“I’m proud of you.” A corner tear glistened in Mama’s eyes. “And I’m sorry for everything I’ve done to hurt you.”
“Mama, no, no,” Ginger soothed away Mama’s tears. “Today is my wedding day. A fresh, new start. And you know what, we’re going to bury all the junk of the past in the past. You’re forgiven. It’s all forgotten. From this day forth, we’re going to create so many good, new memories, Mama.” Her own speech made her cry. “Now, are you walking me down the aisle or not?”
“I am, yes, ma’am, I am.” Mama snatched a tissue from the box by the mirror, the folds of her chocolate trumpet chiffon skirt with the lace bodice and ruffle beading flowing about her legs. “I’m sorry your daddy didn’t see his way clear to make it.”
“Last apology, Mama. That’s on him. I still love him. It’s just, well, life doesn’t always turn out like we hoped but—”
Mama traced Ginger’s arm. “We find ways to make it our own kind of beautiful.”
“All right, I hate to break up the love fest but the orchestra is a minute into ‘Unchained Melody’ and we’ve only got another minute and a half so if you want to walk down the aisle I suggest you get a move on.” Maggie gestured toward the door.
Mama offered Ginger her arm and together, they made their way to the sanctuary doors, Ginger’s heart palpitating with electric excitement.
The ushers pulled the doors wide at Maggie’s command. Ginger rounded to the entrance, catching her breath to see her handsome groom at the altar, waiting for her.
Mama trembled slightly as she escorted Ginger down the aisle. All eyes were on her now. Seeing her scars. What were they thinking? That she was hideous? Crazy for exposing herself? The thought shot a bolt of panic through her.
Then she saw Bridgett and Eric, their faces like beacons among the sea of guests. Smiling, Bridgett clasped her hands together in a “victory” pose. Eric gave her a vigorous thumbs-up.
Maybe, just maybe, she could join the bold and the beautiful.
Ginger continued down the aisle, shifting her gaze from the people to her groom. The man she loved so deeply and desperately. What did it matter what the guests thought? His opinion was the only one that mattered.
She met Tom’s glistening gaze. He approved, she could tell by his expression and his trembling chin.
By the time she arrived at the end of the aisle and the music faded, the sanctuary echoed with feminine sniffles and masculine throat-clearing.
Tom’s cheeks glistened. “Hey, babe . . .”
“Hey . . .”
Then Pop, who was officiating, stepped up and asked, “Who gives this woman to be married?”
“Yours truly,” Mama said, placing Ginger’s hand in Tom’s. “I mean it now . . . I said it once, I’ll say it again, you take care of my girl.”
“Always, Shana. Always.”
Taking Ginger’s right arm, she expected Tom to lead her up the altar steps but instead he faced the guests.
“I didn’t plan this but my heart is about to burst. I’m so proud of my beautiful bride . . . the bravest person I know. A year ago, she hid her scars beneath long sleeves and scarves. Even on the hottest summer days. But today, she—” His voice faltered. “I told you, babe, you are so beautiful.”
Then the guests, one by one, rose up, applauding.
Tom’s glistening blue eyes locked onto hers. “Ginger, I am so honored to be your husband.”
“Husband?” She made a face, grinning. “Not yet. You better walk me up those steps to your Pop and get this thing going. Because I want to kiss you.”
Tom laughed low. “Then by all means.”
He walked her up the altar steps to Pop and she peered sideways at him. “You know I love you, Tom Wells.”
“You know I love you, Ginger Winters.”
Pop led them through their vows and when he’d pronounced them man and wife, Tom drew Ginger to him, his right hand about her waist, his left hand on her scarred arm, and he kissed her with passion, sealing their vows with the sweet brush of love.
THE ROYAL WEDDING SERIES
Once Upon a Prince
Princess Ever After
How to Catch a Prince (Available February 2015) OTHER NOVELLAS
A March Bride
LOWCOUNTRY ROMANCE NOVELS
Love Starts with Elle
Sweet Caroline
Dining with Joy
Diva Nashvegas
Lost in Nashvegas
WITH SARA EVANS
Sweet By and By
Softly and Tenderly
Love Lifted Me
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, bestselling author. Her book, The Wedding Dress, was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times, and Once Upon A Prince was a Christy Award finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower.
Visit her website at www.rachelhauck.com
Twitter: RachelHauck
Facebook: rachelhauck
To Mom. Decades ago you endured a Valentine’s Day labor of love to usher me into this world. You have not stopped encouraging me since. I’m convinced I have the most kindhearted, loving mother in the world. Thank you for always believing in me.
But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
PSALM 130:4