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Now that Jane was back, she intended to spend more time getting to know her family. She still had a grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins to get to know. Paul had assured her that when she was ready, he would make it happen. She believed him.

When they arrived at the church. There were a lot of people. “No wonder you wanted to show up early.”

“Candi and Michael know most of the town. The church is large, but I have my doubts if it is going to hold everyone.” Tracy opened the car door. “Come on. Boys, we have to hurry.”

The boys groaned as they tugged at their neckties.

Leah smiled. “Right behind you.”

They met up with a group of finely dressed people on the steps of the church. The line moved slowly as people waited to get through the doorway.

A few minutes later, they were seated. The people in the row ahead of them turned around. They were Tracy’s neighbors. There were introductions and greetings. Little by little, she was getting to know the residents of Kringle Falls.

Leah searched the faces of the guests. She told herself she was just looking for a familiar face, but she couldn’t lie to herself. She was looking for Shaun, but she didn’t see him anywhere. Did that mean he wasn’t coming? Or was he just running late?

“Are you looking for anyone in particular?” Tracy asked.

“Uh, no.” Leah checked the time. “Shouldn’t Paul be here by now?”

Tracy took her phone from her bag and stared at the screen. “Looks like he’s not going to be able to make it to the ceremony.”

Leah grew concerned. “Is something wrong?”

Tracy shook her head. “He just isn’t done working.”

The man was really dedicated to his work. “What’s he like?”

“Who? Your father?” When Leah nodded, Tracy said, “He’s a really good guy. He’s a good listener. He’ll always have your back. And he’s filled with guilt for not knowing you all of these years.”

“But he shouldn’t feel that way. He didn’t know I existed.”

“I know that. And you know that. But he is still struggling to come to terms with the fact that you grew up without knowing him. If he would have known about you, he would have done everything possible to be a part of your life.”

It did Leah’s heart good to hear that. She didn’t know how much she’d needed to know that. He was turning out to be everything she’d dreamed of as a father...and maybe a bit more.

Leah reached out to Tracy and placed her hand over hers. She gave her a squeeze. “Thank you. For welcoming me into your family. I mean I’m a total stranger, and yet you opened up your home—your life—to me. I can’t tell you how much that means.”

Tracy shook her head. “You aren’t a stranger. You are family.”

A rush of tears flooded Leah’s eyes. Her mother had always been emotionally distant. For Tracy to open up to her, it meant a lot.

Leah swiped at her eyes as the piano music started to play. A hush fell over the church, and Leah realized she had no idea if Shaun was in attendance.

Michael took his position at the front of the church with his three brothers next to him. They were wearing black tuxes and looked quite sharp. She couldn’t help but wonder what Shaun would look like in a tux. Without a doubt, he would look amazing.

The bridal party wore long deep-red gowns with cap sleeves. Their bouquets held red and white roses as well as baby’s breath. They were beautiful.

And then the bride appeared at the end of the aisle. Everyone got to their feet. She was escorted down the aisle by a distinguished older gentleman. Shaun’s father. The resemblance was undeniable. Leah now had an idea of what Shaun would look like when he got older. She smiled as they passed by.

And then the guests were seated. The ceremony was traditional, but it didn’t last long, no more than fifteen or twenty minutes.

When Michael swept Candi up in his arms and kissed her, there was applause. Leah joined in. They looked so happy. She hoped they stayed that way.

On the way out of the church, she shook hands with the bridal party and wished the bride and groom all the best. There were lots of smiles and a few laughs. Everyone was in a good mood.

Once they were in the car, Tracy said, “Paul just messaged me. Do you mind if we pick him up on the way to the reception?”

“No. Of course not.” She glanced around the parking lot, searching the dozens of faces for Shaun.