Chapter 31

"Knock. Knock." Carrie, decked out in a dark blue maxi dress, stuck her head around the corner of Jo's office door. "Am I too late for a sneak peek?"

"You're just in time." Jo twirled in a slow circle. "How do I look?"

"Like a beautiful, beaming bride."

"Thanks." Jo pressed a hand to her waist. "Is the place filling up?"

"Filling up?" Carrie asked. "Cars are already parking along the side of the road. Wayne and Charlotte are doing a great job of making sure everyone is away from the ceremony site and heading toward the reception area."

"And Nash?"

"Is looking mighty handsome in his suit," Delta said.

Sherry appeared in the doorway. "This is where the cool kids are hanging out."

Kelli crowded in behind her.

Leah, Michelle, Carli, Courtney, Laverne and Raylene filed into the room, all admiring the pale blue dresses they were wearing for their roles as maids of honor.

The chatter grew louder. Jo caught Carrie's eye and pulled her aside. "How were things over at the farm last night?"

Carrie gave a thumbs up. "Quiet, peaceful. I spoke to Deputy Franklin this morning. Mareis admitted to setting off the explosives, putting tracking devices on my van and vandalizing my work trailer. She voluntarily checked herself into the Smith County Behavioral Care Center yesterday."

"And will hopefully get the help she needs."

"Poor woman." Carrie tsk-tsked. "In her mind, she believed I killed her rabbit, Cheddar. Seeing the news story about the rehabilitation center must have triggered some sort of episode."

"I heard she believed Cheddar was telling her you killed him."

Carrie nodded. "I suppose it could be viewed as the downside to creating forever pets. Some people become so attached to them they believe their loved ones are still communicating."

"She was definitely targeting you," Jo said.

"She wanted to scare me, to stop me from opening the rehabilitation center," Carrie said. "Mareis had convinced herself I was going to do the opposite of rehabilitation."

"Thank goodness we were able to put all of the clues together." Jo motioned Raylene over. "And this woman was instrumental in helping figure it out," she said proudly.

"Sheriff Franklin helped too," Carrie said. "He was the one who found out Mareis had purchased the materials from a local hardware store only days before she blew my barn doors off."

"One thing is certain. She was a determined woman." Carrie turned to Raylene. "I heard you're going to open a bounty hunter's business here in Divine."

"I've already started the process and have picked out a name," Raylene said. "Divine Bounty Hunting Services."

"Delta's niece bought an investment property, a mobile home outside of town. Raylene is going to rent it from her," Jo said.

"Isn't it wonderful how God is putting all the pieces in place?" Carrie asked.

"He's done it in a way no one else could," Raylene said.

Pastor Murphy appeared in the doorway. "I hate to break up this joyful reunion, but it's time."

Carrie gave Jo a gentle hug. "I'll see you later."

One by one, the residents crowded around, hugging Jo, hugging each other. And Jo gazed at them, her face filled with pride, a lump forming in her throat. They were all here—one big, happy family. One Divine family, lovingly and masterfully created by God.

In true Delta style, she began lining them up and then gave them their marching orders. One by one, the women exited the office. Through the window, Jo watched them step out onto the porch, gracefully making their way down the center aisle.

Nash, looking elegant in his dark blue suit, stood next to Pastor Murphy, his arms folded. Gary was by his side. Nash's son. Her brother, Miles. The small group of people who meant the world to Jo.

On the other side of the property, she could see friends and neighbors gathering for the reception, which would start as soon as the small, intimate marriage ceremony ended.

Finally, it was just Delta and Jo. Exactly as it had been so long ago…from the very beginning.

Delta's eyes filled with tears. "You look beautiful," she whispered. "You deserve this day."

"I never thought I would see it." Jo paused, struggling to remain composed. "I feel like this is another beginning, another start."

"I feel it too." Delta pressed her hand to her chest. "You're changing lives, every day."

"And now, mine is about to change…in the very best possible way." Jo sucked in a breath and reached for her bouquet. "God has truly blessed us."

The end.

Dear Reader,

I hope you enjoyed reading "Divine Future." Would you please take a moment to leave a review? It would mean so much. Thank you!

–Hope Callaghan