Blessed Vows (14 page)

“This just happened so fast, Paige. I didn't mean for it to be like this. I wanted to talk to you first, because if you aren't okay with this—”

“—I've been giving it a lot of thought—”

“—then you need to tell me the truth. Because I can't leave here if it's not all right—”

“It's all right.” Paige wrapped her in a brief hug. “No one expected this to happen. You and Jake fell in love. This is your turn to live your dream, Rachel. To really
grab hold of what matters in life. So don't waste this chance. Forget about the diner.”

“But what about your plans?”

“I'll figure something out. Maybe one of the cousins would be interested in taking over. Do you want some hot chocolate?” Paige returned to the saucepan to give it a few more stirs.

Mom's secret cocoa recipe was the cure for all heartaches, and the memory of being young in this kitchen with Mom at the stove and warming chocolate scenting the air made her throat burn with tears. “I always thought I'd be raising my own kids in this house.”

“Jake lives in Florida. Sounds like you'll be raising them there.”

“Yeah.” The thought made her sad and blissful at the same moment. How could so many polar emotions be inside her at once? “I'm really leaving.”

“Don't say that out loud because you're breaking my heart.” Paige kept her back firmly turned as she reached down a set of mugs. Her voice sounded thick with unshed tears. “If that man doesn't make you happy, all you have to do is tell me and I'll put some sense into him. Okay?”

“Okay.” Rachel grabbed the marshmallow fluff from the refrigerator door and twisted off the lid. “You can stop being my big sister now.”

“I'm never going to stop being that. What are we going to do without you?”

Rachel couldn't speak. She spooned fluff onto the cups of steaming cocoa that Paige poured. Amy had taken off for the West Coast instead of graduating from high school and had been gone for several years. Ben had joined the air force, never to return for more than a brief stay. And although Rachel had gone to college, she'd come back.

But not Paige. She'd stayed to do the tough work of holding the family together, making a small-town diner do a good enough business to support all of them, all while raising her own wonderful son. “I'm going to be gone for a long time.”

“This is just occurring to you?”

She nodded. “The reality is starting to sink in. I'm getting married. Finally. He's such a wonderful man. I know he'll be good to me.”

“Of course he will be.” Amy burst into the room. “Or we'll kick some sense into him. I don't want you to leave, Rache. What are we gonna do without you?”

“I—I don't know what I'm going to do without both of you. This is supposed to be happy, getting engaged. I always thought of getting married as adding to my life. Not changing it.”

“Marriage is like nothing else. It changes everything.” Amy grabbed the chocolate syrup from the fridge and popped the cap. She joined Paige, who'd returned to the counter. “Then again, marriage is one of God's great blessings.”

“Well, so are sisters.” Paige's eyes were filling with tears, but she was always so strong, Rachel had never actually seen a single tear fall. Never. “Here. Take these to that man of yours and that sweet little girl. You belong with them now, but know this. Your home will always be here, too.”

Love and hot chocolate, the family cure-all. Rachel couldn't speak as she took the cups in her hands, trying hard not to spill them. This is a beginning, not an end, she told herself firmly as she disappeared down the dark hall. Everything she knew and loved was here.

No, not everything. She paused in the doorway, mesmerized by the low murmur of Jake's voice. How was it she could love this man even more than her life? He was her family now, and little Sally her daughter. Already she had them to love. And it made the pain of knowing she would leave this place vanish. Her own husband and a child to care for.

Contentment spread through her, sweet like the warm rich cocoa she carried until nothing remained but gratitude. Jake grinned at her over the top of the book he was reading out loud. Her soul sighed, and she was fulfilled.

She was truly loved, at long last.

F
lorida was hot, even in the winter. Rachel squinted into the foggy mirror in the hallway off the base's chapel, afraid sweat was beading on her forehead and her veil would be in danger of becoming plastered to her face.

She so wanted this short ceremony to be perfect, although nothing so far had gone to plan and she felt weary from struggling to right it. The last week she'd spent in Montana, after Jake and Sally had left, had been a whirlwind of packing and making arrangements and saying goodbyes. She'd given up her whole life to be here with Jake.

If Jake hadn't sent her roses every day they were apart, she wouldn't have made it this far, because the obstacles had continued to mount. Her plane had been diverted due to a thunderstorm and she'd spent hours
circling over Tampa, gazing down at the incredible scenery and feeling so out of place. She'd left four feet of snow behind and near-blizzard conditions that had almost kept the plane from taking off in the first place.

Add lost luggage, traffic jams, Jake being called at the last minute into the field for training and she'd seen him only at the courthouse to get the marriage license.

“Don't worry, you look lovely.” Cadence, who had stepped in as a true sister over the last few tough days, smoothed the back of the veil. “Jake is going to take one look at you and he won't believe how lucky he is.”

“I'm the lucky one.” The Lord knew it was true. She pinned on her mother's cameo, the one Paige had given her as a goodbye gift. Once the delicate clasp was secure, she took a steadying breath.

Jake was waiting to marry her. This moment was everything she'd ever wanted and prayed for. It seemed as if heaven were smiling, or maybe that was just the joy bubbling within her soul, as she took her first step on the plain brown carpet that would lead her down the aisle and to her groom, to the man God had found for her.

The ivory silk of her mother's wedding gown whirled and whispered as she took another step following Cadence. Jake was there, looking like a promise made and kept in his dress blues. He stood solemnly before the simple altar with Sally leaning against his side, her eyes wide with uncertainty. All eyes turned to Rachel, but it was Jake she saw. Jake she
felt
deep in her soul.

I never realized how deeply sacred a wedding was. As she stood there, poised at the aisle where simple wooden pews marched the length of the small chamber, Rachel felt it. More than the dreams of a little girl wondering and wishing for this day. More than the committed, emotional ties of a woman to her man. It was as if heaven waited, too, watching to celebrate the blessed gift of true love, a victory in a wide world that included heartache and cruelty.

The opening notes of the bridal march filled the chapel as sweetly as grace.

Ben offered his arm. “Are you ready for this, little sister?”

“Without a doubt.” She slipped her arm in his and they moved forward together. Every step brought her closer to Jake. She was not nervous. She was certain.

As the minister asked, “Who gives this woman?” and Ben answered, “I do,” she accepted her brother's kiss on her cheek and his good wishes, knowing she would not need them. The blessing of Jake's love was enough. Their love would be strong enough. Jake held out his hand, and there was no need for words. She knew he felt the same.

“Dearly beloved,” the minister began those time-honored words, the ones she knew by heart. The words she'd been waiting to hear like this, at Jake's side.

Then the sound of the minister's voice faded away and it was like being underwater in a warm and clear
ocean. There were the two of them—her and Jake—his hand steady and sure, and his gaze fastened on hers. It was as if an unseen current flowed between them, beyond the physical, to their spirits within.

She realized true love was greater than two people. More powerful than both man and wife combined. It was a force that also connected them to a greater love, a greater purpose. And she felt awed by the calm that filled her. She repeated those sacred vows to love and honor and cherish.

The surge of love that overtook her was unconditional and infinite and there was nothing that would ever diminish it. Not sickness. Not hardship. Not even death.

As Jake slipped the ring on her finger, a diamond band to match the solitaire, she saw the emotion gathering in his dark eyes. He might stand warrior-tough, but he had a good loving heart. There was no mistake about that. When he lifted her veil and his kiss sealed their vows, happiness like no other filled her. Now they were two hearts and one soul.

 

It was surreal carrying Rachel through the doorway of his modest town house. After a celebration supper with Ben and Cadence and Sally at a fancy seafood restaurant not far off base, he left Sal with his good friends, promising to pick her up bright and early in the morning. Here he was, carrying a silk-clad bride into his very beige living room.

No visions of grandeur and luxury, just a comfortable couch he'd bought secondhand from a squad member who'd gotten out, and battered-looking end tables. He hadn't realized just how shabby his things were.

Please don't be disappointed, he thought. She'd spent last night with Ben and Cadence to save the cost of a hotel room, and training had run late, so there had been no time to show her what she was getting into.

“Oh. You have a view.” Her eyes were shining. “And there's the beach. I could get used to this.”

“Yeah?” That was good, because he'd be stuck in Florida for some time to come. “I've got three more years left. I know this isn't what you're used to, but I sure hope I can make you happy here.”

“I'll be happy anywhere as long as I'm with you. You are my everything now.” She blushed rosily and she'd never looked more amazing. This woman was his wife now, this incredible lady, and he couldn't stop the rush of affection that would take him over if he let it.

It's gratitude, he told himself as he set her on her slippered feet, not love. He was deeply grateful for a woman he respected and who was so kind. She was exactly the kind of lady he'd hoped to find some day.

The Lord sure worked in awesome ways, he thought, as he nudged the door shut with his foot. Awesome because He'd brought the exact right wife into his life when he was at a loss as to what to do with Sally. The timing was God's he knew. Sally wasn't the only rea
son Rachel was wearing his wedding ring. No, he'd been at a loss for a long time, he could see that now that she was standing in his living room.

This house he lived in was suddenly a home. The life he'd filled only with the challenge of work now had a deeper purpose: to take care of Rachel with all of his might. He never wanted to fail this woman entrusted to him.

“How about a walk on the beach?” he suggested, smoothing back the thick bounce of curls that had tumbled against her face.

She pressed against his hand, her eyes drifting shut, as if valuing his touch.

“I would love to. But I've got to change. I'm not sure how easy it would be to walk in the surf like this.” She gave her skirt a twirl and the full hem flared out to reveal her white ballet slippers. “Where are my things?”

“Ben brought them over this morning. I put them in the main bedroom. Up the stairs. It's the first door on your left.”

“Okay. I'll be right back. I'm psyched. Wow! We live on the beach.” They were a team now, and she was a wife!

Her life kept getting better and better, Rachel thought as she blew her husband a kiss, gathered up her skirt and dashed up the stairs. The gentler light of early evening was thinning, and she so wanted to have the daylight left to go on a long walk with her husband. They would be
just another married couple, out for an evening stroll, hands linked, hearts content.

She half expected Jake to be coming up behind her, so she left the door ajar, spotted her suitcase under the wide picture window that gazed through the spears of palm leaves at the endless stretch of turquoise water. Pale sunshine poured through the slatted blinds and she turned the wand to close it. The light dimmed, and she gazed around the room she would be sharing with Jake.

The bed looked wide enough to be a queen-size. It was neatly made with a pale-blue bedspread covering it, and four plumped pillows in matching blue shams. Two mismatched nightstands sat at either side of the bed, holding matching lamps and a phone, an alarm clock and a thick, tattered military suspense paperback were crowded on the nightstand to the right side. That must be where Jake slept. And that meant she would be on the left side.

It gave her an odd, thrilling joy to think about the night to come. What a blessing to be held and loved by her husband, she thought, and, feeling bashful, decided not to think anymore about it.

The phone rang, echoing in the quiet house, then died in mid ring. Jake must have grabbed it downstairs. She waited. Sure enough she could hear the mumble of his voice. Maybe it was Sally calling. She hadn't been sure about staying with Cadence, who'd been spending a lot of time watching her over the past few weeks. As Ca
dence had said, now Sally was her niece to watch over and spoil as much as possible.

I hope Sally's not having a hard time away from Jake, Rachel thought as she managed to loosen the hooks-and-eyes at the back of her dress. The poor girl had been through enough. If she was afraid, then they would swing by and take her on their evening walk, too.

She knelt and popped open her largest suitcase. In a half a second she'd grabbed her favorite pair of walking shorts and a light T-shirt and headed for the attached bathroom. She wasn't surprised by how clean and tidy everything was. Jake had clearly picked up and cleaned to make a good impression for her.

The small room had a high window that let in light as she pulled her hair into a ponytail and changed into her comfy clothes. Carefully, she gathered up the treasured dress and laid it out on the bed. No sign of Jake, so he must still be on the phone. She slipped her feet into her old sneakers and trotted down the steps.

He
was
on the phone, talking earnestly and low to whoever was on the other end of the line. He looked serious so maybe it was military stuff. She wandered into the kitchen and admired the cozy room. The appliances were a good decade old, but in good repair and very handy. She could imagine whipping up dinner while she waited for bread dough to rise and talking to Jake over the breakfast bar all the while.

Could anything be more perfect? This cute little du
plex, full of good views and cozy places and a husband and child to care for. This was her home. This was her life. She was infinitely grateful.

She spotted a small bottle of water on the top shelf of the fridge and not much else, and thought how exciting this would be. To discover new favorite spots like grocery stores and coffee places and used bookstores. Things she could do with Jake and Sally. What an adventure it would be.

Brimming with happiness, she let herself outside, leaving Jake to finish his call in privacy. She sat down on the concrete top step and let the breeze off the ocean brush against her face. It was like a whole new world the Lord had given her, full of promise and good things. She could
feel
it. She thought of Paige and Amy, who would be handling the Friday-night supper rush about now. Tonight was the last high-school football game of the season and more snow had been expected, she knew. And she was staring at the Gulf of Mexico, wearing shorts!

The door behind her rasped open and Jake bounded down next to her, all business and tight energy. One look at his hard face told her something was wrong.

“Is it Sally?” Her heart jumped. “Is she okay? She was so quiet today, she's not sick—”

“No. I've got field training tonight. It's a drill. There's not a single thing I can do about it. I've tried to get out, but I can't. You get the call, and you go. It's a
mock emergency scenario and I've got to grab my gear and get rolling.”

Rachel studied the naked apology so stark on his handsome features and she knew with a sinking feeling that she had to let him go. It was as if the sun dimmed. “This definitely makes me feel like a military wife. You're sure you have to go, huh? No, don't answer that. I know you do. I just don't want you to go.”

“Neither do I. Baby, I'll make it up to you. I swear. I've got to run.”

“I know.” She trusted him, she knew he would make sure they'd have another evening that would be special together. Although this, their first night as husband and wife was not what she'd expected. She tapped down the rising disappointment.

“Thanks, baby. I'll be back.” He kissed her quickly and bolted away. The door clicked shut. Less than a minute later she heard a pickup roar to life. His red truck sped down the driveway between the units, honked and disappeared around the corner.

Now what? Rachel still couldn't believe she was sitting alone on her wedding night. The sun sank lower, casting a rosy glow directly into her eyes. She squinted and tried to remember where she'd put her sunglasses. The phone rang inside. Maybe that was Jake. Maybe his field emergency thing was cancelled. A girl could hope!

She snatched it up on the third ring. “Hello?”

“Rachel.” Cadence sounded unruffled, and Rachel
remembered that Ben was on Jake's team. Maybe he would have gotten the same call. “I bet you've suddenly found yourself without plans for the evening. How about coming over and watching a movie with Sally and me? We've got some good family favorites to pick from.”

“I'll be over.” See, God never closed a door without opening a window. She'd spend the evening with her new niece and her sister-in-law. And maybe Jake would be back before bedtime. She left a note, just in case.

 

Jake sat in the belly of the chopper with his pockets heavy with extra ammo and protectively holding his M-4. He couldn't get Rachel out of his thoughts. Not good for a soldier when lives depended on his absolute mastery of his emotions and iron self-control.