Page 47

T resia stared at her reflection in the mirror, watching as Lucy swept her long auburn hair away from one side of her face to pin it back with an ornate gold comb, then did the same to the other side.

“Perfect!” Lucy said as she took a step back to admire her handiwork.

Yes, it was perfect. The whole day was perfect. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, a light breeze ruffled the lacy curtains hanging from the window, and in a few short moments, she would marry Marshal Devlin Goodrich and begin her new life with the man she loved.

Last night, Mr. Peabody, the Justice of the Peace, had arrived in town in time to go over last-minute details and now waited downstairs in Lucy’s parlor, which she had graciously offered instead of the courthouse.

“Stand up. Let me look at you.”

Tresia rose from the dressing table after one last glance in the mirror and turned to face her friend.

“Oh, you look lovely. Leslie Carmichael did a beautiful job on your dress.”

Tresia looked down at the ivory gown embroidered with tiny white and gold flowers.

“She did, didn’t she?” She turned toward Avery, who sat on the bed, Cecily clutched in her arms. She, too, had a new dress, compliments of Miss Leslie, the seamstress, who had created a matching dress for the doll.

They both looked adorable. “What do you think, Avery?”

“You look beautiful, Mama!” Avery scrambled off the bed and held out a small red box she pulled from the pocket of her dress. “Daddy said to give you this.”

Tresia opened it. Instant tears filled her eyes as she gazed upon an amethyst necklace.

She pulled it from its black velvet bed by the gold chain, allowing the pendant to twist and turn.

It caught the sunlight shining in from the window and cast pale purple sparkles on the walls.

“It’s beautiful.” She glanced at Avery, who stood before her expectantly. “Did you know about this?”

Avery nodded enthusiastically, her light brown curls dancing around her head. “Me and Daddy picked it out.”

“You did?” It was a wonderful surprise. More importantly, it was perhaps the only time in her life that Avery had kept a secret. Tresia wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. She was used to Avery just blurting everything out. She drew Avery into a hug. “I love it, sweetheart. Thank you!”

“Let me put that on you.”

Tresia handed over the necklace to Lucy then turned around, lifting up her hair so Lucy could clasp the gift around her neck.

When she was done, she turned around and looked in the mirror, adjusting the necklace so the pendant lay against her skin just above the top of her dress.

It was beautiful, something she would treasure, and every time she looked at it, she would remember this day.

“Are you ready?” Lucy asked as she did a last-minute adjustment to her hair and puffed out the sleeves of the dress she wore.

She smiled. “I am.”

“Devlin is champing at the bit. He’s ready, too. When I went downstairs earlier, he was pacing back and forth in the parlor, barely acknowledging the conversation going on around him.” Lucy laughed. “I think he’s nervous.” She paused and looked into her eyes. “Are you nervous?”

“Not in the least.” She left the room and stopped at the top of the stairs to catch her breath. She hadn’t lied. She wasn’t nervous. She was happy and excited, anxious to begin her married life.

“Don’t forget your flowers.” Lucy shoved a bouquet of white, yellow, and red roses into her hand, compliments of Tia Evie and Jake, who had arrived shortly before Justice Peabody with Hilde and Antonio in tow.

All four were in the kitchen, preparing the luncheon that would be served after she and Devlin took their vows.

There would be photographs, too, Lucy’s wedding gift to them.

“You wait here. I’ll get everyone settled in the parlor and I’ll let you know when you should come downstairs.” Lucy reached out her hand and grabbed Avery’s. “Come on, sweetie.”

Avery followed along, then leaned toward Lucy as they started down the stairs. “We’re gettin’ married today!” she exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement.

Tresia laughed.

She watched them disappear from view, though she could still hear Avery talking and laughing, which made her heart proud. To think, she had spoken very little, only answering questions with a nod, a shake of her head or one word when they’d first met. Now, she was a vibrant and happy little girl.

It only took moments for Lucy and Avery to usher Tia Evie, Jake, Hilde and Antonio into the parlor, but it felt like a lifetime before Lucy closed the pocket doors and signaled to her.

She fairly flew down the stairs, beyond anxious to show everyone present exactly how much she loved Devlin Goodrich.

“Ready?” Lucy asked, her eyes bright, her smile wide as she met her at the bottom of the stairs.

Tresia nodded. “I—” The words she wanted to say, the expression of gratitude toward Lucy and what she had done—introducing her to the love her life and the little girl who had changed her in so many ways—died in her throat and she couldn’t speak at all.

Lucy laid gentle hands on her shoulders and squeezed. “You don’t have to say anything. I know.” Her own eyes were shiny with tears.

Tresia took a deep breath, her heart brimming with thankfulness, then she gave a quick nod. “I’m ready.”

Lucy nodded, turned and opened the pocket doors before walking slowly into the parlor to take her place on the other side of Justice Peabody.

Tresia entered the parlor, her gaze focused on Devlin and Avery, who stood beside him, for once without her ever-present and much beloved Cecily.

Joy bubbled within her, so much so that she could hardly contain it. It was her wedding day. She didn’t want to contain it. She wanted everyone to know how happy she was as she took another step closer—to her loves. Her family. Her future.

Devlin returned her gaze, his eyes bright, his confident, trusting smile touching her.

He inhaled deeply, his chest puffing out with what she assumed was pride, then, though it wasn’t tradition, he strode toward her and took her hand in his, as if he couldn’t wait.

“You look… beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe how lovely you look. ”

“So do you.” And he did, dressed in a coal black suit with a pristine white shirt and silver brocade vest. “Handsome, I mean.”

He fingered the amethyst pendant resting on her breastbone. “Do you like it?”

“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She looked at him and saw the promise of their future shining in his eyes. Her pulse raced and butterflies danced in her belly. “I’m surprised Avery kept your secret.”

Devlin laughed. “She almost told you so many times! I had to keep reminding her that she couldn’t tell.”

She looked into his face, embracing the love she saw there. “I’m sorry. I have no gift for you.”

He leaned forward, his lips brushing her ear. “You love me and Avery. That’s the best gift any man could ever ask for. I don’t need anything else. Just you.”

His statement touched her heart. Tears flooded her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

Devlin brushed his fingers beneath her eyes, wiping away her tears then smiled gently. “If I thought marrying me would make you cry, I never would have asked.”

“Rest assured, my love, these are happy tears.” She smiled. “Let’s get married.”

He turned toward the assembled guests. “We’re ready,” he announced, then led her toward Justice Peabody, who waited in front of the fireplace. He reached for Avery’s hand and drew her forward to stand between them as if the three of them were marrying each other.

And once again, it was perfect.

Oh, she so loved this! Waking up beside Devlin in the morning, watching him as he slept, his face full of peace, despite what had happened with Frances just three days ago.

She lifted her hand to gently touch his handsome face but the sight of the ring on her finger stopped her and for a moment, all she could do was stare at it.

She turned it this way and that, watching as the sunlight coming in through the window made the plain gold band shine.

She couldn’t be happier.

“Good morning, Wife.”

She forced her gaze away from the ring and focused on him. A devilish grin spread his lips and heat flashed through her, though she should be exhausted. So should he. Neither one of them had slept very much as they celebrated the beginning of their marriage. “Good morning, Husband.”

Devlin rolled onto his side and pulled her closer, his hand sliding up and down her arm, moving the blanket that covered her. “I don’t want to get up yet.”

She snuggled into him. “Neither do I.”

“Let’s just stay here all day,” he said before he dropped a soft kiss to her lips.

“I don’t know if I can do that. I’ve never spent the entire day in bed, not even when I wasn’t feeling well.” She smiled, beginning to like the idea, and laid her hand on his cheek. “But maybe you can change my mind.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” He laughed before he started nuzzling her neck and she melted into his arms.

A long time later, Tresia sat across the table from Devlin, the remains of a hastily prepared breakfast littering their plates. She watched him finish the coffee in his cup, still amazed she could call him husband.

He smiled at her as he pushed his plate away. “What are your plans for today?”

“More cleaning at the store. It’s a complete and total mess and I’m going to take advantage of Avery staying at Montana del Trueno for a few days to get everything in order for my grand re-opening.”

“Do you need help?”

She shook her head, pleased that he’d offered. “You have more important things to do, like protect this town. I’ll be fine. Besides, I’d rather clean by myself because I know exactly how I like things.”

“Don’t wear yourself out.” He gave her a wink as he rose from his seat. “I’m not done celebrating.”