Leather and Lace

Epilogue

“Into this holy estate this man and this woman come now to be united. If anyone, therefore, can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let him now speak, or else forever hold his peace.” Reverend Rainer smiled out over those sharing in the marriage celebration.

Casey longed to look out at her friends, too, but gazing into the eyes of her beloved Morgan was where she always wanted to be. She saw the love glistening there and silently promised her devotion.

“Morgan Andrews, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”

“I will.” Morgan nodded his head to affirm the fact.

The reverend turned to Casey. “Casey O’Hare, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor, obey, and keep him in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”

Thank You, Lord. “I will.” Casey swallowed a sob. I will not cry. This is a day of happiness. Too many tears have been shed in the past. Oh Sarah, I pray you’re watching this.

Casey stood confidently beside Morgan, their hands firmly locked in the midst of their vows. A bouquet of Sarah’s vibrant red roses trembled in her hand, and a single tear slipped from her misty eyes. Bonnie managed a quivering smile beside the bride, and Grant grinned broadly from his position as best man. The reverend stood like an old Indian chief whom Casey had known in years gone by. The same white hair and dignified stance characterized both men. She longed to find Jocelyn, but not at this moment. This moment belonged to Morgan.

A wide smile spread over the reverend’s face. “I don’t think anyone here objects to me pronouncing you man and wife,” he said. “Morgan, you may now kiss your bride.”

A whoop and a holler rose from Grant. Others began to clap. But Casey’s attention focused on her husband, the only man she’d ever loved or would ever love. As his lips touched hers, sealing their commitment for a lifetime, she remembered the words of Sarah. “He cannot be perfect, but will he try? There lies your answer, and only you can know his heart.” Morgan would always love her, and he’d always try to be a godly husband. What more could she want?

Morgan smiled and with featherlike softness brushed away the dampness on her cheeks with his finger. “I love you, Casey Andrews. I’m not a perfect man, but with God’s help, I will do my best to cherish you always.”

“I love you,” she whispered. “The past is behind us. We have today and tomorrow.”


DiAnn Mills Bio

Award-winning author DiAnn Mills is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn’s first book was published in 1998. She currently has more than fifty books published.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won placements through the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Carol Awards and Inspirational Reader’s Choice awards. DiAnn won the Christy Award in 2010 and 2011.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also the Craftsman mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild.

She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

Website: www.diannmills.com