Epilogue
White wedding hydrangeas formed snowy banks around the gazebo, and the distinctive scent of gardenias hung in the air. Lavender and white sweet peas joined gardenias in the simple bouquet Victoria had insisted on, much to her mother’s dismay.
Victoria stood trembling, holding tight to her father’s arm as she watched Josie walk down the aisle between the rows of white chairs toward Emily and Bryn.
Each chair had a gold bow tied onto the back with a generous cluster of gardenias.
Her mother and Franz had pulled off the “perfect alfresco affair.” Derek had rolled his eyes every time Victoria updated him on the plans for their June wedding.
Part of her had wanted a Christmas wedding, but that wait would have felt like forever.
Victoria had let Mama have her fun with the planning.
After all, she only had one daughter. Her parents had been very good to them.
No way would Derek have protested about this overblown affair.
Pomeroy Enterprises had become the official sponsor of the Open Hearth Clinic.
As a result, the clinic had been able to enlarge their services.
Inspired by what they saw happening, other physicians had joined the ranks to provide services, free of charge.
The clinic had earned widespread recognition, with talk of becoming a national model.
Daddy jokingly called Victoria and Derek his “power couple.” Victoria’s Pantry had taken off.
A trip to Paris with Maisy had made Victoria eager to bring Paris pastries to Sweetwater Creek.
To her own amazement, her baking prowess continued to improve.
The pantry had been written up in magazines, well one magazine, but there would be more. She just knew it.
“Nervous, sweetheart?” Daddy patted her hand.
“Not really.” Victoria shook her head slowly so she wouldn’t disturb the curls tumbling to her shoulders in “casual disarray,” another Franz term. “I’m excited.”
“Derek is a good man. I’m proud of both of you.”
The organist, Maisy’s brother, threw himself into an upbeat version of “At Last.” Although Mama had objected, the classic was Victoria’s very favorite love song. Her man had come along and waiting for that moment had felt like forever.
Whispers rippled through the crowd as Victoria and her father began their approach.
A summer breeze wafted up from the bay and the oaks rustled overhead, as if they approved.
Her long gown billowed over the white runner, edged with gardenia petals.
Somewhere in the crowd a dog yipped and she cast a smile in that direction.
Big Mac had asked if he could bring Friskie.
The day wouldn’t have been complete without her little pal.
Walking toward her groom, Victoria felt her heart thump wildly.
Derek stood waiting, tall and handsome, as if he wore a tuxedo every day.
“You look amazing,” he mouthed silently to her.
When she saw that look of love in his eyes, disbelief shimmered through her.
What had she ever done to deserve this man?
Oh, wait. Right. She’d chased him.
Sometimes a girl had to go after what she wanted.
Thank goodness, Derek had reconciled with his parents, who sat beaming in the front row. Victoria suspected her father had something to do with that, along with Derek’s success.
The moment had come. Her steps slowed. Daddy nodded to Derek, who offered Victoria his arm with a reassuring smile.
Although Victoria knew Daddy wanted to say something to Derek––after all, he was used to giving orders––his eyes filled.
Words seemed to fail him. Victoria kissed his cheek, and Mama waved Daddy over to the chair next to her.
As they took their place in front of the minister, Derek whispered, “Ready to become Mrs. Darling?”
“I’ve been practicing writing my new name.” Her fingers cramped from the effort.
His abrupt chuckle raised the minster’s eyebrows. “That shouldn’t surprise me. You look like a dream.”
“Really? You are my dream.” Smiling up at the man who would be hers forever, Victoria knew her Christmas wish had come true.