Page 94 of Lucky Haven

After greeting my brother and Bellamy, he comes over to where I’m standing right beside Haven like a protective guard dog she didn’t ask for.

I hate that I recognize the depth of understanding in his eyes.

“Good to see you, Miss Bingham,” he says.

“And you too, Reverand Kerr,” she says. It’s exactly the same incredibly polite tone she’s using with me.

I understand that, too. More now than I did before, because just like me, the church broke Haven’s heart.

And Kerr, who is as nice as they come—never heard a bad word about him—seems to recognize her pain, too.

To his credit, he doesn’t take any offence.

Maybe he sees Haven as an injured sheep, one he would love to tend to.

We have that in common. But I’m limited in how I can tend to her, which just proves I’m the worst man in the world for her.

Kerr, on the other hand…

He would be an excellent husband, if he could gain her trust.

My fists clench at my side imagining how soft and tender he could be with her. The babies she would bear, the pretty dresses she would wear to teach Sunday school. The script just writes itself.

And as if she can feel my misplaced jealousy radiating off, Haven shoots me a pointed look.

I take a deep breath and let the pain flow through me.

It’s just another sacrifice I have to endure.

The breeze picks up. Zane’s attention locks on the back of the house.

Hope steps out from the lower level, Mercy at her side. They exchange whispers, then Mercy starts across the grass.

Beside Zane, Ridge goes stiff.

Both of us fucking dumb as shit when it comes to women.

Once Mercy takes her spot under the bunting garland, Hope steps into the sunshine.

She’s wearing a long white dress. It’s a little retro, a little hippie coastal girl, and a lot country. In one hand, she’s carrying a bouquet of wildflowers that match a delicate wreath in her hair, and her other hand lifts her skirt revealing cowboy boots.

Her gaze is locked on Zane, and she’s beaming so brightly, it’s hard to look at her.

I’m so glad you’re not alone anymore.

Mom’s words echo through my mind as Hope walks herself down an imaginary aisle to where my brother is holding her daughter.

She takes Zane’s free hand in hers and the whole world disappears. It’s just the two of them gazing into each other’s eyes.

Callum clears his throat. “It’s a fine morning to join two people in marriage in the eyes of our Lord and the Province of Alberta, in front of the witnesses gathered here today, friends and family alike.

“Over the last two weeks, I’ve had the gift of meeting with Hope and Zane a couple of times to talk about what they wanted this to look like. Today is most important day in their whole relationship to date. It’s also the start of the rest of their lives together. They have asked you here to witness an exchange of vows that are sacred, that are profound, and made even more special because of a little girl.”

“That’s me,” Bellamy says.

“Yes, that’s you.” Zane says proudly. His eyes are suspiciously bright. Beside me, Haven sucks in a little breath. Blindly I reach over and take her hand, squeezing her fingers. In a blessing I don’t really deserve, she squeezes back.

He whispers something to the little girl, and she nods back.