“Really?” Joy wreathed his face.
“Yes. Come inside.”
He followed her into the gazebo. She’d cut flowers and greenery to fill jars in each corner. She’d prepared a little picnic basket. “I know you’re not hungry, but I thought you might enjoy some fudge.”
He caught her hand. “Is this howyouractions speak louder than words?”
She moved closer. “Flowers and candy are supposed to say something special.”
“They’re romantic.”
She nodded.
“Does it mean what I hope it means?”
“Depends on what you hope.”
“I hope it means you feel for me like I feel about you.”
“And what would that be?”
“Emily, I love you. Forever and always. I know I should take my time, but I can’t. I want to share your life. Make a home with you and Mikey. Will you marry me?” He paused, hope and uncertainty in his eyes.
“Jesse Hill, I love you so much my insides feel full of fudge. Yes, I will marry you.”
His arms closed about her, and he bent his head to give her a sweet, promising kiss. In his embrace, she knew exactly who she was—a woman loved by a noble and strong man.
EPILOGUE
They waited throughout what was left of the summer, enjoying bright days and sweet evenings. They wanted the paperwork on Mikey’s adoption to be in order before they married.
The day finally came. Their wedding day.
Emily looked down at her gown. She’d chosen pale pink silk and had sewn the dress herself. Annie was to be her only bridesmaid.
“Are you ready?” her father asked.
She smiled up at him through tears. “Having you and Mother here is the best gift I could dream of.” She had written them to let them know of her location and her plans. They had arrived two days ago.
“Your mother and I are so happy you have found a place where you are accepted as the beautiful, pure young lady you are. Jesse is a good man.” He kissed her cheek. “And he’s probably tired of waiting.”
They followed Annie down the aisle. Emily almost stumbled at the sight of Jesse at the front, dark and handsome in a black suit with Mikey holding his hand.
Three years old and so handsome. He wore a black vest, black trousers, and a white shirt, all of which Emily had made.
They went forward. Emily kissed her father and mother, then turned to Jesse and repeated the vows as Hugh prompted them. After exchanging rings they stood to the side, beaming with joy as Gram and Grandfather came to the front and were married. The two couples signed the register. Then the judge set out the adoption papers, and they were duly signed.
Hugh stood before the people of Bella Creek. “Folks, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Allan Marshall.”
Gram and Grandfather kissed, then made their way down the aisle to cheering and clapping.
Hugh signaled Jesse and Emily forward. “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hill and their son, Michael Jesse Hill.”
“That me?” Mikey asked.
“It is indeed.” Jesse lifted him into the crook of one arm. Emily took his other arm, and they made their way down the aisle, receiving many words of congratulations.
Later that evening, Mikey went to stay with Annie.
Jesse carried Emily over the threshold of their home. “I often dreamed of a wife and child living in this house.”
Still in his arms, she pulled his head down to kiss him. “I am thrilled to help make your dreams come true.”
“Dear wife,youare my dream come true.” He kissed her again. “Are you happy?”
“Happier than I’ve ever been before.”
He set her on her feet and tipped her head up to claim her lips in a kiss full of so much promise and love she wondered if her heart could contain it.
