My Love at Last (17 page)
Chapter 24
O
n the surrounding land of the homestead, tents and white tables and linen dotted the emerald-green grass. Beyond, the soft roll of the ocean could be heard. The guests had begun to arrive, most of which were the entire Lawson clan right up to Connor’s grandfather Clive. Devon was his best man, and Connor had to admit that his baby brother was no longer a baby and was turning heads with every step that he took. Sydni and Gabe were in attendance, along with their brand-new baby, Mia. His cousins and aunt Jacqueline and uncles were all there to share in his big day. Rafe surprisingly came alone. Desiree, Dominique and LeeAnn brought their husbands, and Maurice and Layla were in attendance.
“I’m so happy for you, my friend,” Desiree said as she adjusted Olivia’s veil.
“I’m so happy for me,” she answered. “This past year has been a whirlwind of changes and revelations. I would have never thought when I came to Sag Harbor that I would find my past and my future here.”
Desiree squeezed her hand. “You deserve it,” she said softly.
There was a light knock on the door.
“Come in,” Desiree called out.
The door opened and Leslie stepped in.
Olivia turned around on the stool. “I’m glad you came.”
“Thank you for inviting me.”
“Desi, this is my mother, Leslie Gray-Worthy.”
“Oh, hello.” She extended her hand. “The resemblance… ” They could be twins right down to the cleft in their chin.
Olivia and Leslie looked at each other and shared a soft smile.
“I wanted to bring you something for your wedding day.” The older woman opened her purse and took out an embroidered handkerchief and handed it to Olivia. “Something old. Your grandmother Constance gave it to me when I got married. Her mother gave it to her.”
Olivia took the handkerchief. “Thank you. This means a lot.”
Leslie nodded. “Well, I wish you all the happiness, Olivia.” She stepped closer, leaned down and placed a light kiss on her cheek. With that she turned and walked out.
For a moment, Olivia held the handkerchief close to her chest. This was a new day, a new beginning, and maybe it was time that she let her mother be a part of it.
* * *
Olivia and Connor faced each other beneath a cloudless sky and in front of family and friends — both new and old. They listened to the reverend caution them about the ups and downs of marriage, but that together and with love they could overcome anything and should never allow the outside world to tear asunder what God had brought together.
“Olivia, I have traveled the world,” Connor told her. “I have seen the seven wonders, but it was not until I met you that I wanted to put down roots. And they were wrong to only count seven, because you are the wonder that fills my life. From this day forward I give myself to you. I will be your friend, your champion, your life partner. I will love you for as long as I have breath.”
“Connor, I spent my life looking behind me, looking for answers, looking for love,” she answered. “When I met you I slowly began to believe that my life was not in the past but in the future — with you. You are the center of me, the pulse that runs through my veins. If you wanted to travel to the ends of the earth, I would gladly be by your side. You gave me life, you gave me what I have been searching for… You are my love, my love at last.”
To the applause and tears of those gathered, Connor Lawson and Olivia Gray sealed their future with a kiss.
* * * * *
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ISBN-13: 9781460387399
My Love at Last
Copyright © 2015 by Donna Hill
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