Trading Christmas - Debbie Macomber [124]
But before they began their real life together, they’d enjoy a perfect honeymoon in New Zealand. He’d wanted to surprise her with the trip, but Cait had needed a passport. They’d only be gone two weeks, which was all the time Joe could afford to take, since he had several large projects coming up.
As the organ concluded the “Wedding March,” Cait handed her bouquet to Lindy and placed her hands in Joe’s. He smiled down on her as if he’d never seen a more beautiful woman in his life. Judging by the look on his face, Cait knew he could hardly keep from kissing her right then and there.
“Dearly beloved,” Martin said, stepping forward, “we are gathered here today in the sight of God and man to celebrate the love of Joseph James Rockwell and Caitlin Rose Marshall.”
Cait’s eyes locked with Joe’s. She did love him, so much that her heart felt close to bursting. After all these months of waiting for this moment, Cait was sure she’d be so nervous her voice would falter. That didn’t happen. She’d never felt more confident of anything than her feelings for Joe and his for her. Cait’s voice rang out strong and clear, as did Joe’s.
As they exchanged the rings, Cait could hear her mother and Joe’s weeping softly in the background. But these were tears of shared happiness. The two women had renewed their friendship and were excited about the prospect of grandchildren.
Cait waited for the moment when Martin would tell Joe he could kiss his bride. Instead he closed his Bible, reverently set it aside, and said, “Joseph James Rockwell, do you have the baseball cards with you?”
“I do.”
Cait looked at the two men as if they’d both lost their minds. Joe reached inside his tuxedo jacket and produced two flashy baseball cards.
“You may give them to your bride.”
With a dramatic flourish, Joe did as Martin instructed. Cait stared down at the two cards and grinned broadly.
“You may now kiss the bride,” Martin declared.
Joe was more than happy to comply.
ISBN: 978-1-4592-1521-4
TRADING CHRISTMAS
Copyright © 2011 by MIRA Books
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holder of the individual works as follows:
TRADING CHRISTMAS
First published in 2004 by MIRA Books under the title WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES
Copyright © 2004 by Debbie Macomber
This edition published November 2011
THE FORGETFUL BRIDE
Copyright © 1991 by Debbie Macomber
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