Rocky Mountain Redemption (21 page)

“S
low down, Libby,” Luke whispered, his voice echoing in the packed church. “Yer goin' too fast.”

Callie looked on from the back of the sanctuary, smiling as her little girl came to a stop five rows down the aisle.

Libby peered, with charming devotion, at where Luke stood proudly next to his mama, at the end of the very first pew. She took two slow steps forward as if trying out her feet for the first time. “How's this, Lukey?”

“That's better.” He rewarded Libby with a decided wink as he struggled to tuck something inside the new jacket Ben had purchased for him. “Jest remember what I showed ya.”

An errant giggle escaped Libby's lips as she clasped one hand to her mouth. “A kitty,” she squealed, glancing over her shoulder at Callie. “Mama, look. Lukey brought Beauty to yer wedding.”

“I had to,” Luke tossed in Callie's direction then swung his focus back to Libby. “She
is
named after yer mama.”

“Yep. For Mama,” Libby echoed.

Sliding his hand into his coat, Luke withdrew the
fluffy kitten. “'Sides…she wanted to come. She told me so, herself.”

The trickle of laughter streaming through the sanctuary was more meaningful and pleasant than a hundred bouquets of fresh flowers to celebrate Callie's trip down the aisle.

“Aww…that's very sweet of you, Luke.” Callie glanced to where Ben waited for her at the front of the church, her heart taking flight at the look of complete adoration he'd aimed directly at her.

You're sweet,
he mouthed, his affectionate gaze like some gentle caress.

A fresh blush warmed her face. He'd made her cheeks rosy more often that not over the past month with his endearing compliments and oh-so-tender touch. It was as if he knew just what to say and just what to do to coax the last little bits of reservation from her heart.

With the newfound freedom she'd discovered, her smile had been next to impossible to wipe off. All the years of pain and regret had seemed to crumble away since Callie had found true peace with God. The experience had made her feel alive again.

Breathing deeply, Callie slid her gaze over the faces of everyone in attendance. She was surrounded by those she loved. And by a town that had gone out of its way to make sure this wedding was perfect: with a reception hosted by Mrs. Duncan, a lovely wedding dress made by Katie and a hope chest packed as full of gifts as this church was packed with well-wishers.

Gratefulness welled up inside of her, seeing Joseph and Katie, Zach and Aaron positioned there in the first pew, in a show of unconditional, loyal support. She didn't even want to think about how different her life would be had she not finally and desperately sought
out her last resort. But Ben and his family…they were so much more than her last resort…they were her only resort.

Yes, this day was perfect.

Callie took it all in as Libby made her way to the front of the church, pausing long enough to pet the kitten Luke held out like some prized possession.

“Come on, Mama,” she whispered, motioning Callie forward.

Callie took her first step down the aisle then, glancing at where her father had secured her arm in his. His presence here at her side was yet another testament to Ben's goodness and thoughtfulness. Even though she'd assumed her father had long since written her off, Ben had contacted him two weeks ago about the wedding, and her father had booked passage immediately.

The tears of joy Callie and her father had shed when they embraced far outweighed the tears of regret about so many lost years.

“You look so pretty, honey.” The low crack of emotion in his voice belied the steadying comfort she felt as he patted her hand. “Just like your mama.”

“Oh, thank you, Daddy,” she whispered, her throat growing tight. “Thank you for being here with me.”

“I'm just glad I can give you away….” As he pressed a kiss to the top of her head, tears crowded her gaze. “And to the man of your dreams.”

She squeezed his hand, her heart swelling with deep, pure love as she continued down the aisle, shifting her attention forward and locking gazes with Ben. He was so handsome in his dark gray suit. So noble in the way he treated each and every person.

And he was hers.

The man of her dreams.

He'd been waiting for her all along—that's what he'd told her. And she believed him.

Not in her wildest dreams did she imagine she'd find such love and comfort in his arms, at least not that night when she'd shown up half-frozen on his doorstep.

Had Max somehow known that, with his last breath, he was sending her straight into Ben's arms?

Callie's heart stirred with a poignant awareness as she neared the front of the church where Ben stood, his hand outstretched to meet hers with the pledge of protection. And his ardent gaze…penetrating and capturing her completely, drawing her to his side.

She willed her feet to slow down. Willed her heart to slow its rapid beat inside her chest, but it was useless.

Her head and heart rushed with the glorious promises of today and every single tomorrow she'd share with Ben.

When her daddy placed her hand in Ben's, blissful peace infused straight through her hand to every part of her being.

“I'll take good care of her, sir,” Ben breathed, his voice so true and steady as he entwined his fingers in hers and pulled her a little closer.

“You're beautiful,” he whispered. “I'm a blessed man.”

“I love you, Ben,” Callie responded on a contented sigh. Peering up at him, she was humbled by the powerful love she could see in his gaze…for her. And she knew, just as sure as the sun's rising, that she would forever and ever be safe, secure and loved in Ben's arms.

1. Callie boldly faces her nemesis, Ben. Have you ever faced a situation expecting one thing, only to experience the opposite? If so, what was your response?
   
2. Ben bows to his strong pull of compassion and takes Callie in. Do you think he responded foolishly?
   
3. If you were Callie, how would you have responded to Ben's kindness and gentle demeanor?
   
4. Aaron's suspicion of Callie forces Ben to choose between his brother and a woman he knows little about. Have you ever made a difficult decision that could alienate someone you loved?
   
5. Ben's brothers want only the best for him. How do they show they care?
   
6. Betrayal cuts Callie deep when she discovers the truth about her daughter. How would you have dealt with such a painful discovery?
   
7. In spite of her bold show of strength, Callie is very vulnerable and is yearning for love and safety. Have you ever found yourself fighting against the very thing you need? If so, what was your breaking point?
   
8. As the oldest brother, Ben feels a strong sense of responsibility for the wayward path Max had
   traveled. Do you feel that his responsibility is misplaced?
   
9. Callie wants to trust God as a forgiving and loving Father, but her own father had drilled a warped view of God being harsh into her head. Have you ever had to work beyond a distorted view of God to find the truth of his love?
   
10. Heartbreak has carved the noble, yet sometimes overbearing, need to control a situation into Ben's soul. How does he finally release this to God?