Epilogue
EPILOGUE
T wo weeks later
Marti stood in the church’s vestibule, they’d changed their mind about going to the justice of the peace. The weather was still summer, even if it was the first week in September. She wore a cocktail length dress made of ivory silk. The design was a sheath with spaghetti straps—not low cut, but it clung to her curves nicely. She chose two-inch satin pumps that had been dyed to match the dress and weren’t so high as to be uncomfortable.
Bethany told her Caleb was already inside, in the front of the sanctuary.
Marti tightly gripped her bouquet of summer flowers. “Does he look happy? Should I leave now? I don’t want him unhappy for any reason.”
Bethany wore a similar dress, but hers was rose-colored and strapless. The dress was perfect for her and showed off her tanned and toned shoulders. She rolled her eyes. “Marti. He’s smiling and looking this way. The music is starting. It’s time for me to go out. You’ll be fine. Your dad’s right here.”
Marti had not taken her maiden name back when she divorced because of Sophie. Now, as she looked at Martin Denning, she wished she had. She’d forgotten how handsome he was with his dark hair, streaked with silver at the temples. His green eyes were the same emerald that Marti had. He stood smiling in his tux, pretending he was comfortable when Marti knew he wasn’t. Yet he stood, a picture of infinite patience, with his hands clasped in front of him. “Daddy. I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”
“It’s because you love him, Sunshine. You’re afraid he doesn’t really love you, that maybe he’s like Vance, but nothing could be further from the truth. Vance was a user and a letch. Caleb is steady, and he loves you beyond measure. So, pull up your big girl panties, and let’s go marry the man you love.”
Marti giggled and lifted a brow. “My big girl panties? Where on earth did you hear that?”
“I told him that.” Her mother, Nora, came over and hugged her. “Have you forgotten me telling you that whenever you didn’t want to do something?”
She chuckled. “I had until right this minute.”
“I better get out there and find my seat so you two can come down the aisle.” She hugged Marti. “I love you, Sunshine.”
“I love you, too, Mom.”
Her mother left the room.
She turned to her father. “Okay, let’s go. I’ve made Caleb wait long enough.”
Her dad opened the door to the sanctuary and held it as Marti walked through. Then he joined her, holding out his left arm.
She placed her hand through the crook in his elbow, and they slowly walked up the aisle.
Sophie walked before them, strewing flower petals from a basket, and Danny followed her, carrying a pillow with their wedding rings on it.
After Bethany and Paul took the rings from the pillow, Danny and Sophie walked over to Marti’s mother and sat on either side of her. She put an arm around each child.
Marti saw her sister, Robin, with her husband and children, in the row behind her mother. Next to her were Luke and his family, and the last in the row was Greg with his family.
She was pleased that all of her family was in attendance.
Caleb was at the front of the sanctuary with his friend and brother-in-law, Paul.
Both men wore black tuxes.
The reverend stood to Caleb’s right behind the elevated podium. Behind him were floor-to-ceiling windows. The church was the most beautiful Marti had ever seen. Through the windows, the Bridger Mountains stood majestic, with the first snow of the season covering the tallest peaks.
Marti and her father walked up to Caleb, Paul, and Bethany.
The reverend cleared his throat and began the ceremony.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join these two hearts together in the state of holy matrimony. If there is anyone present who knows why these two should not be joined, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
He waited a moment before continuing. “Very good. Now, who gives this woman to be married to this man?”
“Her mother and I do,” said her father, his voice clear. He handed her off to Caleb.
“Good,” said the reverend. “Is there any one present who has reason why these two should not be married?”
Silence.
“Okay,” the reverend continued. “Do you Caleb James Malone, take this woman, Martina Taylor Parker, to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” Caleb’s voice was loud and strong.
The reverend turned his gaze to Marti. “Do you Martina Taylor Parker, take this man, Caleb James Malone, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” Marti was surprised that her voice wasn’t shaking, but she was clear, if not loud.
The reverend looked at her and smiled. “Do you have rings to exchange?”
“Yes,” said Marti and Caleb in unison.
Bethany gave her the ring for Caleb.
Paul gave Caleb the ring for Marti.
“Very good,” said the reverend. “Caleb, repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”
Caleb looked deep into Marti’s eyes, and then he slipped the ring onto her finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
“Now, Marti, repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”
“With this ring, I thee wed.” Her voice was firm and louder this time. She slid the ring as far as his knuckle.
Then Caleb had to finish pushing it on.
“Now, by the power vested in me by the Lord God Almighty, the City of Bozeman, and the State of Montana, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Caleb smiled. “With pleasure.” He cupped her face between his palms and kissed her.
The kiss was more than a peck, but not as deep as she would have liked. But it was tender and sweet. Their first kiss as a married couple. Marti smiled.
Caleb took her hand, and they walked out of the chapel. He’d brought the Camaro again, and they headed for it.
“Is everything ready at the ranch for the reception?”
He chuckled as he helped her into the passenger seat. “You know Hetti has been preparing for this for two days, right?”
She gazed into his eyes. “I know. I just want everything to be perfect.”
He leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. “It’s already perfect. You’re my wife. I think I’m the happiest man alive.”
Marti kept her gaze on Caleb, smiled and reveled at the butterflies in her stomach. “I know I’m the happiest woman and the luckiest, too.”
“Hold that thought.” He hurried around the car and slid into the driver’s seat. After he’d buckled up, he started the engine, and they took off for the ranch…for home. “Now, why do you think you’re the luckiest?”
“You’re probably thinking it’s because you’re a billionaire, but I don’t really care about that.”
“I know. That’s one of the things I like best about you. You don’t put on airs, and having money doesn’t impress you.”
“It really doesn’t. I’ve been supporting myself for too long. I know that if I have to, I can support myself again.”
“So, why are you the luckiest woman alive?”
She cupped his jaw. “Because I have the handsomest, kindest, smartest man I know for my husband. I have a wonderful, smart son, and I see only good things ahead for us.”
“I feel the same about you and Sophie. I can’t imagine having a more wonderful daughter or wife. I love you. You know that, right?”
She nodded. “I love you, too.” Marti grabbed his right hand and kissed the back of it. “You’re mine and I’ll never give you up.”
He kissed their joined hands. “I won’t give you up either. Not now, not ever. I see so many wonderful years ahead for us.”
She grinned. “I do too. That’s what makes us perfect.”
He kissed their hands again. “Perfect. That’s you. Perfect for me.”
“And you’re perfect for me. I love you so much. You’re mine, forever.”
As warmth like she’d never known surrounded her, she smiled. “Forever.” Maybe it was them not having to disguise their love anymore. Marti finally had the family she always wanted. A wonderful son and a loving husband. She had her own happily-ever-after. Who could want for more? Not Marti Malone, that was for sure.