20. Abby

20

ABBY

A year went by, full of packing lunches, overseeing homework, school events, ballet recitals, fishing, and sleeping out in the backyard to watch the falling stars shoot across the purple sky. The kitchen remodel provided further chaos but when it was finished, and she made her first roast chicken in her new oven, she knew it was all worth it.

Abby’s work kept her busy. Balancing work and family provided both a challenge and a deep satisfaction. She knew she was using her gifts to provide for her family but also to give a service to the community that had embraced her with such generosity and kindness. In no time she’d learned the names of dogs and cats that came into the office she now shared with Doc Ford. She knew the ins and outs of all the local farmers and the animals they loved so deeply.

By the time spring came, Abby, Sophie, Jack, and, of course, Rufus had become a true family. A family that included Lily and Luke, as the five of them were inseparable, sharing their ups and downs, triumphs and failures, cheering one another on and providing comfort and encouragement when needed. Abby knew they were stronger as a unit than any of them would be on their own. Wasn’t this the nature of family, after all? At times, messy and complicated, with squabbles and misunderstandings, yet when the day was done, there was nothing they wouldn’t do for one another. No matter what, life tossed their way.

As for Luke Hayes and Abby Parker? For her part, she was convinced their love story had been written in the stars. Perhaps it had already been decided all those years before when she’d watched the stars shoot across the sky. She’d not known then that someday she would come back to Sugarville Grove and the Hayes family for good.

As happy as she was, there were still times she wondered why it was she who got to stay and raise Ramona’s babies. Or why she had this extraordinary love with Luke, when Ramona and her husband had been torn apart. But during her moments of clarity, she understood that despite the tragedy that had brought them together, she and Luke were blessed beyond belief and that it was not her job to question why. Her work while she remained on earth was to give her whole heart to him, the children, and her practice.

Not a day went by that she didn’t thank God for all he’d given her. She prayed that she would be worthy of the unexpected gifts given to her and to never, ever take them for granted.

By the time Luke proposed, there was no doubt in her mind that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. They decided to marry in the month of December to celebrate the season that had brought them together. Abby’s first instinct was to simply wed down at the courthouse, but everyone, including Luke, rebelled. Sophie, in her wise way, said a ceremony would be something they could all remember forever. “It will be the day we all become an official family.”

Abby could hardly argue with that.

With Grace’s help, Abby and Luke planned a small, intimate wedding, one that included the children in almost every aspect. Grace and Sophie accompanied her to pick out a dress. She surprised herself by falling in love with a feminine and elegant long-sleeved lace gown in ivory. The bodice featured intricate lace detailing with a fitted, structured look that complemented her figure. She loved the sleeves of sheer lace and the back embellished with a row of buttons running down the length of the gown. Sophie loved the lace detail on the A-line skirt that flowed out into a sophisticated train.

On the morning of the ceremony, Abby stood in front of a full-length mirror in the bride’s room at the back of the church. Sophie finished buttoning the gown and stepped back, an admiring expression on her young face. Abby looked at herself critically in the mirror but could see nothing wrong with the dress or her updo the local hairdresser had meticulously created. A veil made from the same lace as the dress had been clipped into the bun at the nape of her neck.

Grace and Sophie agreed that there had never been a more beautiful bride. Abby turned from her reflection to take in Grace and Sophie. Grace wore an elegant navy silk gown with a sleek, tailored design. A wrap-style bodice and structured collar gave it a formal and refined look, whereas the three-quarter length sleeves added a touch of modesty. A ribbon belt tied at the waist and a full A-line skirt with a slight high-low hemline added a little sass.

“Do you think I can wear this dress to all of my sons’ weddings?” Grace asked. “It cost a fortune.”

“I think you’ll have to have a new one for each wedding,” Sophie said seriously. “Think of the photos.”

Abby smiled at her sweet Sophie, who had agreed to be her maid of honor. She looked like a princess in a blush pink, with a simple bodice and thin spaghetti straps. A pearl and floral belt at the waist added a delicate touch of detail to the full skirt made of layers of tulle.

“You look beautiful,” Abby said, drawing her into an embrace. “Are you nervous?”

“A little. But Luke said just to look at him while I was walking.”

“He told me the same thing,” Abby said.

They were interrupted when Lily came running into the room.

“I’m ready. Don’t I look perfect?” Lily spun, her knee-length tulle skirt billowing out in a soft, airy cloud around her. The bodice featured intricate floral lace detailing that matched Abby’s dress. Adorable cap sleeves and a sheer back adorned with lace appliqués made it ideal for twirling, at which Lily excelled. When she’d tried it on for the first time, she’d spun around so much that she’d made herself dizzy and fallen down outside the dressing room. Abby’s favorite part was the large elegant bow tied at the back of the dress. Perfect for Lily, as she was a gift that Abby would never tire of opening.

Grace glanced at her watch. “It’s time. I’ll get Walter and have him meet you at the doors to the sanctuary.”

Walter had asked if he could have the honor of escorting her down the aisle, to which she’d answered by bursting into happy tears.

“Young ladies, I want you to escort Abby downstairs very carefully so she doesn’t rip her veil.”

“We will,” Sophie said.

Grace gave the bride and her bridesmaids their bouquets of deep red roses paired with white baby's breath, along with a mix of cedar, eucalyptus, and other winter foliage. The bouquets were held together with natural stems that Abby thought created a charming, woodsy look, perfect for their Christmas wedding.

Abby took hers, breathing in the cedar and eucalyptus scents to steady her nerves.

Grace then handed Lily her basket of red rose petals. “Don’t forget to walk slowly like we practiced.”

“I won’t, Mimi.”

Grace reached into her bag and pulled out a package that she handed to Abby. “I have a little something for you. A something borrowed.” She pressed a delicate lace hankie into Abby’s hand. “I carried this on my wedding day. My mother carried it on hers. We were both blessed with happy, fulfilling marriages, and I hope the same for you.”

Grace and Abby hugged, both fighting tears. “All right, my loves. I’m off. I’ll see you all downstairs.”

After she left, Abby held out her hands, and each of the girls took one. The three of them headed downstairs like that, holding tight to one another as they would from that day forward.

Luke stood at the altar with the preacher whom he’d known most of his life. Not accustomed to wearing a suit, he decided he actually liked it. His mother and Abby had chosen a dark navy three-piece ensemble and he had to admit, they’d picked well. The tailored jacket fit perfectly, as did the matching vest underneath, paired with a crisp white dress shirt and blue-and-gray patterned tie. A boutonniere made from a red rose and sprig of cedar had been pinned on the front of his jacket. Were the pants tighter than he would normally wear? Without a doubt. However, they added to the sleek, modern silhouette that he’d initially balked at until his mother gave him the what for. “The wedding’s not about you. It’s about the bride.”

Anyway, they were right. He looked fabulous if he did say so himself. Heck, he could be a stylish Frenchman dressed in this garb.

His heart beat faster as the processional music began. The doors of the church opened and Jack and Rufus appeared. Jack, wearing a smaller replica of Luke’s suit, proudly held a satin pillow with the rings safely tucked inside the crease. Rufus trotted beside him as if the day were about him, though he couldn’t resist stopping here and there to sniff at a few guests, drawing chuckles from the crowd. Luke smiled, shaking his head. The obnoxious dog had grown on him. In fact, he couldn’t imagine life without him.

Jack beamed at Luke as he made his way toward the front. The boy worshipped Luke, following him around the farm or the house whenever he could and being so endearing it had been impossible not to fall hard for the rambunctious, fiercely loyal little boy Luke now thought of as his son.

When Jack reached Luke, he seemed to forget what he was supposed to do and stood frozen, holding his pillow and looking confused. Luke motioned for him to sit next to Grace.

“Oh, yeah, right. I forgot,” Jack said loudly.

Rufus barked, wagging his tail furiously, and followed the boy to sit at Grace’s feet.

“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 posture worthy 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 what sounded 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.

“Me too,” Luke said.

Pastor Pete asked Jack to present the rings, which he did without dropping anything. His little man was such a good boy. Having a son was more fun than he’d ever imagined.

“You may return to your seats,” Pastor Pete said to the children.

They did so, sitting with Walter and Grace once more.

Pastor Pete gave them a second to settle in before he had them exchange rings.

“With this ring, I thee wed,” Luke said, voice shaking, as he slipped the band on Abby’s finger.

“With this ring, I thee wed,” Abby said, repeating his action.

Pastor Paul nodded approvingly. “Excellent. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss now.”

Luke bent his head to kiss his gorgeous wife, lingering a little too long, but who cared? This was their moment.

The guests erupted in applause. But it was the Hayes brothers who cheered the loudest, their voices ringing out far above everyone else’s in volumes completely inappropriate for church.

Luke took his wife’s hand, and they walked down the aisle, nodding and smiling at the family and friends as they went. Grace had cried so much her face was now blotchy, yet it did nothing to diminish her beauty or her joy. Walter watched them with his hand over his heart, pride in his eyes. Max, Logan, and Nolan, sitting beside each other, grinned from ear to ear. Logan, who sat at the end of the pew, held out his hand to fist-bump Luke as they passed by. In the next row, Doc Ford and his wife smiled, clearly delighted for their new partner. Mariah, wearing a bright pink dress, dabbed at her eyes.

Best of all, following behind the bride and groom were their three little ducklings, walking in a perfect row toward life as a family.

Thanks for reading Unexpected Gifts !

Want to read Luke and Abby’s SPECIAL BONUS SCENE ? Head HERE to grab your copy.

Do you want to know who won the epic snowball fight? Or why notoriously grumpy Tag was laughing at the skating rink? Then be sure to grab Sweet Surprises!

Charlotte Kendrick is thrilled when her best friend invites her to run the family ice cream shop in small-town Sugarville Grove. She’s had a rough year with a bad break-up and a terrible loss. But Charlotte isn’t going to let that dampen her spirits. She’s determined to have fun, finish the things she starts, and avoid falling for another guy – especially her best friend’s grumpy, gorgeous older brother.

You can get SWEET SURPRISES HERE!

In Sugarville Grove, MORE clean & wholesome small-town romance awaits you on every corner. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove! Be sure to read the whole series. Check them out HERE!