Page 118 of The Other Side

“I’d love that!”

Hadley had taken both Emerson and Thea’s mom under her wing and included them in anything she could at the ranch.

Emerson still didn’t seem to fit in anywhere, but it wasn’t because Hadley wasn’t trying hard enough. Without her place in the Howard family, Emerson hadn’t figured out where she belonged. Hopefully, she’d thrive under Vera’s mentorship.

Gage was spending more and more time at the ranch, and Thea wouldn’t dare complain. He helped out with her mother, and he stuck to Hadley’s side like glue. After growing up under the Howard family thumb and having to watch his back for so many years, he needed a place where he could rest.

Hadley was a great woman to have beside him. If Thea had ever met someone who would lay down her life for her friends, it was Hadley.

Thea studied her mom. They’d found a doctor who recommended chemotherapy and radiation treatment, but it required driving to Cody three to five times a week. Between Brett, Hadley, Emerson, Gage, and Thea, they made sure she got the help she needed to hopefully fight the cancer.

They didn’t know whether or not the treatment was working yet, but her mom had been willing to give it a try, despite the harsh side effects.

Now, dark circles shadowed beneath her eyes, and she slumped a little too much in her seat.

Thea stood and looked for Brett. “We’ll get started with the toasts so you can get a nap before you come to the barn,” she told her mom.

She spotted Brett with Everly and Blake, and she headed toward them.

“Hey, Mom’s looking tired. Can we do the toasts so she can get some rest?”

“Sure,” Everly said as she directed them toward the main table. She quieted the room and took a microphone from her coordinating partner, Linda.

“Thank you all for coming to celebrate our friends Brett and Thea. They wanted this to be a special afternoon with their closest family and friends, and you see how that turned out.”

Everyone gave a collective light chuckle, but the sound vibrated through the room. How blessed were they to consider a hundred folks their closest family and friends?

“We have some people who want to share a few words about the happy couple. Please welcome Thea’s mother, Sharon Howard.”

The room applauded as Hadley helped Thea’s mom to stand.

“Hello everyone. I know you’re all happy to be here, but you can’t possibly be as happy as I am.”

Thea’s mom looked her way, and her smile didn’t look tired at all. In fact, it was bright and hopeful.

“Thea has had a heart of gold since she was born. It is a miracle that she has kept that kindness strong through everything she’s had to endure.”

Her mom lifted her chin higher. “I know so much of that is a credit to this man beside her. When I first heard that Thea had fallen for him, I was scared. The history between our families was dark, and they had a troublesome road ahead of them.”

As Thea’s mom paused to swallow hard, the mood in the room shifted. Almost as if everyone took a collective moment of silence to mourn the bloodshed that’d stemmed from the long-standing feud.

“But I had no idea how strong they would be together,” she went on, and her warm smile banished the temporary bout of solemness. “Brett stood beside my Thea, even when times were tough. Even when it was a danger to his safety. He never left her.”

Her mom reached for Brett, and he took the frail hand in his.

“And I love that Brett and Thea have put their faith and trust in the Lord. I’ve been coming to know Christ myself in the last few weeks, and I can say He gives comfort and strength when all seems lost. There was a hole in my life I didn’t know how to fill, and these two have led me to know Jesus, and my heart has never been so happy.”

The room erupted into cheers as Thea bit her lips between her teeth. She’d noticed a difference in her mother lately, and it was all because of the Lord. Coming to terms with her diagnosis wasn’t as hopeless with God on their side.

Thea’s mom lifted her glass. “To Brett and Thea. May you always keep the Lord between you, and may your years together be blessed beyond measure. I love you both.”

Everyone stood and cheered as Thea’s mom handed the microphone to Mr. Chambers.

The older man had proven himself more than just a boss to Thea. He’d welcomed her into his home and his ranch and treated her like family.

Mr. Chambers studied the mic in his hands, looking at both ends to make sure it was right side up before clearing his throat.

“I don’t have much to say about these things. The Lord knows who we’ll end up with, and I don’t think any of us have much of a say in the matter. But I think these two have fought for each other plenty, and that’s a true mark of loyalty.”

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