That One Summer: A Collection of Steamy Contemporary Romance

Epilogue

On Saturday night,Lily stepped into the church foyer and clutched her bouquet of white calla lilies. “He’s coming.”

Clara, in a light pink silk gown and her hair twisted into a French braid, took Lily’s unhurt hand. “Gage is an hour late.”

She took a deep breath, and then released it slowly. The church was full since most of the town had shown up. Nana Ruthie was already seated, and Jacob—the Best Man—stood at the altar, talking to Pastor Mike.

The music had been playing for almost two hours, and the string quartet was on its second rendition of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

She used her cast to smooth the skirt of her 1920’s-styled Dior Couture gown from Paris. It was her mother’s dress, made of silk organza, and cut on the bias. Nana Ruthie had altered it to fit Lily perfectly. She had no memories of her mother, but when she tried on the dress yesterday, she finally discovered where she’d gotten her sense of style from.

Wearing this dress felt like coming home.

Eve, in a green silk gown, came through the front door and shook her head at Clara. “No one knows where he is.”

Clara pulled Eve aside, as if Lily couldn’t hear what they were saying.

“I spoke with Ben,” Eve said. “He hasn’t heard from Gage either.”

“Where could he be?” Clara waved a hand around. “Why isn’t he here?”

Lily released her breath and lowered her shoulders. Gage had asked her to trust him, and he’d proven to her—and to himself—that he was a man of honor. A man who’d risk his life for those he loved.

In the church, Nana Ruthie stood and waved to Lily, as if asking her if she wanted the music to end.

“Eve?” Lily asked. “Will you please tell Nana Ruthie that we’re not canceling this wedding? Gage is coming.”

“Of course.” Eve hurried through the glass doors and down the aisle.

Clara shook her head. “How do you know?”

“Because Gage loves me.” Lily touched Clara’s cold hand and smiled. “And I love him.”

“Okay.” Clara kissed Lily’s cheek. “If you can believe, so can I.”

Lily’s laugh was filled with a certain knowing, almost as if she was sure who the next bride would be. “Follow Eve. I’ll be there in a moment. Leave the glass doors open, and ask them to begin the processional.”

“You’re going to walk down the aisle without a groom?”

Lily nodded. “I am.”

Clara scoffed and headed for the glass doors. “I wish I had your confidence.”

“Don’t worry, Clara.” Lily spoke with authority and conviction. “One day soon you will.”

Once Clara left, Lily closed her eyes and counted to ten. Then, without opening her eyes, she moved forward. The processional music swelled, and she took another step forward.

I have a plan. Do you trust me?

Gage’s voice sounded in her head, and she silently said, “Yes.”

With her eyes closed, she took another step. And then another. Once she crossed the threshold, she opened her eyes.

There, standing at the altar in a black tuxedo, was Gage.

Her smile threatened to break her face, and she floated down the aisle. When she reached the altar, he stepped forward and took her fingers that peeked out of the cast.

When Pastor Mike addressed the congregation, Gage whispered. “I’m sorry I was late. My plan took longer than I thought.”

She was about to ask him about it when she noticed something. On his lapel, instead of a white calla lily boutonnière, he wore a cluster of white daisies.

She inhaled until her lungs hurt, then tears filled her eyes. “You went to the river bank and picked daisies.” From where they’d first made love.

Pastor Mike hushed them. Apparently, he was still talking.

“Yes.” Gage nudged her with his shoulder. “But then I fell in. Lotto saw me and laughed... until I couldn’t get out. It was a whole thing. Then I was late.”

Now Jacob gave them a harsh be quiet glare.

She bit her lip so she wouldn’t laugh. “You know what, Gage Mosby?”

“What, Lily Dunmore?”

She squeezed his arm and whispered, “I will always love you.”

* * *

Continue the Kingsmill Courtships Series with the next book, A Room with a Groom.