Jordan brushed her fingers down the peach dress that matched her mother’s. Lucky for her, Theo had kept her wedding dress. His mom had sewn a smaller, child version for Jordan.
“More beauuuutiful than the lake,” Jordan sang, twirling around making Chelsea laugh. She had lots to laugh about these days. Laugh and smile. Life was so good.
As they approached the small wooden bridge, Theo’s face lit up.
“You look gorgeous,” he said, then patted Jordan’s head. “Both of you. Are you ready for this, pixie?”
“Yes,” she said breathlessly. Everything Theo did took her breath away
In the last month, they’d moved to her grandmother’s cottage, along with the animals, new swing set, and all Jordan’s toys. Being on the ocean was only second best to being in Theo’s bed every night and in his life every day. Having her daughter with her made so much pain from the past go away, or at least get pushed back to a part of her mind she kept locked up.
Frank was in prison awaiting trial, and Chelsea didn’t relish having to testify, but Theo would be with her, and his strength kept her going. His support had been essential the last month when she’d hired investigators to look into the pharmaceutical company and its dealings. They’d found the person responsible for making the drugs her father had given her. He had also been arrested. Another large drug company had stepped in to buy hers, and she’d sold easily. As for the estate, she’d gotten rid of the staff and given use of it to a women’s shelter. Putting some of the proceeds of the buyout into an account, she’d given the shelter access to the interest from the considerable amount. Chelsea planned to keep her eye on it and make sure the residents got the kind of support and help they needed. Help she wished she’d had.
During this time, she’d started seeing a therapist to help her deal with all that had happened to her, mentally as well as physically. Theo came to some of the appointments and was being coached on what to look for if Chelsea started to get lost again. With a loving husband and daughter, it hadn’t happened often.
Theo crept forward and took Chelsea’s hand, while Rico scooped Jordan up so she could be high enough to see everything.
“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to witness this couple pledge their love and devotion to each other in holy matrimony.”
The minister continued as Chelsea gazed out at the peaceful water of the lake, then at the man by her side. Nothing could be better.
“Do you, Chelsea…” The words brought her back to the ceremony.
“I do.” The look in Theo’s eyes when she said it sent shivers down her spine.
Theo repeated the vow, declaring his love, and they were invited to kiss.
As Theo’s lips descended on hers, she thought back to all the many other times they showed each other the depth of their love.
“I love you, pixie,” Theo whispered as if he could read her mind.
Creeping her hands up around his neck, she whispered back. “Not as much as I love you.”
Theo chuckled but didn’t debate.
Kim snapped away with her camera, saying she’d add it to the album she’d made five years ago. Rico slapped Theo on the back with a laugh.
“Might want to move aside, or we’ll have Norma on our case for holding up traffic.”
Theo bent down and scooped her up, carrying her over to the sandy area by the lake with the new bench. Jordan Pond was still open to the public, even though they’d gotten permission to hold the wedding here. A dozen or so people stood to the side of the wooden bridge, waiting to cross. They all smiled, and none seemed upset to be delayed. They took in Theo is his ranger uniform and applauded.
As the visitors moved past, Theo set her on the bench and kissed her once more. “I love you, Chelsea Lapierre.”
“You like the sound of that, huh?” She’d changed her name legally and gotten all her documents updated with her new Maine address.
“I like that it says you’re mine. That we’re a family. You, me, and Jordan.”
As he said this, the little girl skipped over and plunked onto the seat between them.
“And the new baby,” Jordan chirped.
Theo narrowed his eyes. “What new baby?” His gaze roamed to her.
“When you got married last time, you had a baby. Me,” Jordan said. “So now you have to have another baby.”
Theo laughed, but Chelsea remained quiet. She had wanted to wait until they were alone to tell him.
Taking his hand, she rested it on her stomach. “Jordan’s right. We do need to have another one.”
