Page 105 of Still Afraid

Where had Poirot ended up? He was supposed to be here now. Josh let out a whistle. The dog bounded down the front steps and barreled up the aisle. Josh directed Poirot to heel and sit. The eager-to-please dog did as commanded and let out a little bark.

Amusement rippled through the guests.

The music, played by a couple from church, changed, and the wedding party strolled from the front door, down the path, and up the aisle. Lance escorted Gabe’s wife, Aliza, to the front, followed by Josh’s brother, Mark, escorting Lydia.

They’d kept the wedding simple in every way because they were simple people and had no desire to make things extravagant. More than anything, they wanted it all to give glory to God, to praise Him for bringing them together and getting them through all the trials they had faced.

Josh grew antsy as he waited for the song to change again and was grateful Chloe had not wanted him to wear a suit jacket. His restlessness was not nerves—he had zero doubt about marrying Chloe. He did not want to wait another minute.

The front door opened. Chloe appeared, took her father’s arm, then proceeded toward Josh. She looked incredible, as he knew she would. She didn’t just take his breath away, she obliterated any ability to do anything but admire her.

Her simple wedding dress flowed around her like it was made of light and wind. The small straps graced her slender shoulders where her hair cascaded in elegant curls.

For a girl who wore her hair in a ponytail most of the time, wearing it down … his breath caught. Whoa. He’d have to convince her to wear it this way more often.

Chloe and her dad walked beneath the arch at the back of the seated guests, who all stood.

Josh’s gaze met hers. How was he so blessed for God to give him Chloe? This woman was everything he didn’t know he’d needed. He had to blink moisture away to see her clearly.

She chuckled and bit her lip but didn’t take her eyes off him.

The next few minutes were a blur as Chloe’s dad offered her hand to Josh. Chloe passed her bouquet to her sister and slid her hands into his.

He leaned close. “Have I told you recently I love you?”

She giggled—the sweetest little laugh that made his heart run laps around his chest.

He couldn’t say “I do” fast enough, but he remained present through all the details they’d meticulously planned. From the pour painting that took the place of the unity candle—candles weren’t practical for an outdoor wedding, to the special song, to the vows they’d carefully selected.

When the moment came for the pastor to ask if Josh took Chloe to be his wife, he barely let the man ask the question. “I do” came out in a flash.

Chloe laughed out loud and, to torture him, she paused after the pastor asked her the question. She winked. “I do.”

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Josh, kiss your bride.”

He did not need to be told twice. Sliding one hand beneath her hair and the other around her waist, he drew her close and kissed her with abandon.

Everyone cheered, but they sounded far away.

Poirot barked and nudged his snout between them. Laughter erupted. Leave it to Poirot to steal the show. Josh didn’t care. He was now married to the woman he loved with all his heart.

Chloe almost couldn’t believe it. She was married to Josh—the man who held her heart. They’d been gallivanting all over the farm with the photographer, but they’d snuck into the barn for a few quiet moments while the guests gathered at the tables beneath the big white tent, ready for the reception.

Josh twirled her around, then drew her close again.

She giggled, which seemed to be her state of being today.

“Remember when you caught Aliza’s bouquet?”

“Yes.” She dragged the word out as much as possible.

“Did you imagine back in December that you’d be Mrs. Schneider by the end of June?”

“Not hardly. God’s brought me a long way from that terrified girl who didn’t want to love because she was afraid to lose someone she loved again.”

“He definitely let us go through the wringer to get here, but we made it.” He stroked the side of her face.

“That we did, by His grace. And by His grace, we’ll grow old together.”