Chapter 43
Savannah smoothed the champagne lace dress and its sequins over her hips. The skirt flared and swirled just above her ankles,
so it was perfect for the white sand. A recording of the Beach Boys sang “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” outside the tent as the guests
made their way to the chairs. A fresh sea breeze blew in from the bay just yards away. Hez’s parents had come from Oregon,
and they sat with his cousins on Hez’s side of the guests. Her side held only friends.
If only Jess were with her.
She stared at her image in the full-length mirror Nora had thoughtfully brought for her. Tendrils of auburn hair trailed along
the curve of her cheeks and a few more along her neck. Her green eyes were luminous with excitement, and her lips couldn’t
stop smiling. Makeup had masked most of her bruise, but pictures would always be a reminder of what they’d gone through to
get here.
June 20, her wedding day. She’d thought it would never come.
Nora inserted a few flowers in Savannah’s elegant updo. “Hez will lose his mind when he sees you.” She stepped back and studied Savannah’s face. “You doing okay? It’s only been two days since, well, everything happened.”
Savannah nodded. “I shouldn’t have been surprised by my father’s depravity. It was on display often enough throughout my life,
but I didn’t want to see it. At least we know what really happened. This is a new beginning for me and Hez. I hope Ella knows
and that she’s smiling and laughing in heaven at how happy we are. She has no pain, no trauma. All that is past for her, and
I’m focusing on that, especially today.”
Nora’s glasses misted, and she took them off to clean them. “You’re a wise woman.”
“You look beautiful in that dress. I caught a glimpse of Graham ogling you.”
Nora’s cheeks went pink. “Things are going well.”
Savannah twirled, relishing the way the dress moved with her. “That’s an understatement.” The murmur of guests chatting in
the chairs stilled as the music changed to the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.” She gave Nora a little push. “I think that’s
your cue.”
Nora nodded and grabbed the bridal bouquet of clematis and anemones, then thrust it in Savannah’s hands. “I’ve got the ring
for Hez. I’ll see you at the altar, girlfriend.” She picked up her matching nosegay and headed out of the tent.
Savannah’s pulse throbbed in her neck, and she pulled in a lungful of salty air to calm herself. These were all people she loved, and while she missed her sister, it would be the perfect day because it would end with a wedding ring on her finger and Simon as their son.
The music thumped out the beginning dramatic notes to the “Bridal Chorus,” and she stepped through the tent opening. A white
paper runner sprinkled with clematis petals beckoned her to the beautifully decorated arch where Pastor Forrest waited with
two other figures beside him. Hez and Simon—the ones she loved so much.
They wore khakis and matching tropical shirts in a blue that matched the waves rolling onto the white sand. The three of them
would form a new family today, and she blinked back happy tears at the thought. They would experience this miracle together
in the next few minutes.
She focused on Hez’s face radiating joy, pride, and commitment. His blue eyes never left her as she walked toward the arch
with the sea as a backdrop. They’d had their challenges, but he’d been steadfast at working his way back to this moment. And
so had she.
She reached the arch, and Hez took her hand in a confident grip. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered.
She stepped into place beside him, and they repeated their vows, the same traditional ones they’d said once before, but she
didn’t fear a breakup. They’d grown and learned from their mistakes. They knew how to handle conflict and trials, and they
each meant the “so help me God” promise.
He slipped her wedding ring on her finger, and the familiar weight of it felt like coming home. His eyes glimmered with moisture
when she slipped his on and it settled in its spot.
“Hez, you may kiss your bride,” Pastor Forrest said with a smile.
A broad smile lifted Hez’s lips, but his eyes held serious intent, and he took her in his arms. “I’m never letting you go
again,” he said for her ears only.
His lips came down on hers, and she tasted that promise in his ardent kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and swore
her own devotion the same way. The guests clapped and a few hooted and whistled. Her cheeks were hot when she pulled back.
He cupped her cheek in his hand. To be continued, he mouthed.
Their pastor held up his hand. “There’s one more detail to be tended to before you can congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Hezekiah
Webster. The picture isn’t quite complete.” He stepped to take a paper from his wife’s hand as she approached. “Simon, this
involves you.” He glanced at the guests. “Miz Willard, would you mind coming up?”
Helen frowned like she might refuse for a moment, but she rose from her front-row seat and came to join them. She edged close
to Simon and didn’t appear much taller than the ten-year-old. She pressed her lips together, and her questioning gaze darted
to Savannah, then away again.
The pastor raised the paper in his hand. “The court has granted Hez and Savannah’s request to adopt you, Simon. Your name
from this day forward is Simon Willard Webster.”
Simon gasped and turned wide eyes toward Savannah. “Really? I’m your son—and Hez’s?”
Savannah embraced him and inhaled the spicy scent of his shampoo, the same one Hez used.
“I’ve loved you like a son ever since I saw your face in England.
And I think your mom would want us to honor your Willard roots as well.
You’re the best of both of us.” She released him and gestured to Helen.
“Your great-grandmother is a wonderful role model for you. Love your family like she does.”
“I—I don’t know what to say.” Helen wiped tears from her eyes. “I need to tell you something, Savannah. I wasn’t sure you
were genuine, but I thought maybe you were as good as you seemed. I was trying to help from the sidelines. I had the envelope
about Martine left on your porch. And the one with Deke’s phone bill.”
“I wondered who left those. Thank you.”
“I love my son, but I didn’t hold with his methods. I knew the feud needed to end and that maybe you were the one to end it.
I’m glad I was right. Bless you, Savannah.” She gripped Hez’s hand. “You too, Hez. I’m proud to share my great-grandson with
you, and I wish you both a long and happy marriage.” She released Hez and embraced Savannah in a cloud of gardenia perfume.
Savannah gave her a fierce hug and choked back tears before returning to Hez’s side. His hand enveloped hers, and they turned
toward the standing guests. A chorus of cheers erupted from the group when the pastor introduced them.
He tucked her against his side. “Right where we belong—together.”
The sun came out from behind a cloud, and its bright glow was a reminder of the promise of their future.
Hez took her hand and nodded to the DJ. “I want to dance with my bride.” The Righteous Brothers began to sing “Unchained Melody,” and tears came to her eyes. “We danced to this on our first Valentine’s Day together.”
“I said I had a surprise for you, and this is part of it.” He pulled her into his arms. “Now and forever, babe, now and forever.
And we’re going to Tahiti. Nora has your things all packed.”