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  Cooper barked, wanting attention. “I know, boy. I wouldn’t forget you.” Aiden rubbed his head. “And this is Cooper.”

  “Cooper is a police officer like Aiden,” Alex stated with pride. “He’s the best dog ever.”

  “You’ve got that right,” Aiden agreed. “Why don’t the three of you take Cooper over and help him get settled next to the Stocktons. Show your cousins how to handle him properly.”

  Alex nodded before running off with the twins and Cooper.

  Aiden stood up and turned his attention back to his brother and sister-in-law. “It’s been too long, Shane.”

  “I know. I wanted to get out here sooner, but I’ve been working super long hours.”

  Shane worked on Wall Street at the New York Stock Exchange as a broker. He made great money, but the job took a toll on his time and home life. Aiden often saw Brittany complaining on social media about how Shane didn’t make it home for dinner or missed one of the kid’s events.

  “It’s true,” Brittany agreed. “We haven’t even had a vacation in over two years.”

  “Well, I appreciate you guys taking the time to come out here for our wedding,” Aiden stated. “You guys should take time after as a family. Maybe head over to the ski lodge for fun.”

  Brittany’s face lit up until Shane quickly shook his head. “No, we have to be getting back. I’m expected at the Exchange on Monday.”

  The happiness disappeared from Brittany’s demeanor as quickly as it appeared. Her shoulders fell forward, and a sadness crept into her eyes. She looked like a deflated balloon.

  Aiden wanted to say something to disrupt the somber mood. Before he could, two servers entered the room and placed the trays into the chafing dishes at the buffet table. “Dinner is ready,” Mr. De Luca announced. “Enjoy.”

  The guests lined up to get their food before sitting at the different tables around the room.

  Lindsay’s father arrived and came straight over to the table where Lindsay and Aiden were sitting. He looked uncomfortable as his eyes darted around the restaurant.

  “Glad you came, Dad. I wasn’t sure if you would make it. I wondered if you would go home after the rehearsal at the church.”

  He sat at the table, then grabbed a glass a water and took a sip.

  “Aren’t you going to eat, Mr. Wright?” Aiden inquired.

  “No, I can’t stay long. I didn’t want you to think I didn’t care to come.” He looked around the room, his eyes meeting Mr. De Luca’s for a moment, before he continued, “It’s too hard being here, even after all these years.”

  Lindsay nodded. “I know, Dad. It was hard the first time I came back, but then I remembered how much Mom loved it here. All these happy memories from my birthdays came flooding back, and I realized I’d missed coming. It’s why I wanted to have the rehearsal dinner here tonight.”

  Alex walked over and looked at the man sitting at the table. He tilted his head to the side, and commented, “You’re Lindsay’s dad, right?”

  Mr. Wright nodded.

  “I’ve never had a grandpa before,” Alex stated. “But other kids at school talk about theirs. It sounds awesome. You up to being mine?”

  “You’re a straightforward little fella, aren’t you?” Mr. Wright observed.

  “Yes, sir,” Alex acknowledged.

  “I like that,” Mr. Wright admitted as a grin spread across his face. “We will get along just fine.”

  “Does that mean you’re up for it? When do you want to start?”

  “You tell me.”

  “You should let me come out to your ranch and help you around it.”

  “Alex, you don’t invite yourself to someone’s house,” Lindsay admonished.

  Her father turned to her and shook his head. “It’s all right. That only applies to visitors.” He focused back on Alex. “We’re family now.”

  The boy’s face lit up with excitement. “You mean it?”

  “I sure do. I’ll have your parents bring you out after their honeymoon.”

  “They’re not my parents yet,” Alex corrected. “But they will be soon.” Glancing at the empty spot on the table in front of Mr. Wright, he suggested, “You should get food, Grandpa. It’s important to eat so you’re strong when we do chores around the ranch.”

  Mr. Wright chuckled. “Sounds like a good idea, Alex. I’ll just go do that.”

  After everyone enjoyed the meal, Lindsay and Aiden took to the front of the room.

  “We want to thank all of you for being here. It took work, but with everyone’s help, we got everything ready for the wedding tomorrow. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends support us through this process,” Aiden stated.

  Lindsay smiled out at their gathered guests. “This is the biggest day of our lives, and we are so glad all of you will be a part of it. The rehearsal went smoothly and tomorrow should too. We couldn’t have done this without all of you. Thanks, from the bottom of our hearts.”

  Aiden and Lindsay pulled Zach aside before the night was over. “We have something for you.” Aiden handed him a large wrapped gift.

  Zach opened it to reveal a personalized ammo box. The green metal container read: Best Man, Zach.

  “Thanks, Aiden,” he said with a grateful smile. “Wait until the guys at the range see it. Now I have something that proves I’m the ‘best man.’”

  Next they found Erica. Lindsay handed her a small wrapped package. Inside was an engraved keepsake box which said: Erica, to the best Maid of Honor. Love, Lindsay

  “This is beautiful, Lindsay. You shouldn’t have,” Erica choked out with tears in her eyes.

  “It’s the least you deserve for all you have done to help us,” Lindsay stated.

  The rest of the guests took their turns saying goodbye until Aiden and Lindsay were left alone after the Stocktons agreed to drop Alex off.

  “Are you ready to take me home? It will be the last night you have to,” Lindsay pointed out.

  Aiden grinned. “I can’t wait until we’re together forever.”

  “I feel the same,” she agreed as she looked up into his eyes.

  He leaned down and claimed her lips with his own. It was a tender love-filled kiss.

  Aiden leaned back, then pulled something out from his pocket. He handed her a small wrapped box. She opened it to find a circular glass pendant on a silver chain with charms inside.

  “It’s beautiful,” she gushed as she rubbed the delicate necklace in her fingers.

  “I had the jewelry store put in a wedding ring to represent our start, a blue star for Alex, a heart to symbolize our love, and a cross for our faith. You can also add more down the road.”

  “Can you put it on me?”

  Aiden nodded as he took the necklace from her. She lifted her hair, allowing him to place it around her neck, then she let her hair fall back down and around her shoulders.

  “It looks great on you,” Aiden observed, glad he picked out the special wedding gift for her.

  “Thank you,” she turned to her purse and pulled out a present, then handed it to Aiden.

  “You got me something?” he asked with surprise.

  “What? You thought you were the only one?” she teased. “I wanted to give you something to mark the day.”

  He opened the box and pulled out an engraved survivalist pocket knife. Aiden, I’m yours forever, Lindsay

  “I figured you could carry it while at work and think of me.”

  “I love it. My old knife was falling apart.”

  Lindsay nodded. “I remember the tip broke off the one you have when you were opening a package. I figured you needed a new one.”

  He pulled her into an embrace and kissed the top of her head. “You’re the best, Lindsay Wright. I feel so blessed God brought you into my life.”

  “I’m only Lindsay Wright for one more night. Tomorrow I become Mrs. Lindsay O’Connell.”

  “I like the sound of that.”

  “Me too.”

  Fifteen<
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  The chatter and laughter of the women filled the bridal room at Clear Mountain Assembly. The finishing touches were being added to Lindsay’s wedding ensemble. After slipping on her garter and shoes, Erica helped her with the veil, making sure it was arranged perfectly around Lindsay’s face and hair.

  "You look stunning," Erica stated with veneration, as she turned Lindsay to face the mirror.

  Lindsay inhaled as tears formed at the corner of her eyes. She blinked them away, not wanting to ruin her makeup. Now that the dress was tailored to her body, it was even more divine than when they were in the dress shop.

  “It enhances your natural beauty. You did a lovely job of picking out the perfect gown,” Sarah Stockton stated as she handed Lindsay her bouquet of white roses.

  “Thank you. I’m so glad you are both here.”

  Lindsay had been spending a lot of time with Sarah since Aiden took her to their ranch on one of their dates. The woman was like a second mother to Lindsay. She had been teaching her how to bake and make jam as well as reading a women’s devotional together every week.

  There was a knock at the door and Erica went to open it. On the other side, Lindsay heard Zach’s muffled voice. A few moments later, she returned with an envelope.

  “Aiden sent this over for you,” Erica explained as she handed it to her.

  Lindsay opened the envelope and read the contents.

  Lindsay-

  Today will be the happiest day of the rest of my life. Asking you to marry me was the best decision I ever made. I love you so much and am grateful every day that God brought me the perfect woman. You are my best friend, my partner, my greatest love, and soon the mother of my child. I look forward to raising a family with you and sharing all our hopes and dreams together, today and always.

  Yours Forever,

  Aiden

  This time, Lindsay could not keep the tears from falling down her face. The words Aiden wrote stirred her to her soul. She pressed the letter to her chest and closed her eyes, sending up a silent prayer of thanks to God. She would be eternally grateful the Lord had given her Aiden for a husband.

  “You ready?” Erica asked.

  Lindsay opened her eyes and smiled. “More than ever.”

  Sarah gave Lindsay a hug before heading to the sanctuary. Outside the bridal room, Brittany was waiting with Carrie, Toby, and Alex along with Cooper.

  Carrie was dressed in a white lace dress with a white satin basket of rose petals in her hand. Toby and Alex were in matching navy blue tuxedos while Cooper wore a dog tux. Instead of his usual chew toy, he held a pillow in his mouth with the wedding rings tied to ribbons hanging from it.

  “The children and Cooper are ready,” Brittany explained. “I will go take my seat next to Shane.”

  “Thank you, Brittany. I appreciate your help.”

  Her soon-to-be sister-in-law nodded. “It was my pleasure.”

  The music played and the wedding party gathered outside the closed double doors to the sanctuary where Lindsay’s father was waiting. He wore a black tux with his grey hair slicked back.

  “You're beautiful, Sweetheart. Aiden won't know what hit him when he sees you.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  “I wish your mother could be here today.”

  “I do too, but I know she is watching from heaven,” Lindsay stated with peace.

  The doors opened and Erica headed down the aisle first. She looked pretty in her pink empire-waist dress. Aiden noticed Zach was watching her intently.

  Next to walk were Toby and Alex with Cooper beside them. It was clear as they marched down the center of the church, they were proud to be the ring bearers. His niece, Carrie, made her way down the aisle, throwing her petals with precision as to not run out.

  A pause of silence quieted the room before “Here Comes the Bride” played. The doors swung open for the final time revealing Lindsay in her bridal gown.

  Aiden’s mouth fell open as his eyes grew wide with esteem. She looked breathtaking in her wedding dress. Her hair was curled around her shoulders with her veil cascading down and around her delicate frame and face.

  As she approached him, he could see the tears that clouded her eyes and realized he had ones of his own to match.

  Lindsay and her father stopped just short of Aiden. Pastor Steve asked, “Who gives this woman to this man?”

  “I do,” Lindsay’s father replied as he took her hand from his arm and placed it in Aiden’s outstretched one before sitting in the front row.

  “Today we gather to witness the union of Lindsay Wright and Aiden O’Connell,” Pastor Steve declared. “We ask that God bless their lives with the joy of love, the peace of truth, and the wisdom and strength of His Holy Spirit. Marriage isn’t always easy, but if a marriage is based on a common desire to serve God, a couple cannot only endure but thrive in any situation. Please join hands as you make your vows.”

  Lindsay handed her bouquet to Erica and then turned in to face Aiden. They took each other's hands as Aiden looked deep into Lindsay’s eyes.

  “Repeat after me. I promise to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, until death do us part.”

  Lindsay repeated the vows followed by Aiden.

  “It’s time for the exchanging of rings,” Pastor Steve instructed.

  Aiden took the rings from the pillow Cooper was holding in his mouth. He patted his head and smiled at Alex and Toby before turning his attention back to Lindsay.

  “Place the ring on Lindsay’s finger and repeat after me: with this ring, I make my commitment to honor, love, and cherish you all the days of my life.”

  Aiden did as instructed, placing the wedding band next to Lindsay’s engagement ring on her finger.

  Lindsay took her ring from Aiden and placed it on his finger, repeating the promise.

  “Lindsay and Aiden have chosen to light a unity candle to symbolize that their singular lives are being extinguished and they are joining to become one.”

  The couple made their way over to the table that held two small lit candles on either side of a larger unlit one in the center. Lindsay and Aiden took their single candles and moved them to the center one, touching their fire to the wick of the middle candle. It lit up, and they each blew out their own, then placed them back in their holders.

  Their eyes met over the flickering light for a moment, and Aiden smiled at Lindsay and mouthed the words, “I love you.” She nodded and mouthed in return, “I love you, too.”

  They returned to stand in front of the pastor, allowing him to finish the wedding.

  “Through this ceremony, Lindsay and Aiden have vowed, in our presence, to be loyal and loving towards each other. They have formalized the existence of the bond between them with words spoken and with the giving and receiving of rings. Therefore, it's my pleasure to announce them husband and wife.”

  The couple turned to face the assembled guests who were clapping and cheering.

  “You have kissed dozens of times, maybe more. But today the feeling is new. No longer simply best friends, you have become one. You may kiss your bride.”

  Aiden leaned over, lifted Lindsay’s veil, and placed his mouth on hers, sealing their commitment to each other in front of God and all their loved ones.

  Sixteen

  Aiden and Lindsay stood outside the doors to the Clear Mountain Hotel reception hall, waiting to enter.

  “Did I tell you how handsome you look?” Lindsay asked, still marveling at how Aiden looked like a model in his tailored navy blue tuxedo.

  Aiden chuckled. “I’m glad you like it, but don’t get used to it. I miss my t-shirt and jeans.”

  Lindsay laughed too. “I’m not surprised. You live in them along with your leather jacket.”

  From the other side of the doors, the DJ announced, “For the first time, may I introduce, Aiden and Lindsay O’Connell.”

  They pushed opened the doors and entered their reception. The wedding guests cl
apped and cheered as they made their way into the center of the room, waving to everyone.

  As Lindsay looked around the room, she was blown away by the wonderful job Erica did with the decorations. The table and chairs had white linens with a soft pink bow tied around each seat. The center of each table held a tall glass tower topped with an arrangement of flowers in various pink shades. In one corner of the room, there was a gift table set up with a wedding wish jar where people could put their wishes for the couple. In the other corner, there were glass containers with dozens of different candies arranged around the three-layer cake.

  Aiden and Lindsay took their seats at the head table in between Erica and Zach. A few minutes later, the servers entered the room with plates of food for the guests, serving each table before moving on to the next.

  Lindsay hadn’t eaten all day due to nerves and looked down at her plate with gratitude. There was a marinated chicken breast with cubed red skin potatoes and mixed vegetables on the side. She took the first bite of food and her taste buds popped with flavor. The hotel chef’s phenomenal reputation wasn’t exaggerated. The meal was excellent.

  While they ate, several people came up to congratulate them including the Stocktons, both of their co-workers, and several people from church.

  After the meal concluded, Zach stood and clinked the side of his champagne glass with a spoon, gaining everyone’s attention. “As the best man, I wanted to say a few words. I’ve been working with Aiden a little over a year now, and in that time, he’s proven to be a loyal and good partner. Aiden proved to be a true cop, always putting his fellow officers and the job first. I wouldn’t trust anyone more with my life, so I’m glad to see him truly happy.

  “When he met Lindsay, it was clear she was the one for him. He was a changed man, bringing out a side in him I had never seen. I never thought I would see the day, but Aiden O’Connell has become a family man.” He turned to the newly wedded couple and grinned, “Let’s raise our glasses in honor of Aiden and Lindsay.”