A Promise to Believe in (40 page)

Gwen lifted her face to him and smiled. “Congratulations, Mr. Bishop.”

“And to you, Mrs. Bishop.”

Gwen watched as her dear friends cast smiles her way, then turned toward the bounty of food to be shared during the reception. She couldn’t help but wish that her father were here to join in this blessed day. She smiled. He would have been in his element, telling stories and sharing in the revelry. Gwen couldn’t help but believe he’d be pleased with Hank as his son-in-law. She stepped forward to follow the guests, but Hank tugged on her hand and brought her focus back to him. He took hold of her face in his hands. “I love you so very much, my dear Gwen.”

Gwen smiled, and joy radiated from her eyes. “I love you too, Hank. I never thought I would love again. The wounds of losing Harvey ran so deep . . . but with you and God, I found healing.”

“Amoris vulnus idem sanat, qui facit,”
he whispered against her lips. “Love’s wounds are cured by love itself.” He kissed her long and tenderly.

Gwen sighed against him and felt all of her fears drift away. Hank had given her a promise to believe in. Love had not only healed her wounds; love had given her the strength to let go of the past and look forward to the days to come.