CHAPTER TWELVE

KARA

My eyes marveled the beautiful embroidered wedding gown hugging my body. We were engaged in May, then planned to walk down the aisle mid-June. A summer wedding in Talkeetna I knew would be beautiful.

“You are glowing.” Michelle hugged me from behind as she stared at me through the tall mirror.

Chrissy’s chin rested on my other shoulder. “You are a beautiful bride. Your make-up looks stunning, if I may say so myself.”

I laughed. “Chrissy, you did an amazing job, thank you.”

The deep embroidered neckline enhanced my growing breasts. The A-line skirt fell over my belly, gracing the floor. Michelle pulled the veil over my face. Lavender and white flowers surrounded the princess bun on top of my head. The flowers matched my bouquet.

My fingers slipped over my belly as I adored my appearance for the last time as Ms. Kara Riley.

“Let’s get you and that cute little baby bump downstairs,” Chrissy gleamed.

Michelle smoothed her hands over her lavender brides’ maids dress. “Yes, you are about to become Mrs. Kara Daughtry.”

**P**

Standing outside the chapel doors, my arm looped through my fathers.

“How do you feel?”

I peeked at him. “Ready to marry the man of my dreams.”

Who knew, I’d really marry the man of my dreams. It seems surreal. What began as a crush turned into love. My heart thudded my chest as the ushers opened the doors. We strolled down the aisle. The beaming guests were bursting at the seams in the chapel. We invited our closest family and friends. Collin’s side of the chapel was full. Some of his guests filled in the seats on my side of the church.

We halted at the altar, and the pastor spoke to my father. I was starstruck by my husband to be. The navy tuxedo jacket with black lapels brought out the white dress shirt, black tie, gray vest, and navy slacks. Too bad we couldn’t skip the reception. I’d love to fly to the lodge in Denali now. I froze. All the flying I’d done lately reminded me of my birth parents, dying in a crash aboard a small plane, so many years ago. They’d never see me get married. The deep sorrow ripped through me. I stumbled forward.

Collin caught me. “Kara, what’s wrong?”

His worried brown eyes searched mine.

Whispering fell over the crowd.

My father grabbed my other arm. “Kara, what happened?”

“My birth mom and dad aren’t here to see me get married.” Tears slid down my face.

My dad kissed my forehead through the veil. “Kara, they are here.” His hand pressed my heart.

“They are right here. Feel the love around you.”

A sense of calm fell over me. I pressed my lips through the veil against his cheek. “Thank you, Dad. I love you.”

His green eyes glassed over. “I love you too.”

He placed my other hand in Collins.

“I got you, babe.”

My heart melted for Collin all over again. He didn’t miss a beat. His love was so genuine.

Chrissy approached and dabbed my face with a Kleenex under the veil. Then our ceremony began. My eyes never wavered from Collin’s.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the pastor announced.