“I give you this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.”
“By the power vested in me by the state of Vermont,” Elmer said, “I declare you beautiful kids husband and wife. Gavin, you may kiss your wife.”
Gavin put his arms around her and stared at her for a long moment before he kissed her and then hugged her carefully, which she appreciated. Every inch of her hurt, but her heart… Her heart had never felt better or been more full.
“I’m pleased to introduce, for the very first time,” Elmer said, “Gavin and Ella Guthrie.”
Their family cheered for them as Sarah woke up and let out a lusty, angry cry.
It was the most perfect moment of Ella’s entire life.
For a long time after everyone had gone home or to bed, Linc stared at the fire and thought about the remarkable few days they’d had. What was supposed to have been an ordinary holiday-season weekend had turned into anything but, and now the horrible breach with his family had been bridged, and his sons- and daughters-in-law had gone all-out to create a special Christmas for their family. Not to mention the arrival of a new grandchild and a wedding. It’d been a week he’d never forget.
He was truly blessed, and all his blessings began with Molly, who’d turned in hours ago, exhausted as always after the crush of Christmas. He got up, worked around the sleeping dogs to secure the fireplace and went upstairs.
In the hallway, he looked around at the various bedroom doors now standing open and gave thanks for the gift of waking that morning to everyone back in the barn for one memorable night.
He got into bed and was careful not to disturb Molly, but she stirred, nonetheless.
“There you are,” she said, sounding sleepy.
“Here I am.”
She snuggled up to him, and he wrapped his arms around her. “Was about to send a search party for you.”
“Your dad got the whiskey out. It was downhill from there.”
“How many times did he use the word ‘impertinent’?”
“Only four or five.”
“So it was a good night.”
“It was a great night.”
“I’m glad he agreed to stay tonight, too, so he could have a nightcap with you.”
“Me, too. I think he wanted to stay close to make sure I’m all right, which I appreciate so much.”
“He loves you.”
“I know, and I love him right back.”
She smothered a yawn. “Did you get a chance to read the Christmas letter from Joseph and Keisha?”
“I did! Jalen is going to be a judge. That’s incredible.”
“And Jasmine being the national president of an accounting organization.”
“I’m glad Keisha finally talked Joseph into retiring at the end of the year.”
“Maybe now we can get them back up here for another visit.”
“Or meet up with them somewhere.”
“That sounds good, too.”
He ran his fingers through her hair. “I still can’t believe what Cam and the others did while we were gone.”
“I know! I was so thrilled. I’d been trying not to think about how I was going to pull off Christmas after being gone the extra day. They made it so I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Best Christmas ever.”
“It really was. Our amazing kids fell for some equally amazing people.”
“They sure did. And just think, it all began at a bus station in Mississippi.”
“Best day of my life.”
“And mine. Do you still love me more than the Beatles?”
“Always and forever.”
“Sing me our song.”
In a soft whisper, he gave her the opening notes to the song that had gotten them through the best and worst of times. It had become especially poignant after the split with his family, when Molly and her family had opened their arms to him and welcomed him into their fold. “When I find myself in times of trouble…”
Let it be.
Let it be.
Epilogue
Two days after Christmas, Linc slid into their regular booth at the diner, where his father-in-law was already nursing a cup of coffee. “Sorry I’m late.”
“Everything all right?”
“My sister called to tell me my father passed away overnight. She said his passing was peaceful, and they were all there with him.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, Linc.”
“Thank you, but it doesn’t really feel like my loss, you know?”
“I understand what you mean, but still… Give yourself a minute to feel it.”
Linc nodded and smiled when Megan came over with coffee. “Thanks, honey. How’re you doing?”
“I’m still recovering from Christmas.”
“Right there with you. Thanks for all you did to help make it happen.”
“It was fun and gave us something to do while you were gone.”
“You’re