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“As I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your beautiful bride,” Pastor Ezekiel announced with a flourish.
“Don’t mind if I do,” Parker said, dipping his head down and placing a tender, romantic kiss on Cadence’s lips. She reached up and gently placed her hands on his shoulders as the kiss continued for a few beats.
The guests erupted in a chorus of cheers and clapping. They joined hands and faced the guests. Neither one of them could stop grinning.
Parker nudged Cadence, then pointed at Logan. He had fallen aslee
p in his Nana’s arms. He looked peaceful and content. Cadence shook her head and giggled. “I guess he wasn’t too impressed by our wedding,” she teased.
“That’s okay. One day we’ll tell him all about it, in excruciating detail.”
They headed down the aisle and out into the beautiful sunny afternoon. People had gathered outside to throw rose petals at them. They posed for a few photos in front of the classic white Bentley that Parker had arranged to take them to the Silver Spoon for their reception.
The driver opened the door for them. Parker held Cadence’s hand and helped her into the car.
“I feel as if I’m dreaming, Parker. Are we really married?” Cadence asked once they were inside and the door had closed behind them.
“You’re Mrs. Parker Donahue. And I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
“Mrs. Parker Donahue,” she said in a gushing tone. “Be still my heart. I’m Mrs. Donahue now.”
“We need to stay at least two hours at the reception. Then we can head off to our honeymoon.”
“Honeymoon?” Cadence wrinkled her nose. “We aren’t going on a honeymoon. Remember?”
Parker grinned at her and wiggled his eyebrows. “How wrong you are, Mrs. Donahue. I have something up my sleeve for the two of us.”
“Oh Parker. You’re so sweet. But what about Logan?”
“Logan is going to spend six days with his grandparents. It’s all planned and executed. You’re stuck with me for six days in Paris.”
Cadence let out a squeal. “Paris? Oh my goodness. I’ve always dreamed of going to the city of light.”
Parker pressed a kiss on her lips. “Don’t forget about romance. Paris is also known as the city of romance.”
She nuzzled her nose against his. “God sure has been good to us. He gave us a second chance to get things right.”
“Yes, He did, sweetheart. And I plan to spend the rest of my life making sure things stay right between us.”
Cadence leaned over and placed a searing kiss on her husband’s lips. “I love you, Parker Donahue.”
He looked deeply into her gray-blue eyes. “And I love you, Mrs. Donahue. And I always will. Forever and ever and ever.”
EPILOGUE
Cadence and Parker held hands as they walked through the Jardin de Tuileries, a famous Parisian park. Parker’s Parisian honeymoon surprise had been delightful. She was in awe every morning when she woke up in their luxurious hotel with a clear view of the Eiffel Tower. Life was grand. And, as always, God was good.
The park was in full bloom with a profusion of summer flowers stretched out as far as the eye could see. A little boy no more than five-years-old sat by the pond with a sailboat in his hand. He gently dropped it in the water then pushed the sailboat, letting out a squeal of joy as it glided off. He ran around the pond, keeping his eye on his sailboat while letting out cries of triumph.
“He reminds me of Logan. He’s older, but they share a similar spirit,” Parker said, the hint of a smile playing around his lips.
She nodded her agreement. “Yes, you’re right. I think Logan will be chasing sailboats pretty soon. I can’t believe he’ll be three in a few months.”
They missed Logan dearly, but knowing he was in such loving and capable hands allowed them to enjoy a romantic and blessed honeymoon. They’d skyped with him every day and checked in regularly with Parker’s parents. Penelope said being with Logan made her forget about her separation from Jude. And, in turn, Jude said being in Logan’s presence made him feel hopeful about the future.
They were leaving tomorrow to head back to Pelican Bay. Although they were enjoying Paris, they were ready to go home and embrace their new life as Mr. and Mrs. Donahue. They would take back with them a treasure trove of wonderful memories of their Parisian adventure. Cadence would never forget traveling by train to Versailles, the magnificent palace and gardens, or walking down the Champs Elysees or their very first view of the Eiffel Tower.
Every time Parker tried to speak French to the natives, Cadence cracked up. She’d taken French for ten years and she knew her way around the language. She knew Parker was deliberately trying to make her laugh at his poor accent and silly grammar mistakes. His antics were delightful. She felt incredibly blessed knowing her future was filled with such a fun-loving and warm man.
