Sherryl Woods - Seans Reckoning

H ank was still grumbling about having been cheated out of hundreds of dollars by a few short weeks, but he was decked out in a tuxedo and standing beside Sean as they waited for Ruby and Deanna to walk down the aisle of a church in the neighborhood. Theyd considered the same church where Ryan and Maggie had wed, but the reality was that Father Franciss hands were tied, because Deanna was not only divorced, but Protestant.

Once the old priest had heard the whole story, though, hed said, That doesnt mean I cant participate in a service held at another church, if thats what you two would like.

Sean had grinned at his clever way of skirting the rules. It was little wonder Ryan and Maggie adored the man.

Now, as the organist began to play, Seans gaze shot to the back of the church. Kevin appeared first, wearing a tuxedo that was already wrinkled, a cowlick of hair sticking straight up despite the gel Sean had used to tame it. When he spotted Sean, a grin split his face and he started forward, holding tightly to a pillow bearing the rings as if hed been entrusted with a priceless piece of fragile crystal. Sean gave him an encouraging wink.

Beside Sean, Hank sucked in a breath as Ruby appeared in a gown of black velvet that clung to every curve and yet managed to have a totally proper and regal look to it. Sean knew that an engagement ring was all but burning a hole in the pocket of Hanks tux. If he was any judge of anything having to do with love, Ruby was bound to say yes. New Years Eve was going to be a night to remember for all of them.

Then Deanna appeared, framed by splashes of red and white poinsettias, her white satin gown shimmering in the candlelight. Every single thought in Seans head vanished at his first glimpse of her. She was stunningly beautiful, but there was an unmistakable hint of sadness in her eyes that he suspected only he could see. He also thought he knew the cause.

He held his breath before finally catching a movement just to her side. He heard a whisper, saw her gaze shift and a look of wonder spread across her face. Until that moment Sean hadnt been sure hed done the right thing. Now he knew he had.

A tall, distinguished-looking man stepped into place beside Deanna and held out his arm. After the slightest hint of hesitation Deanna linked her arm through her fathers, and together they walked toward the front of the church.

When they reached Seans side, her father, his eyes misty, bent and kissed her, then placed her hand in Seans. His gaze held Seans for just a minute and then he moved to take a seat beside a woman who was unashamedly crying in the front row.

Apparently hearing the faint sound, Deanna gasped. Her gaze flew toward her mother, and for an instant Sean thought she was going to burst into tears, too, but she rallied and turned back to face him, her eyes shining.

Thank you, she whispered. I know you did this.

I wanted this wedding to be perfect. Then he leaned closer to whisper, Dont cry. People will think you dont really want to marry me.

She blinked back the threatening tears and smiled. Better?

Beautiful, he assured her. The most beautiful bride ever.

The service went by in a blur. Sean spoke the vows hed written himself, amazed that he didnt stumble even once, not even over the promise of forever. In fact, believing in an eternity rich with love was becoming almost second nature to him.

Deannas voice was steady and clear as she promised to be steadfast in her love. Nothing, not sorrow, not crises, will shake the foundation of the family I am committing to give you today. I take you as my husband, my son takes you as his father, from now through all time.

Sean hadnt expected his heart to be so full. He knew as well as anyone that words could be too easily spoken, that promises could just as easily be broken, but his faith in Deanna and this marriage was strong.

Then the minister stepped aside, and Father Francis rested his hand on theirs. I ask God to bless this union, he said. Now and for all time. His mouth curved into a serene smile as he added, And I now pronounce you husband and wife.

And son, Kevin chimed in.

The old man grinned. And son, he added, putting his blessing on the adoption that would officially take place as soon as the papers could be signed.

Sean hoisted Kevin into his arms, then turned to take Deannas hand for the rush down the aisle and into a future that looked brighter than anything hed ever imagined.

Deanna still couldnt believe that Sean had somehow managed to convince her parents to be a part of this day. If hed searched the worlds finest stores, he couldnt have found a more perfect wedding gift.