Chapter 32
Eliza had promised herself she wouldn’t cry.
But as she took in the ethereal beauty of the town square, transformed for Luke and Cassie’s wedding, she couldn’t help it.
A tear slid down her cheek as she caught sight of Maggie sitting in the front row, gazing at her son who stood beneath the arch he’d built with his own hands, her eyes shimmering with unspeakable love and joy.
Eliza’s breath hitched. That would be her someday, when it came time for Ben to get married.
Another tear escaped, gently following the trail of the first.
Strong, warm fingers slipped through hers, and Grant gave a comforting squeeze, reaching over to wipe the tear from her cheek.
“You look beautiful,” he whispered, his gentle breath ruffling the wispy curls framing her face.
Too emotional for words, she squeezed back, grateful Luke and Cassie had gone with an unconventional wedding party—Jack, Penny, and Reed on one side, Colt, herself, and Grant on the other. Ben squirmed by Grant’s side, looking far more eager to sit with Vinny, who lounged dutifully by Donna’s feet in the front row.
As the processional music shifted, the dulcet melody of the “Christmas Waltz” floated across the lawn, the guitar and violin lending a magical quality to the familiar notes.
Eliza’s lips curled into a smile. Only Luke and Cassie could pick a Christmas song in summer and have it fit with utter perfection.
A low rumble drew everyone’s attention to Main Street, where a glimmering 1951 Chevy convertible parked at the end of the square. Sunlight gleamed off the deep-purple paint, highlighting its elegant curves as the sun dipped behind the trees.
Frank Barrie emerged from the driver’s seat, gallantly clothed in a tailored suit the color of rich French roast. He confidently strode around the car and opened the passenger door, offering Cassie his arm.
At the look of intense pride on his face, Eliza nearly broke down completely, recalling the warmth in Cassie’s voice when she’d recounted asking Frank to walk her down the aisle. They’d been sipping coffee on the front porch, and according to Cassie, Frank had cried. Although in true Frank fashion, he’d insisted the moisture in his eyes stemmed from the steam radiating off the freshly brewed coffee. But Cassie hadn’t been fooled for a second.
A collective gasp stirred the crowd as she emerged from the vehicle, a breathtaking vision in vintage ivory lace, her dark curls cascading down her back in silky tendrils.
While everyone stood, turning their attention to Frank and Cassie as they glided down the aisle, Eliza stole a glance at Luke.
He stood perfectly still, barely even breathing as his gaze locked on his bride, tears pooling in his warm, hazel eyes.
As Cassie drew closer, Eliza caught Luke’s lips move almost imperceptibly, forming the wordsI love you.
Her gaze flitted to Cassie, and she observed her mouth the same words back to Luke.
As the music swelled, Frank handed Cassie off to her groom. But not before planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. Leaning in to Luke, he shook his hand while whispering something in his ear.
Luke’s eyes crinkled in an affectionate smile as he gripped the old man’s hand, shaking on whatever promise he’d just made.
Everyone sat as Pastor Bellman began the ceremony with a few jokes, followed by a brief message on love and the significance of marriage.
Then came Eliza’s favorite part: the wedding vows.
Her heart fluttering in anticipation, she handed Cassie the leather-bound notebook containing her handwritten vows, trading it for her bouquet. As she clasped the arrangement of white roses dotted with bright red berries, Eliza smiled, remembering how Cassie had wept the first time she’d laid eyes on Reed’s special addition.
Per Luke’s request, Reed had spent nearly six months cultivating the coffee shrub in his green house, babying the tropical plant until the blossoms transformed into vibrant cherries. All the care and effort wasn’t lost on Cassie, who’d gushed over the surprise for hours, touched by the thoughtfulness.
Tearing her gaze from the perfect arrangement, Eliza focused on Cassie, moved by the look of complete and utter adoration on her friend’s features.
“The first time I saw you…” Cassie began, her voice shaky. “You were wearing a Frosty the Snowman sweater. And I confess to thinking you were a little bit crazy.”
Luke chuckled, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye as Cassie beamed at him.
“But it didn’t take long to realize you were more than crazy about Christmas. You were also the most generous man I’d ever met. Generous with your time. And with your love.” Her voice broke, all attention to her journal forgotten, her gaze fixed on Luke. “You showed me what unconditional, unfailing love looks like. You taught me to hope. And that hope blossomed into assurance.” Passing the vows back to Eliza, Cassie reached for Luke’s hands, her trembling fingers steadying as they laced through his. “I, Cassandra Marie Hayward, vow to never give up hope. To persevere through whatever trials come our way. And to love you more than I love myself. And yes, even more than I love coffee.”
Laughter and sniffling rippled across the sea of guests as Luke kept his grip on Cassie’s hands, ignoring the booklet Colt offered containing his vows.
