Baby on the Way (18 page)

“I
can’t believe I let you talk Caitlin into this.” Jordan glared at his mother with a look that wasn’t totally pretend.

“All this falderal when all we wanted was to get married. Look at me! I look like a turkey.”

“You can say that again.” Robyn grinned as she straddled Eudora on her hip. “Smile!” She snapped yet another picture, giggling at his threatening look. “I love it.”

“Mother!” Jordan clenched his fists to stop himself from strangling them both. “Can’t you do something?”

“Of course I can. Go away now, Robyn, dear. I have to get your brother calm so he won’t forget his vows. I want everything to be nice for Caitlin.”

“We wanted Thanksgiving you know,” he sputtered, shoving the huge poinsettia out of his way. “We were going to have a small ceremony.
A private
ceremony.”

“How ridiculous! I’m glad I was able to help her see the light. Now bend down, Jordan. Your bow tie is crooked.” When he didn’t obey immediately, she pinched his arm. “I don’t know why you men fuss so much. It’s only a wedding, after all.”

Jordan rolled his eyes, but controlled the groan. She wouldn’t thank him for pointing out the ruckus she’d created over the wedding cake, nor the fact that she’d ordered more flowers than three weddings required.

“Caitlin’s home,
our
home,” he corrected himself, “looks like a garden.”

“Do you think so, dear? Oh, thank you.” She hugged him tight and then bustled out of the room. “Try not to get dirty, Jordan. And stay put. I have to go help Caitlin.”

Jordan grinned and then checked his watch for the umpteenth time that morning. Six more minutes. Then they could get on with this production and he’d be one step closer to being married. He fell into thought dreaming about that.

“Good grief, Jordan!” Robyn shook her head in disbelief. “The whole place is waiting for the groom to come out. Caitlin thinks you’ve changed your mind. What’s the problem?”

“Robyn, you’re a wonderful wife and I’m truly glad that you love me as much you do. And I thank God every day that you’re not afraid to stand up for what you believe. But right now darling, and I mean this in the nicest possible way, go away.” Her husband gently eased her out the door and smiled as she stomped away.

“I told you I can take care of my wife.” He winked at Jordan. “Ready, big guy?”

“Yes,” Jordan sighed happily. “More than ready.”

He sucked in his breath when Caitlin moved slowly down the stairs. Her suit was the palest pink, the short trim jacket giving way to a long straight skirt with a scalloped hem. She held dark-pink roses and lilies. A fluffy little veil sat perched on her head.

To him she was the most beautiful sight in the world as his father led her down an aisle formed between rows of chairs and up to the area circled by dark pink poinsettias, where he stood with their minister.

“You’re late,” he whispered, taking her hand.

“So were you.” She smiled and the tension left him. This was right, this was good, this was blessed.

“’Old things are gone. Behold, all things are as new.’” The minister’s words rang around the room like the bells on Christmas morning.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

From her grandmother’s arms, Micah mewled a tiny cry, then shoved her fist in her mouth. Seconds later her lashes flopped closed and she slept, a furtive smile curving the corners of her bow-shaped mouth as her parents celebrated their love.

* * * * *

Don’t miss the next book in
Lois Richer’s
BRIDES OF THE SEASONS
series, DADDY ON THE WAY,
coming in November from Love Inspired.

Dear Reader,

I hope you’ve enjoyed
Baby on the Way.
I’ve learned so much from writing Caitlin’s story. Have you ever had one of those weeks when nothing seems to go right? Or maybe it’s lasted months, or years! It’s hard during those times to remember that God loves us more than we can ever know or understand. Isn’t it amazing that in spite of our frustration and anger and worry, He can make something beautiful out of us, if we’ll just allow Him to work?

My hope is that you will find the silver lining in every cloud that God sends your way. I wish you peace and joy, but above all, I wish you abundant, restoring love in every moment of your life.