Long Trail To Love, page 16
“But what about the job you’ve always wanted as a top journalist?”
“If I can’t get a job on my own merit and instead have to rely on someone else’s pain and tragedy to further my career, then I’m not interested in pursuing it. I’d already planned to ditch the story halfway through our interview.”
Dumbfounded, Nate expelled a confused, exasperated breath. “Then why’d you let me go on like that? Why’d you ask all those questions?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” she teased, using his words from earlier. “I want to know everything there is to know about you, even the imperfect skeletons in your closet. After all, it’s only fair.” She grinned impishly. “You know mine.”
“Carly.” Nate shook his head in mystified amusement. “Will I ever understand you?”
“Probably not. But who knows what the future might hold?” Her eyes sparkled as she linked her arms around his neck. “Then, too, I’ve heard it said a little adventure can be fun.” She pressed her lips to his.
All confusion fled Nate’s mind as he wrapped his arms around her. He may never figure out this unpredictable, exciting, maddening woman, but he sure looked forward to the challenge of trying!
Epilogue
Spring of the following year
Carly waited at the back of the church, her heart in her throat as she watched Kim carry her spring bouquet of pastel flowers down the aisle after Sierra. Kim had practiced the slow march for days, so as to make the procession without faltering and without the aid of her white cane. As she reached the front and turned gracefully to the left, Carly exhaled a relieved breath and silent cheer for her lovely young friend. She noticed Chris, a cousin of Nate’s and the youngest of the groomsmen, watching Kim with the same intensity mixed with awe, and Carly smiled. Kim was now fifteen, Chris seventeen. From what Carly had witnessed these past weeks, she sensed young love in bloom. Kim’s blindness hadn’t deterred Chris one bit; he sought her company and acted very protective of her, though Kim’s bubbly and confident nature seldom warranted such care.
Trina followed Kim, her head held high. Aunt Dorothy had just about died when Trina colored a violet streak in her dark hair to go with the rose dress, but Carly liked it. It suited her. Months ago, their father had decided to tell Trina that she and Carly were half sisters. For a few days, Trina had withdrawn, but she later approached Carly in her attic room and asked, “Since we’re really sisters, does that mean I can have your CD collection when you die?” She had cracked a joking smile, and from that day forward, the two had grown even closer than before.
Jill squeezed Carly’s arm. “No worries, luv.” She winked in encouragement before taking her turn down the narrow aisle.
Leslie turned from her seat in the pew and smiled at both of them. She held Jill’s infant son, Titus, and Blaine sat beside her, holding baby Marena, who was teething and gnawing on her daddy’s shoulder. The dark-haired little beauty raised her head, catching sight of Carly in the floor-length, ice-white gown shot with iridescent sequins, and smiled, letting out a gurgling squeal. Blaine jiggled her to shush her, offering an apologetic look to Carly, who chuckled under her breath. Bart sat next to Blaine and gave her an emphatic thumbs-up. She felt so grateful to have all her friends there, and family, including her new one.
Carly’s eyes went to the couple in the first pew. The trial pending, the Bigelows had visited Goosebury for a month’s rest, and after meeting the distinguished lawyer, Carly had seen where his son had picked up many of his good traits, including his consideration for others.
As Jill moved down the aisle, Ted watched from where he stood at the front as best man. The drill sergeant, tough-as-nails coach made a surprisingly gentle and compassionate father to his son.
She had worried over whom to choose as her matron of honor, Jill or Leslie; both women were her dearest friends and had done so much for her. But when Leslie confided she was again pregnant and battled morning sickness, the decision became apparent.
Leslie had talked to her step-grandfather, who’d relented and allowed Carly a third chance at the Gazette. Within months, Carly proved her merit to Mr. Abernathy and became a top journalist assigned to some of the best stories. She had left the news office the first time ignorant but had returned with wisdom that gained favor with all those she interviewed—tenacity mixed with mercy.
Her father squeezed Carly’s arm. “Are you ready?”
She smiled. “Are you kidding? I’ve been waiting for this day forever,” she quipped, quoting one of Kim’s lines.
Last night, her father had talked with Carly into the wee hours. With all subterfuge banished, the two of them had developed a close bond. She’d even witnessed to him about Christ on a few occasions, and he’d listened, showing interest. When she was little and dreamed of her prince charming, she’d wished she could have a daddy to one day walk her down the aisle, too. Now her dreams had become a reality. All of them.
The organist began the triumphant chords of Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” from Lohengrin, and Carly looked Nate’s way, meeting his eyes. She worked to steady her suddenly rapid breathing and returned his expression of awe with a slight smile as she glided up to the altar to take her place beside him.
When Nate had asked her weeks ago why she’d never come up with a nickname for him, Carly had put her arm through his as they’d rocked on the porch glider. “I tried. But I never could settle on just one name because you’re so many things to me. My Friend. My Trail Mate. My Rescuer. . .” At this she had rolled her eyes, and he had laughed. “My Brother in Christ. My Confidante. My Expert Pool-shark Partner.” They both grinned, and then she grew serious. “My Love, and soon to be, My Husband. How can I come up with a nickname for all that?”
As the ceremony progressed and they spoke their vows to one another, Carly looked into Nate’s sky-colored eyes glowing with love and wondered how she had ever gotten along without this man.
The minister pronounced them husband and wife, and the organ pealed a triumphant refrain. As Nate’s mouth covered hers in a warm, intimate kiss, which sent her heart to the summits, Carly thanked God that from this day forward, she would have Nate as her lifelong trail mate.
And to her, that was better news than any headline story.
About the Author
Pamela Griffin lives in Texas and divides her time among family, church activities, and writing. She fully gave her life to the Lord in 1988 after a rebellious young adulthood and owes the fact that she’s still alive today to an all-loving and forgiving God and a mother who prayed that her wayward daughter would come “home.” Pamela’s main goal in writing Christian romance is to encourage others through entertaining stories that also heal the wounded spirit.
Please visit Pamela at www.Pamela-Griffin.com.
Dedication
A special thanks to Therese Travis and Adrie Ashford for their invaluable crits. And to my Savior, who protected and led me down the long trail to eternal life, I give You my all.
A note from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Pamela Griffin
Author Relations
PO Box 721
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
Pamela Griffin, Long Trail To Love
