Page 63 of PenPal Hero

“I love being your dad,” he assured in a voice choked with emotion.

“I know it hasn’t been easy.” Her voice trembled.

“I never asked for easy.” He sniffed damply. “Having you in my life is just plain worth it, you hear?”

She nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Dad.”

“Now, go be happy with that fella of yours.” He gently towed her from the room. “Preferably before he assembles another rescue party in your honor. Ain’t nothing that boy wouldn’t do for you.” They paused in the back of the sanctuary while the music transitioned. The first notes of the wedding march rang out.

Bonnie glided down the aisle toward the boy her father claimed would do anything for her. It was true. He’d accepted her just as she was. He’d become her best friend and closest confidante, her biggest cheerleader and champion. And to top it all off, he loved her unconditionally.

It was more than she deserved and everything she’d ever dreamed of.

Her father led her to Holt’s side and transferred her hand to his arm. “She’s my heart, son.”

“Mine, too, sir.” Holt drank her in, looking unable to tear his gaze from her.

She couldn’t tear her gaze from him, either. He was so crazy good looking in his dove gray tuxedo jacket over his jeans and boots —her favorite cowboy mechanic and undercover ops guy.

And to think they’d started off as pen pals! Their relationship had quickly blossomed into more — so much more.

Jeremy Morgan had to clear his throat to get their attention. It was time. Time to exchange their vows and trade lifelong promises. Time to take their love public and prove to their former captors that love conquers all, including their despicable mind control techniques.

Jeremy opened his Bible and thumbed through it with his dark-skinned fingers. He began to read from the Book of Ecclesiastes. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Holt laced his fingers through Bonnie’s, no doubt remembering how many times they’d already held each other up.

“Though one may be overpowered,” Jeremy continued, “two can defend themselves.” He paused to hold their gazes. “A cord of three strands, however, is not quickly broken.” He closed his Bible. “Keep the Lord in the center of your lives, my friends, and you’ll be able to face the good times, the bad times, and all the times in between.” He pointed upward. “With Him.”

As they exchanged their vows, Bonnie couldn’t wait to start the next chapter of adventures together.

She also couldn’t wait to rub her brothers’ noses in the fact that the youngest kid in their family had gotten married first. The five of them had spent their entire lives teasing her mercilessly about anything and everything.

And now it’s my turn!

Holt chuckled against her lips as he kissed her. “Whatever you’re scheming inside that beautiful head of yours, I’m in.”

She drenched him with a happy smile. “I knew I could count on you.”

“Always and forever, babe.” He kissed her again. “Always and forever.”