Chapter 20
CHAPTER 20
S amantha walked down the makeshift aisle, on her mother’s arm, wearing her dress and veil. An hour ago, they hadn’t been certain it would fit her and when she put the dress on, it felt magical. The dress, the veil, and even the white cowboy boots she had were perfect.
Their friends and employees had pulled together a beautiful setting in little to no time. Each one scrambled to make this impromptu wedding wonderful. Tara had shown her expertise, Emily her cooking skills, and Anna had prepared them a room in the inn away from all the others. And even her cousin Casey stood next to the justice of the peace as her bridesmaid. The banker stood on the other side of Cameron.
There were lit candles everywhere and the lights had been turned down low to reflect their shimmering essence. Her mother had spent the last two hours crying happy tears. She heartily approved of Cameron and said she knew that was why he’d returned. She’d seen the love in his gaze whenever he looked at her daughter.
And now she no longer feared what would happen to their family home. She knew that together the two of them would save the ranch.
It was sad that her father wasn’t here to walk her down the aisle, but she felt his presence and knew he would like the new plans that she and Cameron were making for the ranch. This time, she felt nothing but happiness and joy knowing that together they would make everything right.
But more than anything, as she walked toward the man she loved, she was certain he would protect her, the ranch, and the family they would create together. He was her everything. He was her rock.
All in all, it was the perfect Christmas except for her brother not being here. But he had lessons to learn, demons to conquer.
As she passed by the couples here to celebrate this special day with them, she knew that soon, they would be taking their own vows. While they had been trying to save Mistletoe Inn, five couples had found a happiness that she felt certain would last them a lifetime.
The first ceremony in her wedding venue business was her own and it felt right.
When they reached the altar, the same one Francesca was going to use in her ceremony, her mother reached up and lifted her veil.
She glanced at Cameron and then at Samantha. “Never forget to say I love you and hold one another each day. Never let anyone come between you.”
Cameron nodded and Samantha leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you, Mama.”
“Who gives this woman away?” the justice asked.
“I do,” her mother said and walked away. Since the confrontation with Edward, her mother seemed a much stronger woman. It was like she’d faced her demons and won.
Taking a step toward Cameron, Sam knew that the day he’d walked into the inn was the best day of her life. And now she would spend the rest of her days loving him.
He took her hand, and she smiled at him. “Happy wedding day, love.”
“Merry Christmas, Sam. You look absolutely stunning. You’re the best present I’ve ever received.”
They turned toward the justice of the peace and smiled. “We’re ready.”
“Merry Christmas. Let us begin,” the man said, and they turned to one another, ready to begin this new stage of their life.