Love Lost, Love Found Read online

  “You’re being too kind. I apologize for sending you that terrible letter and will be proud to call you my daughter-in-law. You’ve always had the ability to make Sean happy. For that, I am grateful.”

  “Thank you, Senator.” Nancy was overwhelmed by the change in the politician’s attitude.

  “My son read me the riot act and told me how you’d acted with decorum and integrity at the meeting the other night. Sean is lucky to have you.”

  “I’m lucky to have him, too.”

  “While we were waiting, me and Pops had a good long talk,” Kaitlyn added and gave the senator an affectionate punch in the upper arm. “I invited him to come and see all the improvements we’re making in our youth center.”

  “Pops?” Sean laughed.

  “It’s time he learned some humility since he’ll be my once-removed grandfather.”

  “I love it, but enough with the niceties. We’ve got our license, thanks to my father pulling a few strings with the mayor, and an old friend to marry us.”

  Sean took her hand, and they stood before the priest. “Nancy, love, remember Father Dand? He’s delighted to perform the ceremony.”

  She gave him a very gracious smile. “Of course. You saw us through a heartbreaking time and helped us to recognize God is merciful.”

  His eyes sparkled with wisdom and understanding. “I’m so glad Sean tracked me down. The Almighty wasn’t finished with you two.”

  Nancy couldn’t believe this was actually happening and stared at the face of the man she’d loved forever. His eyes were like iridescent crystals reflecting his happiness.

  She put a hand to his cheek. “Are you ready to do this, my love?”

  “For real, this time.”

  They both turned and faced Father Dand.

  “Please join hands.”

  Shortly after the ceremony commenced, a small crowd gathered to witness the exchanging of vows between the woman who wore a glittery paper crown and a man with a New Year’s Eve party hat. The priest didn’t rush the ceremony, but talked about the enduring strength of love between two people who’d survived life’s disappointments and challenges. Sean and Nancy had a love that would continue, even in death.

  When it was time to exchange rings, Kaitlyn passed Sean a delicate ring encircled with diamonds so that he could put it on her mother’s finger. The senator passed Nancy a plain gold band to slip on Sean’s finger.

  Father Dand had barely pronounced them husband and wife when Sean took his Nancy Jean into his arms and kissed her with all the love in his heart.

  “I love you, Mrs. Harrigan,” he murmured.

  “I love you, too, Mr. Harrigan, and this is a dream come true.”

  The people around them started to clap when they turned to face their audience. They didn’t have to search out someone to take their photo. Perfect strangers used their cell phones to capture the happiness of the newlyweds, including Kaitlyn.

  “I’m sorry to have to break up this happy occasion, but I’ve got Mass to serve,” Father Dand said and turned to Kaitlyn. “Would you mind walking me to my car?”

  “Sure, no problem.”

  “It would please me very much to take you all out to dinner,” the senator said.

  Nancy leaned into the arm Sean had about her waist. “I know we had other plans, but our couch isn’t going anywhere.”

  “Pops should get to know his daughter-in-law, and I’ll enjoy watching Kaitlyn yank his chain.”

  “Guess I had better get used to being called Pops. I like Kaitlyn,” said the senator with a genuine smile.

  “I heard my name mentioned,” Kaitlyn said, approaching the bride and groom. “Father Dand asked me to give this to you. It’s not from him, but he said you two should open it right away.”

  Nancy removed the plain white wrapping on the small box. Their eyes widened in shock and wonder when Sean lifted out a jar of maraschino cherries.

  “Who would send you a jar of cherries?” Kaitlyn asked.

  “A very wise man who taught us about love,” Sean replied, still trying to fathom how this was possible.

  Nancy clutched the jar in both hands and let herself be enfolded in Sean’s arms. “I now believe in miracles.”

  “The miracle is us.”

  The End

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