Page 109 of A Cup of Autumn
He pulled something out of his pocket. “I passed.”
Passed? Raine peered closer. Her mouth dropped open. “A food handler’s card?”
He nodded. “I took the test online. I got one answer wrong, but I’m certain they’re mistaken, so I wrote them about it.”
She laughed. “Of course you did, Professor.”
“Now I can help you. I mean, help out if you want it.”
Joy overflowed. “I’ll always want your help. Thank you.”
“No, thank you.” He kissed her. “Without you, I might not have realized I was chasing the wrong dream.”
“You would have figured it out.”
He kissed her forehead and then rested his against hers. “I’m happy I figured it out now.”
Contentment welled inside of her. She stared at the ring on her finger. “Me, too.”
Epilogue
December…
As organ musicplayed inside the church, Raine stood in the vestibule by herself, shifting her weight between her white Chucks. She’d chosen comfort over style. Not that many would notice. Her wedding gown, made from pieces of vintage wedding dresses, covered her feet.
Almost time.
She clutched the beautiful bridal bouquet of red poinsettias, roses, berries, pinecones dabbed with white paint and silver glitter, and greenery. Pippa had tied a lovely red ribbon around the stems and decorated the church ends of the pews and the altar with similar arrangements.
I’m having a Christmas wedding.
Raine couldn’t believe this was happening.
But when it’s right, why wait?
Keaton had said that to her. They weren’t making a rash decision. But eloping was off the table thanks to Garrett and Taryn. His parents wanted a wedding, but Raine and Keaton didn’t need to wait and plan a big shindig. Small and intimate would work.
As he’d logically gone through his list of reasons to marry right away, Raine agreed with each one.
And here she was.
She peeked through a crack in the double doors.
Timmy, her man of honor, reached the altar with Autumn, the Norwegian Elkhound she and Keaton had adopted from a rescue group in Seattle. Timmy’s bleached blond hair was void of color because he didn’t want to clash in the photographs. He took his position on the left with the dog, who was their ring bearer.
The organist played the opening strains of Raine’s bridal song.
This was really happening.
Two volunteers from the church, who were also members of the First Avenue Business Association, appeared and opened the doors fully.
Raine took a breath and entered the church.
Mr. Jones had offered to walk her down the aisle, but she politely declined. Mom and Dad weren’t physically there, but theywerewith her, one on either side, as she walked toward Keaton.
Friends and his family sat in pews, but their faces blurred.
All she saw was Keaton, who looked dashing in his tuxedo and mirror-shiny shoes.
