Alana Candler, Marked for Murder (37 page)
He kissed her then, and it was nothing like he remembered. The fireworks in his head were louder and brighter than he ever felt before.
EPILOGUE
JAYDN REACHED AROUND THE CLOSET
door and pulled his blue tie off the hanger. Wrapping it around his neck, he stared into space and thought about how complete things turned out in his life. He had a wonderful God to fill his heart with peace and contentment and a beautiful bride to fill his life with companionship and love.
No one but Alana could have filled his life with such joy. She was perfect for him. The one God chose for him.
A knock sounded, and Brad stuck his head around the door.
“Are you ready, brother?”
Jaydn’s smile stretched across his face. “More than ready.”
“Well then, if you’re ready and I’m ready, let’s see if Alana’s ready.” He grinned. “I’ll go get her, and we’ll meet you at the front of the chapel.”
Jaydn just nodded and beamed. He had been waiting for this special day since first meeting Alana. In just a little while, his dreams would come true. They would have the rest of their lives to spend together, and it really would be a happily-ever-after ending.
Alana smiled at all the little faces around her.
“I’m sorry, Miss Alana,” Shirley said. “The children just had to see you before you walk down the aisle.”
“It’s okay, Shirley. I don’t mind.” Alana bent over and gave each of them a hug, not minding how many little hands touched her white, lacy, wedding gown. Shining faces radiated their happiness. In the last few months, they spent many hours with Jaydn and came to know him well. The smiles and touches confirmed their approval of the marriage between two of their favorite people.
After she assured each one of her love, Shirley led them out of the room. A wink and a smile traveled with Shirley to the door. “Brad’s waiting. I’ll send him in now.”
Alana nodded and turned for a final look in the mirror. Her face was radiant, and she knew why. Jaydn’s idea to get married in the orphanage chapel still warmed her heart. He was not Tom, and it was proven many times over in the last few months.
Thank you for Jaydn, Lord, and that he’s a child of Yours. Thank you that we can spend our lives together using the money you’ve given us to help others and to honor and glorify You.
The money she was so afraid of before now became an instrument of doing good for others—all with Jaydn’s leadership.
“Wow, munchkin, you look beautiful! Absolutely gorgeous.”
“Oh, Spot, I’m so happy.”
Brad’s throat tightened, and he cleared his throat. “Well, sweetie, you look it too. I have something for you.”
Alana looked puzzled. “You and Lisa already gave me this beautiful wedding dress.”
“I know, but this gift is from Jaydn and me. Just call it a special gift from the special men in your life.”
Alana tilted her head to the side and looked at the square box he pulled from behind his back. She carefully stripped off the bow and opened the box lid. Inside was a camera, just like the one her parents gave her.
“A camera! Oh, Brad. Thank you.” She took the camera out and looked at it carefully. When she saw the little nick on the edge of the camera housing, she drew back in surprise.
“This is just like the one . . .”
“No, Lane. It’s not
like
the one Mom and Dad gave you. It
is
the one Mom and Dad gave you. Jaydn found this little repair shop in downtown Ross, and we had it repaired. We both knew how much it meant to you.”
A tear trickled down Alana’s face. “Oh, Brad. You’re the best brother anyone ever had. You and Jaydn are wonderful. I feel so blessed to have you both in my life. Thank you.”
Brad’s eyes were moist as he used his handkerchief to wipe the tear’s trail down her cheek. “You’re welcome, munchkin. Now, let’s get you out of here before all this blubbering messes up your makeup. You don’t want Jaydn marrying a raccoon, do you?” He held out his arm for her and smiled.
Alana laughed and grabbed his arm.
He kissed her on the cheek. “Are you ready?”
She didn’t answer, just nodded with moist eyes.
He led her out of the room and to the double doors at the back of the chapel. When the wedding march started, the ushers opened the doors, and she saw her dear Jaydn standing in front of the chapel. His eyes glowed with pleasure when he saw his bride, and the delight in his face made her beam. She had much to be thankful for—a husband who loved her enough to put his life on the line for her, and a God who loved her enough to give her Jaydn. Now, her life was complete.
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ALANA CANDLER, MARKED FOR MURDER
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