention to honor the till-death-do-us-part words.

Suddenly the vase of flowers at Pastor Rawson’s side crashed to the floor, soaking the poor man.

A few splashes hit Hannah in the face, and she wiped them off.

Luke shoved Sammy to the floor. “It’s your fault. You pushed me.”

Sammy came up sputtering and flailing his arms. “Did not.”

“Boys,” Audrey warned.

Harvey, Jake’s best man, grabbed for Luke, but the boy skidded out of reach and raced down the aisle, Sammy hot on his heels.

“They’re your boys,” Audrey muttered to Harvey. “You go get them.”

Hannah giggled. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Jake’s mother press the back of her wrist to her forehead.

Mrs. Sperling caught her watching and looked embarrassed before she sat up straight and ignored the screaming pair of boys.

Hannah glanced at her grandparents, who smiled widely and likewise ignored the commotion.

Jake drew her closer and leaned over to speak so the pastor could hear, “Let’s get this done before they bring the place down around our ears.”

Amid the sound of two rambunctious little boys, the embarrassment of a set of parents, and the obvious glee of her grandparents, Hannah and Jake promised to love and honor each other always.

About the Author

Linda Ford and her husband raised a family of fourteen children, ten adopted, providing her plenty of opportunity to experience God’s love and faithfulness. One of her goals in writing is to reveal a little of God’s wondrous love through the lives of the people in her stories. She lives in Alberta, Canada, on a ranch she shares with her husband, a paraplegic client, boomerang children, and adorable visiting grandchildren.

Dedication

To my special, dear friend Brenda who has encouraged me, prayed for me, and shared coffee with me for more years than either of us cares to admit. May God continue to bless you in every way.

A note from the Author:

I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:

Linda Ford

Author Relations

PO Box 721

Uhrichsville, OH 44683