Chapter 11

“Are you ready?” Mary asked Sabrina.

She gulped and nodded.

Mary was making a last-minute fix to her daughter’s makeup, since Sabrina kept nervously touching her face.

“Stop touching,” her mother scolded, slapping her hand gently. “Why are you so nervous?”

“Because I’m the bride?”

Molly laughed. “My brother is a great guy. He’s going to make you really happy—otherwise I’d have never introduced you two.”

“You and Emma played us like a fiddle,” Sabrina said, narrowing her eyes.

Molly smiled and winked. “I’m glad we did. Now we’re all family.”

“You don’t mind that we’re adopting Emma?”

“Of course not! She’s going to be with two people who love her deeply. Besides, Emma’s old enough to know what she wants, and she chose you two. I’m genuinely happy for her. That girl has been through enough. She deserves joy. All she talks about is you, Michael, Maggie, and the cabin in Middletown.”

Sabrina closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “What if Michael’s not there? What if he changed his mind?”

“Oh my God, Sabrina. Get a grip—it’s time to go.” Her mother nudged her toward the door and opened it. Paul was standing outside, waiting in his tux. Sabrina gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“Hi, Dad. You look very handsome,” she said, giving him an air kiss.

“Hi, gorgeous. You’re the most beautiful bride ever. Michael’s a lucky man.”

“He certainly is,” Molly added with a grin.

“Thank you for being here with me, Molly.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it for anything in the world.”

Maggie and Emma were waiting for her in the vestibule, looking like twins in their matching dresses. Their gowns mirrored Sabrina’s—same color and style, but with straps—and their hair was braided and curled to match hers.

The music began, and Mary led the procession. A few seconds later, the girls followed. Then it was Molly’s turn as the maid of honor.

Sabrina counted to twenty, just like they practiced, and stepped out holding her father’s arm. Her bouquet of lilies trembled slightly in her hands.

She smiled at the guests lining the pews, their eyes all fixed on her. Most of Middletown had come to witness the ceremony. Each pew was decorated with lilies and white ribbons. The church ladies had done a beautiful job with the floral arrangements.

At the front, Michael stood waiting. He wore a black tuxedo, his hair freshly cut and styled. His father and brother-in-law stood beside him. He looked incredibly handsome.

Sabrina’s heart skipped a beat.

Their eyes met, and her heart went boom. She couldn’t look away. And neither could he. Thank goodness her father was guiding her—she wasn’t sure her feet even remembered how to walk.

Before she fully realized it, she was standing beside Michael in front of the minister.

The minister’s voice rang through the church, speaking of love, life, and the joy of finding someone who truly makes you happy. His words hit home. In the short time Sabrina and Michael had known each other, their lives had already changed for the better. He made her laugh. He made her feel loved. And Emma—sweet, brave Emma—was already part of her heart.