My Hope Is Found: The Cadence of Grace, Book 3 (39 page)

With Jacob pressed to his chest and Lonnie’s hand wrapped securely in his, Gideon led the way to Reverend Gardner’s house, determined to knock the door down if necessary. They’d delivered the news to the Bennetts, and even as Jebediah slapped him on the back, Elsie pulled her apron over her face and sobbed. Addie had jumped up and down, giggling.
Jacob let out a joyful squeal, though Gideon knew he had no idea what was going on.

Now, as they walked to Reverend Gardner’s house, a midday sun shone bright all around them. The air fragrant with spring blossoms. The walk took most of the morning, but not once did Lonnie’s hand slide from his. And by the time Jacob fell asleep—the boy’s soft cheek pressed to Gideon’s shoulder—the reverend’s house came into view.

Lonnie rapped on the door with a gentle hand, and after flashing his wife-to-be a grin, Gideon pounded on the wood, nearly shaking it from the frame.

She blushed at his eagerness.

“Coming!” An irritated voice called from inside.

The door burst open. The reverend’s eyebrows lifted, and with short, stubby fingers, he pulled the napkin from his shirt and brushed crumbs from his pants.

“I hope we’re not interrupting,” Lonnie began.

“I was just finishing up my dinner.” Reverend Gardner glanced from one face to the other, finally landing back on Gideon. “May I help you?” He wiped his mouth with his napkin.

“We’d like to get married,” Gideon said, squeezing Lonnie’s hand.

“Married?” The reverend nearly choked.

Gideon let out a slow breath, his nerves a mess. “I know what you’re thinking, sir.” He held up a hand. “But believe me when I say I am a free man to be married.” He took the envelope from his pocket and handed it over. “And as far as I know”—he glanced down at Lonnie, who smiled up at him—“as crazy as it seems, this lady here
will
have me.”

Taking the envelope, Reverend Gardner began to open it. Jebediah stepped forward, and Gideon felt a reassuring hand squeeze his shoulder.

“He’s free to marry. I am witness to that.”

“So am I,” Elsie added.

Grateful, Gideon glanced at them. His family.

Even as he shook his head, Reverend Gardner’s eyes skimmed the words. Then with a nod of approval, he ushered them into his house, motioning toward the sitting room. “In there.”

The fire crackled in the hearth. A white cat lifted its head as the parade of intruders passed by the sofa, and stretching out its paws, the bundle of fur rolled onto her back as if the guests had nothing better to do than rub her belly.

“Your dinner’s getting cold, dear.” A gray-haired woman stepped out of the kitchen, and then her face filled with surprise.

“Maura, these folks have come to be married.” The reverend tossed his napkin onto the mantel and made quick work of straightening his collar. “Will you please draw up the license?” He cast Gideon a curious glance. “You’re certain you have no other wives?”

With a chuckle, Gideon lifted his hands, palms up. “I promise.”

After a moment of silent study, Reverend Gardner shook his head. “I believe you.” He set Judge Monroe’s letter on the mantel, then glanced at Lonnie and back to Gideon. Despite his sober demeanor, he nearly smiled. “I’ve never married the same people twice before.”

Gideon took hold of Lonnie’s hand, not liking the way his felt without it.

The reverend motioned for them to stand in front of the fireplace, and after his wife brought him a large Bible, he turned to face his unexpected guests. He cleared his throat and began with the words he’d spoken to Lonnie and Gideon on that cold morning they’d stood inside his church, her hand trembling inside his.

Gideon stood as close to Lonnie as he could, glancing away only long
enough to peek at Jacob, who rested in Elsie’s arms. His small cheek was pressed to the woman’s shoulder. Black lashes brushed his pale skin in slumber. Gideon glanced back at Lonnie, who watched him with a curious expression.

After closing his Bible, Reverend Gardner clutched it in one hand. “Do you have a ring?”

Gideon grimaced. He had nothing to offer her. Slowly he shook his head.

All was silent except for a clatter coming from Reverend Gardener’s kitchen. Lonnie pulled a folded handkerchief from inside her sleeve. “I do.” She carefully unwrapped the bundle and held the offering out to Gideon.

Gideon took the ring between his broad fingers, studying it. His face was pained, and Lonnie could almost hear the breaking of his heart.

“What’s the matter?” She touched his sleeve.

“This isn’t a good ring.” His eyebrows pulled together, and she knew his memories had drifted to a time when he was a different man. “This … I …” He shook his head again.

Lonnie took hold of his hand, closing his fingers around the tin he’d offered her all that time ago in Rocky Knob, the day she’d vowed to become the wife of a man she hardly knew. “It’s a perfect ring. I would never want another.”

Gideon’s chest heaved, and Lonnie’s thumb grazed his skin.

“Do you believe me?”

Glancing up, his eyes glistened with unshed tears. “You’re a better woman than I deserve.”

She shook her head and held out her hand.

With determination brightening his eyes, Gideon slid the cold tin to the tip of her finger. “Are you sure?” he breathed.

Lonnie nodded. She’d never been more certain of anything in her life, and when Gideon slid the ring onto her finger, the tin warming between their hands, the last pieces of her broken heart pulled together.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may—” Reverend Gardner arched an eyebrow and bent toward the kitchen entryway. “For heaven’s sake, wife. What is that knocking about in there?”

Mrs. Gardner poked her head out of the kitchen, bowl in the crook of her arm, whisk working in quick motion. “I’m beating egg whites to a
froth
like the recipe says.” Her cheeks reddened. “Can’t have a wedding without a cake.”

Reverend Gardner chuckled. “And we can’t have a ceremony without a ‘kiss yer bride.’ ”

“Yes, dear.” Her whisk stilled and she stood at attention.

From the corner of the room, Addie giggled.

With a shake of his head, Reverend Gardner grinned and turned back to Gideon. “Mr. O’Riley”—his eyes sparkled—“you may now kiss your bride.”

There was a time near the completion of this book that as a storyteller—and more simply as a person—it was beyond my ability to put the words on paper. I had been trying to walk outside the storm. Skirting around the heart-aching places this book would take me. That was when I knew it was time to simply trust God to see me through to the other side. For in our weakness, He is strong. And I felt ever so weak. So I opened my hands and let go of everything I had thought this story would be.

I searched my heart. Every piece of it. Felt along the scars from life and loss, the healing remnants. It was there I allowed myself to tell a journey of the mire sin can pull us into, and the healing that can be found in His will. In those days and hours, I finished
My Hope Is Found
.

My constant prayer is that these stories will bless and encourage you. I pray that they will point to the Cross—the redemptive love of Christ. The One who died for our sins. Though we were so, so undeserving of that kind of sacrifice. The ultimate act of love.

There is no love story sweeter than that of Christ and His church. It’s a dance—a pursuit. I think this is why I write romance. It’s a beautiful reflection of that ultimate love. The never-ending story of a hero, holding out his hand to the one he loves. A story of sacrifice. And in the Cadence of Grace series, a story of how a sinner can change, and hope can be found.

Gideon’s journey back to Lonnie took some twists and turns that led me to the city of Stuart. The courthouse, completed in the early 1800s, was the hub for legal happenings in Patrick County, Virginia, in 1902. John
and Sallie Moore were a prominent family in Stuart at the time, with John Moore serving as judge of the county court for a number of years. In wanting to respectfully honor Judge Moore and his family, I created the fictional character of Judge Monroe.
The History of Patrick County
states that upon his retirement, Judge Moore engaged in orcharding.

One of the greatest joys of being an author is connecting with readers. I am so thankful to all of you who have been a part of the Cadence of Grace series. The way you’ve embraced Lonnie and Gideon’s story blesses me to no end. If you’d like to keep in touch, you can find me at
www.joannebischof.com
. While there, if you would like to drop me a note, please do! It’s always such a joy to hear from you.