“Bye, Oscar. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
As they left the office, Eden watched them go with a mix of emotions swirling inside her. Working at The Welcome Center had opened her eyes to the different struggles people faced. There wasn’t one person here who’d had an easy life. They’d come to Sapphire Bay looking for a fresh start and a chance to create the life they wanted to live. A lot like her.
She glanced at Rex. “It looks like you made a new friend today,” she murmured.
With a doggy sigh of contentment, he settled back into his bed.
Eden turned back to her paperwork, but her thoughts lingered on Oscar and Chloe. Shelley had told her this job involved more than managing the budgets; it was about touching people’s lives, however small the gesture.
Picking up a pen, she made a note to talk to John about Chloe. There must be something she could do to help make her stay at The Welcome Center a little brighter.
Chapter8
The day of Daniella and Harrison’s wedding was bright and clear. As Steve walked into The Connect Church with Eden, he couldn’t help but feel optimistic. Especially after the morning he’d had. No one looking at the colorful floral arrangements or listening to the soothing wedding music would believe the drama that had unfolded a few hours ago.
Owen had called him in a panic. The 1920s Rolls Royce they’d rented to take his sister to the church had broken down. They’d called everyone they knew to see if they had a vehicle they could borrow. The best they’d come up with was a new truck a friend had used the previous week for another wedding.
Steve had been with Owen and Daniella when she’d booked the car. He knew how much she dreamed of arriving at the church in a vehicle that was as close to Cinderella’s coach as she could find. A friend’s pickup truck wouldn’t even come close.
There was only one person Steve knew who owned a car that could replace the Rolls Royce. Zac, the only doctor in Sapphire Bay, owned a Shelby Mustang. The classic car might not have the status of a Rolls Royce, but it sure looked good. After a quick call to Zac, then checking with Daniella, Steve had hurried out of town to collect the car.
On the way there, he stopped at the general store and spoke to Mabel Terry. Without hesitating, she let him borrow the ribbons they’d used to decorate her daughters’ wedding cars. By the time Steve arrived at Daniella’s parents’ home, Owen was waiting to turn the Mustang into the fairytale vehicle his sister had dreamed about.
The relief was short-lived. Over at Harrison’s house, no one could find the rose boutonniere the florist had made for Harrison’s jacket, and his dad had left the wedding rings on their dining room table. Eventually, they made it to the church with a rose from their garden and the ring box in Mr. James’ pocket.
As Steve walked down the aisle, he looked at Owen. He was sitting beside his mom, waiting for Daniella to arrive at the church. No one looking at his confident smile would know he was every bit as nervous as his sister.
Eden pointed to some empty seats, and they sat beside Shelley.
“Don’t look so worried,” Eden whispered. “Nothing else will go wrong.”
Steve undid the button on his jacket. “As long as Zac’s car doesn’t break down, we’ll be fine.”
Eden leaned closer to him. “If Daniella has to run here, she will. Harrison looks nervous.”
Steve focused on Harrison and his dad, who was also his best man. Harrison was shuffling on his feet. Every now and then he’d drop his gaze to the floor, then look over his shoulder toward the main doors.
Mr. Judd smiled and leaned closer to his son. It looked as though whatever he’d said had made Harrison relax—until he heard the first notes of the bridal march.
The soft murmur of the wedding guests fell into silence as everyone turned around. Daniella appeared beside her dad. She was wearing a flowing white lace gown that trailed softly behind her. Nervousness, excitement, and pure happiness radiated from her as she walked down the aisle toward Harrison.
Steve’s throat tightened. He was witnessing a ceremony that would seal a deep commitment between two people who’d love each other for the rest of their lives. Glancing at Eden, he wondered if there was room for dreams like that in his life.
She looked up at him and smiled. “I’m glad I’m here. The way Harrison’s looking at Daniella is so sweet.”
Steve turned and saw the awe and deep affection on Harrison’s face. “He loves her.”
Eden’s smile faded. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. It’s just… special.” After he was honorably discharged from the army, he never thought he’d find someone who could love the man he’d become. He was haunted by the echoes of war, scared of never connecting with someone on a deep and meaningful level. And terrified of being rejected. They weren’t the type of qualities most women were looking for.
When Daniella arrived at the front of the church, Pastor John welcomed everyone before beginning the ceremony. “Daniella and Harrison have chosen to commit themselves to one another in this sacred space, surrounded by those they love. Let us embrace this moment with open hearts as we surround them with our affection and blessings.” As the service continued, John’s voice filled the church with words of love and encouragement.
The couple’s vows were heartfelt and poignant, each word full of promise for a wonderful future together. When John pronounced Harrison and Daniella husband and wife, there wasn’t one dry eye in the church.
As they sealed their vows with a kiss, a ripple of applause broke through the church. When the newlyweds turned to face their family and friends with radiant smiles, the room erupted into cheers. The sound echoed off the high ceilings and filled the space with hope and celebration.
Beside Steve, Eden’s eyes sparkled with tears. “That was a beautiful ceremony,” she whispered.
