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hallway.
    “My God, girl, you look just like your mother standing there,” her father said as he approached her.
    It was the first time he had ever indicated she resembled her mother, although she had suspected it. He kept no portraits of her mother, had only on rare occasions even mentioned her. Her death during Rebecca’s delivery had shattered her father. Until this moment, it had never occurred to her that she was a constant reminder of the woman he had loved.
    Anderson extended his arm to his daughter and she slipped her hand around it.
    “All these years,” he said, “I thought she had left me, and this evening, I see that she was with me all along. What a wonderful gift you are.” He kissed her cheek. “You’re a beautiful bride.”
    Tears sprang to Rebecca’s eyes at her father’s kind words, words similar to so many he had spoken over the years. His harsh treatment after she told him about the baby had hurt her terribly. Her tears were also brought on by the knowledge that in a small way she was betraying him. She gave him a heartfelt smile. “I love you, Daddy. Remember that. No matter what happens. I love you.”
    They descended the sweeping stairs and stepped into her father’s study. The sea of guests parted. She saw Jake, wearing a crisp white shirt and a black tie, standing before the window. Beside him stood Frank Lewis, looking more nervous than the groom.
    Jake’s mouth went dry at the sight of his bride, the white silk dress adorned with tiny pearls fitting her as though she had been molded inside of it. She wore a wreath of tiny flowers, her long, black hair cascading down her narrow back. The long skirt whispered across the floor as she came to stand beside him.
    Tentatively, she released her hold on her father and slipped her arm through Jake’s as her father moved away.
    Jake cupped her cheek with his palm, his eyes searching hers. “If you’ve changed your mind, I’ll step aside.” His voice was low, his words for her alone.
    “I haven’t. Have you?”
    Slowly he shook his head, his gaze delving so deeply into hers, she felt their souls touching, mating, taking vows stronger than the ones that were about to be spoken aloud.
    Reverend Mitchell studied the young couple standing before him. He had spoken at length with Jake earlier. Jake had confided the special circumstances surrounding his marriage to Rebecca. Mitchell knew beyond any doubt that Jake loved Rebecca. He wasn’t certain of Rebecca’s feelings. He knew she cared for Jake. Her actions in preparing herself for the exchange of vows was a testament to her feelings. But he also knew she carried another man’s child, which would always give her a strong bond to that other man. He had married many couples whose marriages were not initially brought on by love. He knew love tended to sneak up on people. He read a passage from Corinthians, hoping the words that so effectively described love would guide Rebecca so she would recognize love when it came to reside in her heart.
    When the passage ended, he asked the couple to hold hands while they faced each other repeating their vows after him.
    Her blue eyes held his brown ones as Rebecca began, her voice soft and sweet. “I, Rebecca Lynn Anderson, take thee, Jake Burnett, to be my lawfully wedded husband …” She stopped, not expecting Mitchell’s next words of “honor and cherish.” Her eyes searched the reverend’s. “I thought it was supposed to be ‘love, honor, and obey.’”
    Reverend Mitchell smiled, lifting a brow. “Jake didn’t think you would obey.”
    She blushed, the heat warming her face. “He knows me too well.”
    Mitchell leaned down and spoke softly. “And Jake didn’t want you to exchange empty vows. I thought these would give you a good foundation upon which to build your life together. Honor him as your husband, cherish him as your friend.”
    She turned her attention back to Jake and squeezed his hands. “To honor and cherish, in sickness and