The Shepherd's Betrothal
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Lynn A. Coleman
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Epilogue
Ian tugged at his collar.
“Stop that,” Gabe whispered and nudged him.
Ian mumbled. The starched collar chafed. He had to admit he looked professional in his wedding clothes but he preferred his flannel shirts and open collar much more.
Hope. He focused his mind on the reason he’d dressed this way. She was worth every uncomfortable minute of this strangling attire.
The organist started playing.
“That’s our cue. You ready?”
Ian nodded.
Gabe stopped and placed a hand on Ian’s shoulder. “You are certain you want to marry my sister? Because if you have any doubt, I don’t want my sister married to…”
“I’m certain. I love her, Gabe, more than anyone or anything.” Ian bent down and scooped up Clare. He’d given her a bath and brushed her puppy fur. If ever there was a walking fur ball, she was it.
“Let me have her.” Gabe reached over and grabbed the pup and held her away from his dark suit coat. “Do you think she’ll be quiet?”
“We’ll see. I’ve been working with her all week. She’s young but I think she’s picked it up. Of course, she’s probably gained a couple of pounds with all the rewards.”
Ian checked the bow wrapped around Clare’s collar and the slipknot that held the gold ring in place. It was risky but he hoped it would give Hope an extra memory. He kissed the top of Clare’s head. “I can’t believe I’m going to allow a dog to be a pet.”
Gabe chuckled. “I doubt this will be the last one.”
The organ music grew louder.
“Come on, or the pastor will come searching for us,” Gabe said and carried the pup behind his back.
Ian stepped out. The church was nearly empty, just a small group of close friends and family. The wedding dinner would be huge but this…this was what Hope and he wanted. He took his appointed place.
Gabe stood beside him and angled his body to hide Clare. Ian smiled and gave Clare the hand signal to remain still and quiet.
The organ music shifted. The few attendees stood. Grace Arman came down the aisle. She beamed and gave him a wink.
Then his eye caught a flash of white silk. His heart thudded in his chest. His smile brightened. “Oh my,” he gasped.
* * *
Hope caught sight of Ian. His face burst into the brightest, most joyous smile she’d ever seen on him. And she’d seen quite a few. She fixed her eyes on Ian and walked down the aisle.
It seemed to take both forever and just moments. But then she was there beside him. Being so close to Ian she ached. How could she love him so completely? And yet she did. Confidence filled her to overflowing. He winked. A swarm of butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Her knees started to buckle, and her father wrapped his arm around her waist.
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”
“I do,” Drake Lang said, then lifted his daughter’s veil and kissed her on the cheek. “Her mother and I do.” He whispered in her ear, “We love ye.”
Hope’s eyes watered. “I love you, too.”
Ian stepped over and reached out his hand.
Hope took it and stepped up on the chancel and stood with her soon-to-be husband in front of the pastor. He spoke of marriage, of the commitment to one another, and of their need to be open and honest. Then he asked, “What symbol do you give as a token of your love and commitment?”
Ian reached behind him to Gabe, who moved awkwardly. “This ring…and Clare.”
Hope gasped, and her eyes spilled over with liquid joy.
Those in attendance laughed. She gave her bouquet to Grace and took the pup. There was a bright red silk bow wrapped around Clare’s collar.
Ian untied the ring and placed it on Hope’s finger. She held Clare close. “Is she really mine?”
“Yes, me love.”
She leaned over and kissed him.
The pastor cleared his throat. “I haven’t given you permission to do that yet.” He winked and chuckled.
“Sorry.” Hope snuggled Clare and leaned into Ian’s embrace.
“By the authority given to me by the Lord Almighty and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
Ian wrapped her in his arms. Clare wiggled free and jumped down. Hope didn’t care, not now, not at this moment. She caressed Ian’s face. “I love you.”
“I love ye, too.” He closed his eyes. She did the same and the warmth of his lips calmed her. They were one.
Hand in hand, they turned toward the congregation and walked down the aisle and into their future with Clare prancing behind them.
* * * * *
