Page 109 of Enchant the Dawn

“We haven’t made up our minds yet,” he replied, “but I think Maddy wants to be near her mother, with the baby coming and all.”

“Of course.” Callie glanced at her watch. “Quill, we need to go. I need to change clothes, and I’m sure Maddy has a lot to do.”

* * *

“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Dominic asked when his parents had taken their leave.

“No. Your mom and dad are very nice. I didn’t expect them to be so accepting. Especially about the baby.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna kill Lily. That was news I wanted to share myself.”

“I don’t blame you for being upset,” Maddy remarked, one hand resting on her belly. “But to tell you the truth, I’m glad the secret’s out.”

“Yeah, well, even if Lily hadn’t snitched, my mother probably would have sensed it when she hugged you. Come on, love, we’d better go upstairs and get ready. We don’t want to be late.”

* * *

The church Ava had found was small and quaint, with lovely stained-glass windows. The interior was lit by candles, the pews made of dark wood. Dominic’s parents sat in the front pew on one side of the narrow aisle, Ava and Lily sat in the opposite row.

Maddy knew a moment of regret that her parents weren’t there, that her father wasn’t beside her as she walked down the aisle. Her heart pounded nervously as she took her place at the altar beside Dominic. She felt an odd tremor in the air when the clergyman entered the chapel—a tall, spare man with iron-gray hair and sharp, brown eyes.

He smiled at Dominic’s family before turning his attention to Maddy and Dominic. “We are gathered here today for this most solemn occasion, the joining of this man and this woman. Marriage is a sacred covenant, instituted by our Maker, and not to be entered into lightly. I understand the bride and groom have written their own vows. You may proceed.”

Maddy took a deep breath as she reached for Dominic’s hand and slipped a wedding band on his finger. “Dominic, I promise to love you and only you all the days of my life. I promise to support you and always stand by your side in good times and bad. I will try my best to be the woman you deserve and, hopefully, to bear your children and grow old beside you.”

As he slipped a matching wedding band on her finger, Dominic murmured, “Maddy, I will love you and only you from this night forward and throughout eternity. I will cherish you and protect you. I promise to be the best husband I can, to always listen to your concerns and to put your wants and your needs above my own.”

The clergyman nodded as he looked from one to the other. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. Dominic, you may kiss your bride.”

Dominic carefully lifted her veil before drawing her into his arms. “Forever,” he whispered as he claimed his first kiss as her husband.

Maddy forgot they weren’t alone as he deepened the kiss. He was hers, she thought, hers for as long as she lived.

A discreet cough from the front row brought a flush to her cheeks. “Dominic.”

“Forget about them,” he said with a wink and kissed her again.

This time, when he let her go, the family gathered around them.

“I always wanted a sister!” Lily exclaimed with a broad smile as she took Maddy’s hands in hers. “Welcome to the family.”

“Thank you, Lily.”

“Be happy, both of you.” Blinking a tear from her eye, Ava said, “I knew you were meant to be together the first time I saw you.”

“I’m so glad you were right.” Maddy bit down on her lower lip when Quill came toward her.

“We have two daughters now,” he said, his voice deep. “We will love you as our own.” Leaning down, he kissed her cheek. “Be happy, Maddy. And if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll always be there for you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Falconer.”

“I hope, when you know me better, you’ll call me ‘Father.’”

She nodded, her heart swelling with emotion.

“My turn,” Callie said, after elbowing Quill out of the way. “I’m so glad Dominic found you. I admit, I had my doubts when I discovered you’d only known each other a short time, but I can see how much he loves you, and how much you love him. I wish you all the best. And as Quill said, if you ever need us, we’ll be there.”

Maddy smiled, her throat thick with unshed tears.

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