Bundle of Joy by Robin Lee Hatcher

Author:Robin Lee Hatcher
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Divorced Women, Man-Woman Relationships, Christian, Grandparent and Child, Pregnant Women, Single Mothers, Contemporary, Christmas Stories, Fiction, Romance, Boise (Idaho), Marriage, Truthfulness and Falsehood, Religious Fiction, General, Religious, Love Stories
ISBN: 9780373786251
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2008-10-01T05:00:00+00:00

Joe hadn’t imagined he would ever again repeat wedding vows to anyone. But there he was, standing before Judge Smith in chambers, promising to be a husband to Alicia Harris. He knew it was in name only and temporary besides, but he felt as though it was real, all the same.

What surprised him was that it felt real…and he didn’t seem to mind.

In fact, he felt good.

Maybe that had something to do with the woman at his side. She looked lovely in her ivory-colored maternity dress with its long sleeves and delicate lace collar. He couldn’t imagine any bride looking prettier. Still, he wondered if she minded not having all the usual bride’s trappings—white gown of satin, lace and pearls, a bridal veil, a church full of flowers and friends. She deserved all of those things.

“Do you have rings to exchange?” the judge asked, interrupting Joe’s thoughts.

“Yes.”

Alicia glanced up, clearly surprised by his answer.

He removed the ring—the one he’d planned to give her for Christmas—from his pocket. “I hope it fits,” he said softly.

She watched as he slipped it onto the ring finger of her left hand. Then she looked at him again.

“It matches your eyes,” he added, feeling an explanation of some sort was necessary.

“It’s beautiful. But I didn’t get a ring for you.”

He answered her with a smile.

In less than two minutes more, the judge pronounced them husband and wife. Joe gave Alicia a kiss, keeping it brief and dignified. Afterward, all parties signed the license as required by law, Joe paid the judge his fee, and it was over.

Beaming with joy, Grandpa Roger hugged Alicia, then Joe. “I’m so pleased…. This is wonderful…. God bless you both….”

When Susie embraced Joe, she whispered, “You take good care of her. You hear me?”

“I hear you.” He was bemused by the pointed look she gave him when she stepped back. It was as if she were trying to tell him something more, but he had no idea what it might be.

“I’m taking everyone out to eat,” Grandpa Roger announced. “My treat.”

“That isn’t necessary, Grandpa.”

Joe took hold of Alicia’s arm. “Yes, it is.” He leaned in close to her ear. “He wants to do it. Let’s let him.”

She replied with a nod, but he sensed her continued reluctance.

The four of them—Grandpa Roger, Susie and the newlyweds—left the judge’s chambers and walked toward the main entrance of the courthouse.

“You’ll come to eat with us, won’t you, Miss Notter?” Grandpa Roger asked.

“Can’t. Gotta get to the shop. My boss is a tough cookie.” Susie grinned as she glanced over her shoulder at Alicia. “Right?”

“Right,” Alicia replied with a smile of her own.

But Joe noticed the smile never reached her eyes, and that bothered him. He wanted her to be happy today.

He wanted her to be as happy as he was.

The truth hit him like a pro boxer’s punch to the solar plexus. He nearly stumbled over his own feet in his surprise.

Happy? To be married?

Okay, so he knew it was temporary. That could explain it.

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