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Epilogue
Joshua stood at the front of the church dressed in a dark suit and tie. His wedding day had arrived. Hazel had placed a red carnation in his lapel to match the bridesmaids’ flowers. The way he saw it, he was a simple man who finally was getting his heart’s desire—marrying the woman of his dreams. After all this time, they were making it official. Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Ransom.
He shifted from one foot to the other as nerves began to grab ahold of him. His palms began to moisten.
“Are you okay?” Theo asked, nudging him in the side. “You’re fidgeting quite a bit.”
“I think so. I mean, yes, of course I am. It’s just that I forgot something important.” Joshua fumbled with his words. He turned toward his brother. “I need to go talk to Honor.”
Theo’s eyes bulged. “Now? Are you serious?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be right back,” Joshua said, walking quickly toward the back of the church, past all the guests who were seated in the pews and staring at him with wide eyes. People began whispering and pointing.
As he headed toward the changing room where the bridal party was gathered, Hazel cut him off at the pass.
“Joshua! What are you doing back here?” Hazel asked. “The wedding is about to start.” She frowned at him. “You’re not having second thoughts, are you??
?
He leaned down and kissed Hazel on the cheek. “Of course I’m not. Marrying Honor is all I’ve ever wanted. I just need to say something to her before we exchange our vows.”
Hazel began fanning herself with her hand. “Praise the Lord. You just scared the life out of me. An image flashed in my head of all the Prescott men running you out of town on a rail.”
Joshua grinned. He could actually laugh at the idea of it, now that things had been smoothed over between him and Honor’s family. They had finally shown him grace and acceptance. Hopefully, they would forge a good relationship in the years to come.
“There won’t be any drama today, Hazel. I’m marrying the woman of my dreams. I just need for Honor to stand on the other side of the door. If you open it a crack I can talk to her from the other side without seeing her.”
Hazel looked at him skeptically. “Okay. I’ll pass it on to her.” A few minutes later Hazel waved him toward the partially opened door. “She’s standing right behind the door. Make it quick, partner. There’s a whole church full of people waiting with bated breath for this wedding to start.” She winked at him. “After all, it’s been six years in the making.” Hazel patted him on the shoulder as she walked past him down the hall.
Joshua walked toward the door and faced away from it. He reached out his arm through the opening and said, “Honor. Are you there? I’d like us to pray before Pastor Jack marries us.”
“I’m here, my love.” He felt Honor’s hand join with his own. She squeezed his hand and he heard her from the other side of the door. “Of course I’ll pray with you, Joshua.”
Joshua smiled. He closed his eyes and began to pray out loud. “Lord. Thank You for giving us this day and for bringing us back together. You have brought us forgiveness, healing and restoration. Without You I don’t think we would have found our way back to each other. Your love humbles us. Please bless our marriage with kindness and faith and devotion. If we make mistakes, give us the grace to forgive one another. And if we ever face any health challenges, may the stronger one hold the other one up. If You see fit, please allow us to grow our family, so that Violet can be a loving big sister and we can cherish more children. And can You please watch over the child we lost until we are all reunited one day. Amen.”
“Amen.” Honor’s voice resonated from the other side.
He squeezed her hand. “Thank you for praying with me.”
“Thank you, Joshua. For being the type of man who wanted to pray with me before you greet me at the altar.”
Joshua let go of her hand. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Ten minutes later the wedding march was playing and Ruby, Grace, Paige and Sophie were walking down the aisle scattering rose petals. Aidan followed closely behind them carrying a pillow as the ring bearer. Suddenly, Honor was walking down the aisle toward him. His heart caught in his throat. He could barely catch a breath. She was radiantly beautiful.
Honor was walking down the aisle, with Jasper by her side. She was dressed in a long-sleeved ivory gown with a sweetheart neckline and a veil trailing past her shoulders. There were shiny rhinestones on the bodice of her dress. She came toward him with a big smile on her face. Her expression radiated love.
“I’m handing over to you our Prescott princess,” Jasper said, sniffing back tears. “She’s the very best of us, Joshua. Protect her. Love her. Give her a pair of strong arms to hold her when the world gets tough.”
Joshua looked Jasper straight in the eye, then shook his hand. “I will always love and honor her, Jasper. I promise.”
Jasper was beaming. “You’re part of our family now, Joshua. An honorary Prescott.”
“I never thought I’d hear you say that,” Joshua teased, gaining a chorus of laughter from the guests. “I’m grateful we can be a family.”
Jasper leaned over and kissed Honor on the cheek. He pulled a handkerchief out of his jacket pocket and began wiping his eyes with it. He walked over to the front pew and sat down with Hazel and Violet.
Violet reached out and yanked on Jasper’s beard. He let out a slight yelp. The sound of Hazel’s laughter rang out.
