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He answered the question quietly. “Enough. It was enough.”

“You’re sure?”

Of course she knew what he’d meant. Serena always knew, even the things he couldn’t say. She knew all of it.

“All I ever wanted for her was to be healthy, happy. To be alive. She’s all that and so much more.” He squeezed Serena’s hand and then kissed it. “Let’s go home.”

They rose together and walked away.

Emma would always have a part of his heart. But to insert himself into her life, causing confusion and possible pain, would be ridiculously unfair. And he wasn’t that selfish.

So yes, as much as his heart still hurt and as much as he wanted just one more moment with his baby girl, he took what he had been so generously given.

And that was, indeed, more than enough.

Chapter Forty-Nine

Francine, Wisconsin

Serena stood beneath a flower-covered trellis that two of her brothers had built. Her mid-length dress was a soft blend of pink, light orange, and a tinge of blue. The moment she’d spotted the dress in her favorite boutique in Appleton, she’d known it was the one. The colors reminded her of the sunrise she and Sean watched frequently from their back porch in Montana. They would soon return there, and through the years, they would watch that sunrise again and again. They would build their life there, holding each other, loving and cherishing what they had been given.

Though the chapel could have held them all, she and Sean had decided that an outdoor ceremony would be even more perfect. The temperature was in the mid-seventies, the sky a light azure, not one cloud marring its beauty. Songbirds twittered in the surrounding trees, and butterflies fluttered around flowering bushes and plants. The muted sounds of satisfied cows mooing softly to one another in the distance and the occasional whinny of an opinionated horse made everything all the more beautiful. This was her home, her family, her legacy.

Everyone was already seated. She would walk down the aisle alone. Sean stood beneath another flowered trellis. Instead of a tuxedo, he had opted for a light blue suit, almost the color of Emma’s eyes, with a white shirt and no tie. She had never seen him look more handsome or more at peace. The shadows had finally lifted from him. Knowing Emma was alive, that she was healthy and flourishing, meant everything to him.

Last night, instead of staying separated, which might be more traditional, even for a vow renewal, they’d opted to stay together.

Lying in bed, holding each other, they had whispered their thoughts, their hopes, their dreams, and their love for each other. It had been comforting, precious, and healing. They’d discussed their past problems, their lack of communication, and the secrets that had been kept. Those days were past for both of them.

They had also talked about Emma, about how wonderful it was that not only was she alive, but that she had a loving family and seemed so vibrant and happy. They’d talked about Brenda, too, and how happy she would be to know that she had been right all along. If not for her, they might never have found Emma.

There had been tears, lots of them. But there had been laughter, too. It had been messy, cathartic, and beautiful. It had been perfect.

Whatever problems they’d experienced before had been dealt with and resolved. Whatever problems they would face in the future, their love would see them through.

She walked to the altar with the confidence of a woman who knew who she was and how well she was loved. She was so fortunate to have not only one family, but two with her to share this day. Every citizen of Francine was here, as well as almost every employee of Option Zero. Only a skeleton crew had been left behind to keep things running, but they were seeing it in real time on a screen back at headquarters.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw all of her OZ family grouped together. She was thrilled to see that Belle had been able to attend and was also happy to see Kate had come as well. Both of them in their way had been instrumental in helping her and Sean reach this day.

Also in attendance, and standing beside Sean, waiting for her, was Hank. She had always loved and had an affinity for dogs, but she had to admit that Hank was extra special. He understood her emotions sometimes better than she did. From the first bump of his cold nose against her hand, to the soulful adoration the minute their eyes met, Hank had become hers. He was a member of her family, and she was thrilled to have him as a part of the ceremony.

Since this wasn’t a traditional wedding, she and Sean had opted to be the only two people at the altar. They would renew their commitment to each other, sharing that love with those they loved.

Reaching the altar, she smiled up at her husband and said, “Hello, handsome.”

Taking her hand, he kissed it softly. “Hello, angel.”

She took a breath and began, “Sean, the day we met, when I bumped into you, my heart opened up for the first time in years. You made me feel alive again, in the best way possible. I fell in love with your courage, your sense of humor, your gentleness, your strength, and your heart. You made me feel seen like no one ever had—like I was special, made just for you.

“Whatever comes our way, I know we can face it together. What we’ve gone through—both separately and together—we are stronger for it. Our love has deepened, as well as our commitment to each other. My heart is filled with the knowledge that I am loved and cherished by the man I adore. That is a gift and a blessing, and I’ll never take it for granted.”

The glistening of tears in his eyes as she spoke those words, the soft caress of his thumb as he held her hand, and the trembling smile told her everything. This man—this strong, wonderful, caring man who often hid his feelings behind gruffness—loved her with all his heart.

She would never doubt him again.

* * *

With every word Serena had said, his entire being soared a little higher. He didn’t deserve this second chance with this magnificent woman. He knew that. But he was going to take what God had so generously given him and treasure it.