A Glimmer of Hope by Julia Ridgmont

Author:Julia Ridgmont [Ridgmont, Julia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Laura L. Walker
Published: 2019-11-05T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“This is what you want, then?” Pastor Jefferies asked Garret and Melissa, looking from one to the other for confirmation.

“Yes,” they said in unison.

Garret inwardly smiled. He and Melissa would get along just fine. She was a fussy female, delicate in some ways but steady and strong in others. He prayed that his strengths would bolster her weaknesses and vice versa. That they would learn to work together. And though he didn’t want love, he would like their relationship to deepen into more than that of simple acquaintances.

That kiss you shared yesterday was a pretty good start.

A warmth that had nothing to do with the blazing fire in the church spread through his chest and out toward his limbs. Melissa was already in the family way. Garret wasn’t sure what that meant for any intimacy between them, and he sure wasn’t going to talk to David about it. One thing he did know was that the townsfolk would soon see the evidence of their predicament. Would they judge him or Melissa? They hadn’t even told Pastor Jefferies about the babe, though the pastor was a widower himself and would surely understand.

Melissa looked lovely in the same blue dress she had worn when she accepted his proposal. The Strattons were in attendance with all of their children, Bridget in a nice dress and the boys in their Sunday best with their hair slicked down. In the years that Garret had known David, he had wished the man he admired was kin. Now he would be.

“Very well. Take Melissa’s hand in yours, Garret.”

Her hand fit just right in his. Sliding a glance at her, he caught her nervous smile and sent her one of his own. His stomach felt like a thousand wasps were buzzing around in there. He took a deep breath in and slowly released it.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here this day to celebrate the marriage of this man and this woman . . .”

As Pastor Jefferies settled into the words of the ceremony, a sweet feeling of calm enveloped Garret, and he felt like he could breathe again. They said their “I do”s with confidence. Melissa’s benevolent smile was imprinted on his brain as he bent to kiss her sweet lips again. They felt like pure heaven. He wanted to explore the contours even more than this short peck would allow. Was it too soon?

Pastor Jefferies’s voice interrupted his musings. “May I present to you all Mr. and Mrs. Garret and Melissa Pearce.”

Melissa’s mother swept forward, embracing her daughter. “Oh, sweetheart, I am so very happy for you!”

“Thank you, Mama.”

David followed, slapping Garret on the back. “Congratulations, old man.” Winking at Garret, he leaned over and said so only he could hear, “Now you’ll see what I meant about having a wife to share things with. It’s rather nice. In more ways than one.”

Garret rolled his eyes even while secretly hoping David was right.

David then turned to the pastor and shook his hand. “We appreciate you being willing to meet us on short notice, Pastor.

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