Waterfront Weddings (32 page)

He chuckled. “Probably giving Justin fits as we speak.” He took her hand. “This time around, I want it to be different. I want our families around us. And I want to say those vows in a church.”

Summer couldn’t stop the tears of joy that trickled down her face. “You do?”

He nodded. “This year has taught me that we need God at the center of our marriage. And I don’t want to leave Him out of the ceremony.”

Just hearing Luke say those words gave her such comfort. They’d been married for seven years, most of those good years. But she couldn’t help but believe that the future was going to be even better.

Luke smiled as her face lit up. “What do you say?”

“I’m speechless. You surprise me so much sometimes. I don’t guess I ever told you that my dream had always been for us to get married at St. Michael’s. Did I?”

He shook his head. “No. But I started thinking about it on my way here today. I realized I’d planned the perfect surprise, but it didn’t feel right. Even if the florist and the photographer had made it, I still would’ve asked you to wait until we can invite our families and make arrangements at a church.” He reached out and stroked her smooth cheek.

Her mouth quirked into a smile. “I think it sounds amazing.” She gripped his hand. “I think we’re back on the right path, don’t you?”

He nodded. There was one more thing he knew he had to talk to her about, and he had no idea what she would think. “I do. I know we’re both committed to this marriage. And that makes all the difference.” He pushed a strand of hair from her face. “But I think we need to talk about having a family.”

She frowned. “Is this where you tell me that you don’t think we should keep trying?”

He shook his head. “I know that’s what I said before. But I didn’t mean it. If you want to meet with the doctor again and see what he thinks our best bet is, then I’m on board.”

“Really?” she asked.

He nodded. “You know I’ve always wanted a family. That hasn’t changed.”

“But you said. . .”

If he could go back in time and erase any conversation, it would be that one—the night he told Summer he wasn’t sure if they were cut out to be parents. His own words had haunted him almost since the night he’d said them. “I know. I was so scared we would go through losing a child again. And at that point, I knew I couldn’t handle it. Do you know that the reason I took the things from the nursery to the landfill instead of giving them away was because I couldn’t stand the thought of another child using the stuff that had been meant for our baby?” He shook his head. “But I’ve had a lot of time to think about things.”

“And what have you decided?”

“Our life is full of kids. Chloe’s baby will be here before we know it. Katie Beth and Dale adore us. Even Colton has become part of our world. And watching Justin step in and be like a dad for Colton has made me realize that there are a ton of kids out there who need someone to care about them.” He rubbed his jaw. “So yes, I want to have a baby of our own. But I’m prepared to find another way to be parents if that doesn’t work out.”

“Like adoption?”

He nodded. “Sure. We have that big house and plenty of money. And a lot of love to give.”

Her face lit up in a smile. “That sounds amazing.”

“Besides…I’ve made a decision about my music. A decision that will give me more time to devote to a family.”

Her blue eyes narrowed. “What do you mean? Are you finally going to pursue music full-time?”

He chuckled. “Actually, just the opposite. The band is breaking up.” He’d weighed his decision carefully and prayerfully, and in the end, he knew he was making the right choice.

“I don’t understand. You love to play.”

Luke nodded. “I do. I love the music. I love to write songs.” He shrugged. “But over these past few weeks I started to question why I felt the need to halfheartedly pursue music.” Summer had told him more than once that she’d be behind him if he wanted to give his music another shot. But he’d always found an excuse why it wasn’t a good time.

“Yeah?”

“I wanted to make something of myself. I guess I always had this idea that if I made it in Nashville as a musician or if I actually had some of my songs recorded, that would mean I was really somebody.” He shrugged. “But you know what? I’m
already
somebody. And I have a great life with you. My career with the park service has gradually morphed into something I love. This fall I’ll be handling all the school groups that come through, which is something I’m really excited about.”

Summer beamed. “Really? That’s awesome. I know you’ll be great at it.” She paused. “But won’t you miss playing?”

“I’ll still play. At home. Or we’ll do a show every now and then.” He shook his head. “But weekly practices and shows aren’t for me. Not anymore.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “Music will always be part of me. I’ll always tinker with my guitar and write songs. Maybe I’ll record them and put them on YouTube or something.”

“So I’ll still get to hear you sing, but I won’t have to share you with screaming groupies?” She chuckled.

“Something like that, yes.”

She glanced at the tiny window above their heads. “I think the storm has stopped, at least for now.”

“Should we make a run for it and check on Milo? It’s getting kind of late.”

Summer leaned forward and kissed him square on the mouth. “How about we stay here for a little while longer? Just us.”

He pulled her to him. “Just us,” he whispered. “That sounds wonderful.”

Three months later

S
ummer took one last look at herself in the mirror. The Mori Lee wedding gown looked like it had been designed with her in mind. Madelyn had made a couple of alterations, and it was the most perfect article of clothing Summer had ever worn. She glanced at the clock on the wall. It was almost time.

It was hard to believe three months had passed since she and Luke had celebrated their anniversary. Thankfully, the hurricane had spared them. By the time the storm reached land, it had been downgraded to a tropical storm. There was a lot of wind and a lot of rain but none of the devastation that easily could have happened. They’d spent their actual anniversary at home with a low-key celebration for two.

Since the storm hit, they’d made a lot of good progress as a couple. The counselor stood behind Luke’s idea to renew their vows, and Summer had gone into full wedding-planner mode. And loved every minute of it. And now, on the third Saturday in October, it was time for their vow renewal ceremony.

“You ready?” Ashley stuck her head in the door. She stopped in her tracks. “Wow. You look incredible.”

Summer took in Ashley’s red Grecian-style, floor-length gown. “Likewise. Justin’s eyes are going to pop out when he sees you in that.”

Ashley beamed. “Thanks.” She walked over and stood in front of the mirror next to Summer. “Thanks for having me as your bridesmaid.” She chuckled. “A few months ago, the idea of being a thirty-six-year-old bridesmaid would’ve had me drowning my sorrows in a bucket of Ben and Jerry’s. But honestly, I’m honored to stand beside you as you renew your vows.”

“It doesn’t hurt that you’re totally in love with the guy who’ll be standing opposite you either.” Summer grinned.

“That’s just a bonus.” Ashley returned her smile. “But do you think Britney can handle things out there?”

She thought for a second. They’d hired Britney, fresh out of college, to work as an associate at Summer Weddings. She was energetic, overly enthusiastic, and sometimes made Summer feel about eighty. But she also came with great references and so far had been an asset. “It’s time for her to sink or swim, I guess.” She sighed. “I officially relinquished control yesterday. Today I’m just the bride. I’m not solving any problems. Not putting out any fires with a florist or a musician. I’m focused on Luke and our vows.”

“Good girl.”

“Summer?” Britney whispered from the door. “Are you ready?”

“I sure am.”

Britney walked in and closed the door behind her. “Everything is going smoothly so far. The church is filling up, and the music is perfect.” She glanced at her watch. “In five minutes, it will be time for y’all to take your places.”

“Did Luke’s dad get here?” Summer asked.

Britney scrunched her face up in thought. “Is he the one in the wheelchair?”

Summer nodded.

“Yeah. I saw Luke talking to him a few minutes ago.” She smiled. “By the way, I think it’s very cool that y’all scheduled this so he could come.”

They’d talked to Luke’s daddy’s doctor and had all agreed that if the ceremony was held in the morning, his daddy might be able to come. Summer was relieved to hear that Mr. Nelson was out there. She knew it meant a lot to Luke. Even if his daddy didn’t remember the occasion tomorrow, Luke would remember it forever. “I’m just glad it worked out.”

“And a postwedding brunch is such a fun idea,” Ashley said. “You might start a trend.”

Summer nodded. “Gram is excited because brunch is her favorite meal of the day. And my mom is determined to have a write-up about it in the society column.”

Before she knew it, it was time. Her dad waited for her in the foyer. “Darling, you look amazing.” He kissed her on the cheek. “I know you’re technically already married, but it’s always been a dream of mine to walk you down the aisle. I’m thankful to get this opportunity.”

One of the biggest surprises of all had been how close Luke and her dad had grown. It seemed like the two of them had put their old differences aside and had become something that looked a lot like friends. And Summer had even gone on a shopping trip to Atlanta with Mom and Chloe. She’d come away realizing that even though she didn’t have a ton in common with them, they could still enjoy spending time together. “Thanks, Daddy. I’m glad you’re here.”

Katie Beth, Dale, and Colton stood with Britney by the door. Katie Beth wore a white dress with a red ribbon tied around her waist. The little boys were in matching tuxes.

Summer knelt down to their level. “Everyone know what to do?”

“I do.” Katie Beth smiled proudly. “We’re going to walk down the aisle all the way to the front where Uncle Luke is standing. If we get tired, we can sit down on the front row.”

“That’s right, Katie Beth.”

Summer walked back and took her dad’s arm.

“Think they’ll be okay?”

She nodded. “Katie Beth is a girl after my own heart. She’s got it all under control.” She chuckled. “Plus Colton and Dale know that Rose and Mrs. Sanders are on the front pew with prizes for them if they cooperate.”

She watched as Britney opened the door for Ashley.

Ashley glanced back with a wink and then proceeded down the aisle.

“She’s a good friend, isn’t she?” Dad asked.

“Yes.”

Britney knelt down and gave the little ones last-minute instructions then sent them on their way, pulling the door closed behind them.

Summer gripped Dad’s arm. “I’ve planned what seems like hundreds of these and always chide the bride for feeling jittery. But this is kind of nerve-racking.”

He smiled. “But when you see Luke waiting at the end of the aisle, it will be worth it.”

“It’s time,” Britney whispered. She opened the door as the “Wedding March” began.

Summer and Dad paused in the doorway. Seeing the familiar faces of family and friends made the moment so special.

Then her eyes found Luke’s, and everyone else faded away. As the music swelled around her, she walked toward him. She knew this was one of those moments she’d remember forever, surrounded by her friends and family and proclaiming her love for Luke. The past year had been tough, but they’d come through stronger than ever.

And as Summer took her place next to Luke at the front of the church, she knew the next leg of their journey together would be even better than the last.

Luke could count on one hand the number of times he’d been overcome by emotion. Watching Summer walk down the aisle toward him today would go on that list. She took his breath away.

It was more than her physical beauty though. He’d known her for so long that he was well aware that she possessed much more than just looks. The way she treated people, the way she cared, the way her first instinct in any situation was to pray—those things made her so much more than just a pretty face.