“Don’t forget your flowers.” Lucy shoved a bouquet of white, yellow, and red roses into her hand, compliments ofTiaEvie and Jake, who had arrived shortly before Justice Peabody with Hilde and Antonio in tow. All four were in the kitchen, preparing the luncheon that would be served after she and Devlin took their vows. There would be photographs, too, Lucy’s wedding gift to them.
“You wait here. I’ll get everyone settled in the parlor and I’ll let you know when you should come downstairs.” Lucy reached out her hand and grabbed Avery’s. “Come on, sweetie.”
Avery followed along, then leaned toward Lucy as they started down the stairs. “We’re gettin’ married today!” she exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement.
Tresia laughed.
She watched them disappear from view, though she could still hear Avery talking and laughing, which made her heart proud. To think, she had spoken very little, only answering questions with a nod, a shake of her head or one word when they’d first met. Now, she was a vibrant and happy little girl.
It only took moments for Lucy and Avery to usherTiaEvie, Jake, Hilde and Antonio into the parlor, but it felt like a lifetime before Lucy closed the pocket doors and signaled to her. She fairly flew down the stairs, beyond anxious to show everyone present exactly how much she loved Devlin Goodrich.
“Ready?” Lucy asked, her eyes bright, her smile wide as she met her at the bottom of the stairs.
Tresia nodded. “I—” The words she wanted to say, the expression of gratitude toward Lucy and what she had done—introducing her to the love her life and the little girl who had changed her in so many ways—died in her throat and she couldn’t speak at all.
Lucy laid gentle hands on her shoulders and squeezed. “You don’t have to say anything. I know.” Her own eyes were shiny with tears.
Tresia took a deep breath, her heart brimming with thankfulness, then she gave a quick nod. “I’m ready.”
Lucy nodded, turned and opened the pocket doors before walking slowly into the parlor to take her place on the other side of Justice Peabody.
Tresia entered the parlor, her gaze focused on Devlin and Avery, who stood beside him, for once without her ever-present and much beloved Cecily.
Joy bubbled within her, so much so that she could hardly contain it. It was her wedding day. She didn’t want to contain it. She wanted everyone to know how happy she was as she took another step closer—to her loves. Her family. Her future.
Devlin returned her gaze, his eyes bright, his confident, trusting smile touching her. He inhaled deeply, his chest puffing out with what she assumed was pride, then, though it wasn’t tradition, he strode toward her and took her hand in his, as if he couldn’t wait. “You look… beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe how lovely you look.”
“So do you.” And he did, dressed in a coal black suit with a pristine white shirt and silver brocade vest. “Handsome, I mean.”
He fingered the amethyst pendant resting on her breastbone. “Do you like it?”
“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She looked at him and saw the promise of their future shining in his eyes. Her pulse raced and butterflies danced in her belly. “I’m surprised Avery kept your secret.”
Devlin laughed. “She almost told you so many times! I had to keep reminding her that she couldn’t tell.”
She looked into his face, embracing the love she saw there. “I’m sorry. I have no gift for you.”
He leaned forward, his lips brushing her ear. “You love me and Avery. That’s the best gift any man could ever ask for. I don’t need anything else. Just you.”
His statement touched her heart. Tears flooded her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.
Devlin brushed his fingers beneath her eyes, wiping away her tears then smiled gently. “If I thought marrying me would make you cry, I never would have asked.”
“Rest assured, my love, these are happy tears.” She smiled. “Let’s get married.”
He turned toward the assembled guests. “We’re ready,” he announced, then led her toward Justice Peabody, who waited in front of the fireplace. He reached for Avery’s hand and drew her forward to stand between them as if the three of them were marrying each other.
And once again, it was perfect.
Oh, she so loved this! Waking up beside Devlin in the morning, watching him as he slept, his face full of peace, despite what had happened with Frances just three days ago. She lifted her hand to gently touch his handsome face but the sight of the ring on her finger stopped her and for a moment, all she could do was stare at it. She turned it this way and that, watching as the sunlight coming in through the window made the plain gold band shine.
She couldn’t be happier.
“Good morning, Wife.”
She forced her gaze away from the ring and focused on him. A devilish grin spread his lips and heat flashed through her, though she should be exhausted. So should he. Neither one of them had slept very much as they celebrated the beginning of their marriage. “Good morning, Husband.”
Devlin rolled onto his side and pulled her closer, his hand sliding up and down her arm, moving the blanket that covered her. “I don’t want to get up yet.”
