Page 72 of Unexpected Gifts

“Good boy,” Jack said.

Next, Lily began her descent down the aisle. “Hi, Daddy.” She waved before reaching into the basket for a handful of petals. She was adorable in her princess dress. She was so precious to him, with her sweet smile and walking so carefully, tossing the petals as she went. God had blessed him with this sweet angel. Now, she would have a mother. The most wonderful mother around. Like his own.

When Lily reached him, she hugged his legs and told him not to worry. “Abby’s right behind me. She’s not running away.”

This brought more chuckles from the guests.

Max escorted Sophie down the aisle next, the two of them walking together, with Sophie holding her elegant postureworthy of a ballerina. When she’d confessed to being scared of all the eyes on her, Luke had reassured her that he would be there and all she had to do was look at him. She did so now, never taking her eyes off the man who would now be her father. How lucky he was to have such a considerate and intelligent little girl to share his life with. He knew without hesitation that she would always be a source of pride to him and Abby. The type of girl who would grow up to be a remarkable woman, whatever she chose to do. Fortunately, that wasn’t for years and years.

His best man looked fine in his charcoal-gray suit. After he and Sophie took their places, Luke winked at Sophie. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.”

“Thanks, Luke.” Sophie grinned.

“You good, brother?” Max asked, leaning close to whisper in his ear.

“Yep. I’m good.”

“You look a little like you might pass out.”

“Nope. I’m fine.”

The music shifted, signaling the bride. And there she was. Abby. Good Lord above, she was gorgeous, standing in the doorway on the arm of his father. His mother hadn’t allowed him to see the gown, and now he was glad. Seeing the dress on a hanger could never have given it justice. Luke’s knees actually felt wobbly. He was marrying a queen.

The guests made an audible sigh of admiration as she started down the aisle.

Luke could see she felt nervous at the sight of all the guests staring at her. But who could blame them? She was breathtaking.

He wiped away tears so he could see her clearly. He didn’t want to miss a moment of this.

Luke’s gaze locked with Abby’s. This seemed to settle her bit, and she smiled. When she reached him, she let out whatsounded like a sigh of relief. Walter kissed her cheek before handing her over to Luke.

“Thanks, Dad.”

Luke’s hands trembled slightly as he took Abby’s.

“You look stunning,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I mean, like off the charts.”

“You look good too,” she whispered back, eyes shining.

Pastor Pete smiled warmly at them. "We are here today to join Luke and Abigail in holy matrimony but also to celebrate the joining of their family."

The pastor’s words floated over Luke as he stood there, barely able to tear his gaze from Abby. Grace, sitting in the front row, was already in tears, her handkerchief clutched tightly as she watched her son and future daughter-in-law prepare to say their vows.

Luke squeezed Abby’s hand before he began speaking the words he’d written just for her. “Abby, from the moment you and the kids came into my life, everything changed. You brought light, love, and laughter into every corner of my world. I promise to love you with everything I have, to support your dreams, and to stand by your side no matter what comes. I will love Jack and Sophie with all my heart and be the best father to them I can be. You are my everything, and I’m ready to face all the tomorrows with you.”

Abby’s eyes glistened with tears. “Luke, you have given me a love I never thought I’d find. You’ve shown me what family truly means, and I promise to always be there for you. I will love you, support your dreams, and be your partner in everything we face. I will love Lily, Jack, and Sophie with all my heart, forever and always. Together, we will build a life filled with love, laughter, and the strength of this family.”

The pastor smiled, his voice gentle as he turned toward the children. “Lily, Jack, Sophie, come forward.”

Lily bounded from the church pew and skipped to the front. Jack followed, still holding his pillow with great concentration. Sophie took a deep breath before joining the smaller children and the bride and groom. Pastor Pete addressed them all, his voice kind and full of warmth. “Today isn’t just about Luke and Abby. It’s about all of you coming together as a family. Do you promise to love and support one another, to be there for each other in good times and bad?”

Jack nodded fiercely, and Lily squealed, “I will. I will.”

Sophie’s voice shook when she said, “Yes, sir, I’ll do my very best.”

Pastor Pete turned back to Abby and Luke. “Do each of you promise to love the children as your own and to provide a safe and nurturing family?”

“I do,” Abby said.

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