Love's Paradise (20 page)

T
hanksgiving Day was a time to celebrate family and friends and when Louise Gates celebrated, it was a gala event. Everyone came and had an incredible time. After dinner Jordan and Sheri walked down the pathway and across the garden bridge to the other side of the pond. Jordan had built a gazebo for Mamma Lou months ago. Sheri stood at the railing and looked out over the beautiful landscape. “Happy?” he asked, standing behind his wife.

“I'm overjoyed.”

“Then why do you look so despondent?”

“I'm gonna miss this place so much,” she said.

“Yeah, me, too. But it's not like we're never coming back. I have a feeling we're gonna be coming back here a lot.”

She nodded slowly. “I hope so,” she said.

“We will, our family is here,” he assured her. “And speaking of family, you know our wedding at the courthouse was wonderful, but I think we're gonna have to do it again.”

“Again? Why?” she asked.

“I think my new grandmother deserves something a bit more to celebrate.”

“You're probably right about that. I guess I'll have to start planning a wedding. I can't believe everything has changed so much. This isn't how I saw this happening.”

“You saw it?” he asked.

She nodded. “I thought I did. Actually I thought I had my grandma Camille's gift of seeing. But I never saw this.”

“Camille told me that love changes everything. That's why she can't read her family members or those close to her.”

Sheri turned and smiled up at her husband. “Did you know that this is my favorite place to be in the whole world?” she said.

“Gates Manor or Crescent Island?” he asked.

“No, here in your arms,” she said.

He smiled and nodded.

“There's no place I'll ever feel more loved.”

“This is forever,” he whispered in her ear.

She nodded with tears in her eyes. “Yes, forever.”

Hearing the strain in her voice, Jordan turned her around and looked into her eyes. “What's wrong?” he asked, concerned.

She shook her head. “Nothing, I'm fine. I'm more than fine. I'm so very happy. I never thought I could feel so much joy.” She reached up and tenderly touched the smoothness of his face. “I am happier than I ever thought I'd be.”

“Me, too,” Jordan said. He leaned down and kissed her passionately. An unexpected movement in the garden got their attention. Mamma Lou and Colonel Wheeler walked hand in hand across the brightly lit bridge heading back toward the manor. The love that surrounded them shone through.

“Can you see us at that age walking hand in hand, still so much in love with each other?”

“Yes, I can see it,” Jordan said, pulling Sheri into his arms. He leaned down and kissed her tenderly. “This is only the beginning of our history.”