Tapestry of Trust (24 page)
Straw crackled under Charlie’s boots. Isabelle pivoted her head and noticed his wide gait and stiff legs. “A little out of practice in the saddle, too.”
He narrowed his eyes then chuckled.
Isabelle started to rise. Charlie held up his hand. “Sit. I want to talk to you.”
She nodded as her heart hammered.
Charlie kicked aside a clump of sodden hay and stepped forward. He smiled and she felt better. “I planned to do this earlier. But by the time we got to the lake, I was too numb. Literally.” He smiled again as he tucked his fingers into his jeans pocket and fished out a small crumpled bag.
Then as Charlie bent to one knee and pulled a diamond solitaire from the crinkled wrap, she stopped breathing.
“Sorry, the box is in my truck. It wouldn’t fit in my pocket.” He paused. His Adam’s apple inched up. “Isabelle Grace Crafton, I love you more than anything, and I’d like you to be my wife.”
Tears filled Isabelle’s eyes. She felt as if her heart melted and slid to the toes of her boots.
His question lingered on the passing breeze. A moment savored. She loved him too, but…
“Charlie, we’ve only officially dated a week.”
“Actually, I’m six years too late. I loved you then and still do.”
OK. Convinced. She drew in a breath. “Then, yes.”
Charlie slipped the ring on her finger then took her in his arms and kissed her. His mouth warm. His kiss slow. Tender, sweet, full of promise for a lifetime of trust.
Epilogue
In the bride’s chamber at Holy Trinity Church in Denton, Isabelle stood on the round platform in front of the three-way mirror as her aunt adjusted her veil. “It’s a perfect day for a wedding. Clear skies, beautiful sunshine.” Aunt Myra sighed.
“Actually, rain on your wedding day is supposed to bring the best luck.” Mrs. Johnson, standing opposite her aunt, tugged the veil a little to the right.
“That doesn’t make sense. Just getting to church would pose a problem. You’re probably thinking about funerals.” Aunt Myra added another bobby pin to hold the veil in place.
“And, what luck would you need at a funeral?”
Isabelle chuckled, but didn’t comment. She’d let them reason it out. Besides she didn’t believe in luck, only God’s blessings.
“Actually, the perfect wedding day is when you marry the one you love.” Kate sidled up beside Isabelle and kissed her cheek. “You look beautiful, by the way.”
Isabelle smiled, studying her reflection. “Thank you.” Her gown fit nicely and her veil flowed gracefully past her shoulders. This was a perfect wedding day.
A firm rap sounded on the door and Isabelle jumped. Brenda poked her head into the room. “Ten minutes to showdown. The church is just about filled, and the groom is getting antsy.”
Isabelle breathed deep. So was she.
“The bride’s about ready.” Mrs. Johnson rushed to door and shooed Brenda out. “You’re supposed be at your post signing guests in.”
“By the way. Charlie looks pretty snazzy.” Brenda winked before she turned and disappeared down the hallway.
“Oh dear.” Mrs. Johnson gathered up her wrap and sequined purse. “I hope everyone is where they need to be.” She ducked out the door and followed after Brenda.
Kate shook her head, laughing. “Let’s hope they are.”
Sharon walked into the room carrying one of the wedding presents. “Isabelle, this is a special gift from me. I’d like you to open it now.”
“Don’t you want Charlie to―”
“No.” Sharon placed the gift in Isabelle’s hands. “This is for you.”
“All right.” Isabelle set the box on a table, slipped off the bow and peeled back the gold wrapping. She opened the box and drew out a roll of heavy woven fabric.
“Let me, Isabelle.” Sharon unrolled a beautiful tapestry.
“I remember how much you used to admire this.” She smiled.
Isabelle fingered the piped edging. “Yes. Thank you. I’ve never seen a more beautiful tapestry.”
“It’s called
Returning Home
by Creighton.”
“I remember.” Isabelle nodded. “A fair maiden running to her knight as he returns from battle.” She looked at Sharon. “Won’t you miss this? It looked so lovely in your home.”
Sharon waved a hand. “Now that you and Charlie will be living so close, I’ll admire it when I visit.”
Tears filled Isabelle’s eyes. In moments, she would stand face to face with Charlie Hamilton, exchanging vows with the man she loved. Her knight had returned.
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