A Soldier's Promise (Crystal Lake Series Book 2) (19 page)
Read A Soldier's Promise (Crystal Lake Series Book 2) Online
Authors: Laura Scott
“Enough with the weather report,” he interjected with frustration. “Julie, I’ve spent a long time searching for someone to share my life with. As much as I cared about Claire, I didn’t love her the way I should have. I’m sorry if some jerk hurt you, but don’t make me pay for his sins. Do you really think I’d risk my daughter’s future if I wasn’t sure about how much I love you?”
There was a long pause before she lifted herself up on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I love you, too, Derek,” she confessed before she kissed him again.
“Thank you, Lord,” he said when he was able to breathe again. “You have no idea how hard I’ve been praying for this ever since you left me back in St. Louis.”
“Me, too,” she whispered. “Welcome home, Derek.”
Epilogue
Ten months later…
Julie stood in the entryway of the small church, not the least bit nervous on her wedding day. The sun was shining, and there was a cool, May breeze coming off the lake. Lexi stood in front of her, wearing a miniature white gown and a ring of flowers in her hair.
“Ready, sweetie?” she asked when the organist began “The Wedding March.”
“Yes, I’m ready.” Lexi took her role of being the flower girl very seriously, holding on to her white basket of rose petals as if she were afraid she’d drop it. Julie smiled when she watched Lexi start down the aisle, dropping delicate red and pink petals along the way.
She glanced at Zack, who was discreetly pulling at the necktie of his tux. Her brother was escorting her down the aisle and standing in as Derek’s best man. He’d come a long way over the past few months, and she was thrilled at the change in his demeanor. “Ready?” she asked.
“I’m ready if you are, Sis.” Zack held out his arm, and Julie took his elbow, knowing their parents were there in spirit, gazing down from the heavens above.
She started down the aisle, not even noticing all the people who’d crowded into the small church. She only had eyes for Derek, who was breathtakingly handsome in his tux, standing straight and tall as he waited for her next to the pastor. As amazing as Derek looked in a tux, she thought he looked just as handsome in his new deputy uniform. He’d been promoted four months ago after two of the older officers had decided to step down into the dispatch positions, leaving the younger guys to the more grueling police work. She was so proud of everything Derek had accomplished in the past ten months. They’d put the side-by-side townhouse up for sale and had their eye on the perfect three-bedroom house on the lake. Plenty of room for more children, Derek had promised.
Looking at him now, she was humbled to see the love shining blatantly from his eyes.
And she knew the same expression was on her face as well.
“Take care of her,” Zack said as he handed Julie over to Derek.
“I will,” he promised.
She took Derek’s hand and smiled up at him. She was the lucky one in this union, and as she exchanged vows with Derek, she knew that God had answered her prayers, too.
She was blessed to have finally found what she’d always wanted. A home and a family with Derek and Lexi.
THE END
Did you miss Book 1 in the Crystal Lake Series?
Healing Her Heart
is available now!
Dear Reader,
I am having a lot of fun writing this Crystal Lake series and I hope you enjoyed visiting the town and the characters here. Wisconsin is truly a beautiful state and while this town is fictional it reminds me of the fun summer vacations we took as a family.
I’m currently working on the next book in the series, which will be Zack and Merry’s story. I hope you check back with me soon, either through Facebook, Twitter or my website at
www.laurascottbooks.com
to see when this book will be released. I always enjoy hearing from my readers so drop me a line and I always answer every e-mail or letter I receive.
Until next time…
Yours in Faith,
Laura Scott
Other Books by Laura Scott
Crystal Lake Series (listed in order)
Christmas Reunion
Other Love Inspired Suspense Books
Down To The Wire (SWAT Series)
Under The Lawman’s Protection (SWAT Series)
*Stories with Linked Characters
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