The Wedding Chapel (44 page)

With Him, love is never too late.

News spread about a little wedding chapel in the Tennessee woods and Jimmy handed the management over to Emma, who selectively booked weddings.

The carriage driver turned down the chapel lane, the bare winter tree limbs leaving the stone structure exposed and in view. The shining mocha geldings tossed their heads so their harness bells rang out.

At the steps, Taylor descended the carriage, her hand in Daddy’s, the fur-lined hem of her skirt swishing against the sidewalk.

Emma met her at the door, beautiful in a red fur-trimmed gown with the same full skirt and fitted bodice as Taylor’s. She handed Taylor her Christmas bouquet of red roses and baby’s breath. “Go time.”

“Is
it
in there?” Taylor motioned to the flowers.

Emma made a face. “Yes, but I don’t know why—”

“Shush, and walk down the aisle.”

The music of “Because” wafted toward them on stringed notes. Emma clutched her bouquet and glided down the white runner.

Taylor leaned on Daddy, taking it all in. The chapel seemed to embrace her, welcome her, dancing over her with flickering candlelight. Fresh wreaths hung from each of the twelve pews, releasing the fragrance of Christmas pine.

The atmosphere was beautiful and serene.

“Happily ever after does exist, doesn’t it, Daddy?”

“As long as you know it is sometimes disguised with trouble.”

She laughed for him only. “You can say that again.”

When they arrived at the altar, Taylor slipped her phone from her rose bouquet and snapped a picture of Jack’s handsome, smiling face. “To remember.”

He shook his head, grinning, and pulled his phone from his pocket. “To remember.”

She slipped her hand into his and faced the preacher, ready for whatever came her way because she walked life with this man.

Jack, marriage, family were all pictures of God’s love and she was going to frame them in her heart forever.

Not the End

Just life continuing . . .

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Communication is one of the threads of this book. Jack and Taylor struggle to share their true hearts, and Jimmy and Colette lost sixty years of their relationship because they didn’t press for the truth. Same with Taylor and her dad. What are ways you’re weak in communication? Have you given up in some ways?

2. Taylor believes she saw her father cheating on her mother. But it wasn’t what she imagined. The room was dark, draped in shadow. Talk about how we misunderstand each other and situations because we don’t “see things properly.” What are ways to combat these misunderstanding? What would you have done if you were Taylor?

3. Young Colette and Jimmy loved each other so much they said vows to each other before Jimmy shipped off to war. Were their words valid? Or does a recognized official have to pronounce a couple married? Talk about the power of words.

4. While I’d never advise young people to casually make a pledge of marriage without witnesses (that’s the power of a contract or covenant), I would remind them the things they say to each other in their youthful zeal
do
matter. How can we teach our kids, or ourselves, to be mindful of our words?

5. Jack didn’t have a great childhood. But Sam Gillingham reached out, wanted to be his father. But Jack refused to see
his effort, so ingrained in the pattern of the foster care system. How can we access the Father’s love even when we’ve had a bad, or a great, earthly dad?

6. What did you think about Jack being adopted at age thirty? What’s the significance of that event?

7. Taylor and Jack jumped into marriage before considering the cost. Often people “do,” then “think.” We condemn ourselves for making a mistake. But can God be in those moments too? Talk about a time in your life, or in the life of someone you know, when a supposed mistake worked for good.

8. Peg was a villain throughout the book but tried to make up for it in the end. Did her motivation make sense? The war and her parents’ deaths seeded bitterness in her heart. And jealousy. What are those places in your life where envy, bitterness or jealousy have come in? Can you use the picture of Peg to realize how dangerous those attitudes can be?

9. Do you think love can last sixty-plus years without two people ever seeing each other? I wondered about that as I wrote this book, but then I’d hear a story or read something online where love endured the decades. Is there a Christlike picture here? We are waiting for the One we love to return too.

10. The Branson family seemed to have a track record of divorce. Sometimes families seem to perpetuate certain traits or situations, such as bad relationships, alcoholism, or financial woes. But God is a God of new life. How can we defeat those negative patterns in our families when we are in God?

11. The book has a happy ending. Was it what you expected? Wanted?

12. Who was your favorite character and why?

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I
grew up with a great example of marriage, with kind parents who loved each other and us kids. There was warm light, laughter, and sweet aromas in our home as I grew up. Home was always a safe place to be.

My dad is with the Lord, but to my mama, I acknowledge and honor you for your life, your heart for the Lord, your worship, your devotion to family, and your visible and invisible demonstration of love for others. All with a gorgeous smile.

Love you, Mom.

This book started on a Tennessee vacation with my husband. I needed a “next book” idea and while driving down a hill to get enough bars on my phone for a phone call with my publisher, Daisy Hutton, I drove past a wedding chapel perched high above the road, surrounded by lush green trees.

I tossed out the idea to Daisy, “How about
The Wedding Chapel
?” And a story idea was born.

I appreciate everyone who walks with me on the publishing road. For those who help me live my dream, and above all, do what I sincerely believe God created me to do. I feel His presence when I write. I could not do this without Him or those who walk this walk with me.

Here’s my humble appreciation to those people.

My husband, who listens, tosses out plot and character ideas, gives me time and space to meet deadlines, prays for me, and loves me. He is such a gift and blessing. Love you, babe!

My writing partner and all-around best girlfriend, Susan May Warren, who plotted this book with me one afternoon over the phone and I pretty much stuck to it. I know, shocker. Thank you for always being on the other end of the phone, Suz, to help me out of the ruts and get moving again. You make me laugh, inspire me, speak the truth to me when I need to hear it, and call me to be the best writer I can be. I thank the Lord for you.

My other writing buddy, Beth K. Vogt, who is a FaceTime call away whenever I need to talk. I’m so grateful for you and the blessing you are in my life. Thank you for being there to help with the story and writing process, even on a Saturday night. And I love seeing the wonderful author you are becoming.

My agent, the renowned Chip MacGregor. It took a dream and a glockenspiel to put us together, but here we are six years later. I’m grateful for you. Thanks for everything!

My editor, Becky Philpott, who also picks up the phone when I call. Who encourages me. Who listens. Who gives me wise counsel on how to take a story to the next level. Who loves the same books as me! Thank you for everything, Becky. You are such a blessing. I really appreciate you.

My other editor on this project, Karli Jackson. Thank you for your input and insight. Thank you for handling things like production and galleys. You are a delight.

The entire publishing team at HarperCollins Christian Publishing: Daisy Hutton, Katie Bond, Amanda Bostic, Becky Monds, Elizabeth Hudson, Kerri Potts, Jodi Hughes, Kristen Ingebretson, Kristen Golden, Jason Short and his team, the hardworking sales force. I really, really appreciate you. Thank you for all you do.

The kind and gracious Wes Yoder for sharing his chapel with me. Your ideas and advice helped me shape my own chapel. Thank you so much for the pictures and all the technical help. I hope to visit your chapel sometime.

The talented James Exley for insight into the life of a professional photographer and how that world works. For the fun, fame, or fortune truth. Praying God’s abundant blessing on you!

All the readers who give their time and effort to read my stories. Thank you so very much. I can’t tell you how much you mean to me.

To my Lord Jesus. How I love You, and all You are and have done and will do. Thank You for stories. Thank You for Your love and righteousness that surround me. For Your glory!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

R
achel Hauck is an award-winning,
USA Today
bestselling author. She is a RITA and Christy Award finalist. Her book
The Wedding Dress
was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by
Romantic Times
. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower.