When they reached the altar, Finn was standing there looking swoon worthy in a black tuxedo and crisp white shirt. A red bow tie and cummerbund gave him a bit of holiday flair. Declan stood at his side. Finn reached out and took Maggie’s hand, then raised it to his lips.
“You look breathtaking,” he said in a low voice.
“Right back atcha,” Maggie said, fighting back tears.
Oliver turned away from them to head toward the front pew.
“Wait, Oliver. I have something for you,” Finn said. He reached into his tuxedo pocket and pulled out a scroll tied with a navy blue ribbon.
“For me?” Oliver asked, his face full of surprise.
“Yes,” Finn said with a nod. “It’s a proclamation from the town of Love that we’re one big family. Mayor Jasper signed it, so it’s official. I want you to be my son in every way possible. If it’s okay with you, your mother and I want you to be Oliver O’Rourke. I want to officially adopt you.”
“Really?” Oliver asked with a sob. He swiped at his eyes as tears overflowed his lids. “That means we’ll all have the same last name.”
Finn took him in his arms and reassured him. “Forever and always, Oliver. Just say the word and we’ll get the paperwork started.”
“How about today?” Oliver asked, causing a chorus of laughter to erupt in the church.
Finn reached out and tousled his hair, a huge grin etched on his face. “It’s Christmas, Oliver. I’m pretty sure the office is closed today, but tomorrow, bright and early, I’ll get the ball rolling.”
Oliver smiled and clutched the scroll to his chest, then made his way to the front pew where he sat down next to Ruby, Liam and Aidan.
Pastor Jack faced the congregation and said, “Welcome to this celebration of a mighty love. Finn and Maggie met as children right here in Love.” Pastor Jack let out a chuckle. “As they say, God works in mysterious ways. Delight thyself also in the Lord; And He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. God has been good to this couple. He has given them the most fervent desires of their hearts.” He nodded toward Finn. “I think Finn has a few words for his bride.”
Finn reached out and joined hands with Maggie. “Before you came back I was doing okay. I was getting by. It didn’t take me long to figure out you held the key to my future happiness. You brought out something in me I’d buried a long time ago. I was holding on to a heavy burden that weighed me down. Because of you, I was able to face the past and put it in perspective. I was able to break through my pain and embrace true, enduring love. Maggie, being loved by you humbles me. I will love you and Oliver until the end of my days.”
Maggie reached out and wiped away the tears streaming down Finn’s face.
She looked deeply into his eyes as she spoke. “I came to Love to start fresh and to build a solid foundation for Oliver. I never imagined I would find a love of a lifetime. Finn—you and Oliver are my world. I promise never to forsake you. I’ll be by your side, no matter what challenges we might face.”
As the ceremony continued, Pastor Jack pronounced Finn and Maggie as husband and wife. Finn dipped his head down and placed a tender kiss on his beloved’s lips. Joy filled the small church as the guests began to clap thunderously.
Finn and Maggie, with Oliver right by their side, walked down the aisle and out of the church into the brilliant December afternoon. Oliver reached into his pocket and began to throw red rose petals at his parents. Laughter filled the air.
Life was just beginning. And the world was their oyster.
* * * * *
If you enjoyed this book, look for the other books in the ALASKAN GROOMS series:
AN ALASKAN WEDDING
ALASKAN REUNION
A MATCH MADE IN ALASKA
REUNITED AT CHRISTMAS
HIS SECRET ALASKAN HEIRESS
Available now from Love Inspired!
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Keep reading for an excerpt from MOUNTAIN COUNTRY COWBOY by Glynna Kaye.
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Dear Reader,
Thank you for joining me on another Alaskan love story. I hope you enjoyed An Alaskan Christmas. There’s something so wonderful about the Christmas season. It’s truly a time to draw closer to your loved ones, celebrate the birth of Jesus and enjoy the sights and smells of the holiday. Eggnog! Sugar cookies. A deliciously baked ham. One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to drive around with my family looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It’s a feast for the eyes.
Finn and Maggie share a precious bond as childhood friends. Although it’s been twenty years since they’ve seen each other, they quickly fall into the familiar rhythms of their friendship. Ever since I introduced Finn in A Match Made in Alaska I’ve been thinking about him and what makes him tick. Why was he always running away from Love, as well as running from love? And could Maggie find love again, even though she thinks she’s done with romance? Somehow, through God’s divine grace, he and Maggie find their happily-ever-after in each other’s arms.
It’s always a treat for me to hear from readers. I can be reached by email at [email protected]. I can also be found on my Author Belle Calhoune Facebook page, on my website, bellecalhoune.com, or on Twitter @BelleCalhoune.
Blessings,
Belle
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