Page 90 of The Inn Dilemma

Giving this ring to Nova is my own way of honoring Ella Mae. And after digging up the treasure worth 50,000 dollars, I used it to make this place even more than what I originally planned.

Nova pressing her lips all over my face draws me back to the present. This experience that is real and not just a dream. With a woman who far exceeds my dreams.

“This is actually part of the hidden treasure of Frederick Graves.”

A little gasp escapes her. “You mean, this is what you’ve been looking for?”

“Part of it. The other part was buried under a pine tree a few hundred feet back.” Her eyes widen, and I continue. “All of it has been right in front of me all along.” I slide the ring onto her finger and smile at how perfectly it fits. Looking up at her, I add, “Just like you’ve been in front of me all along. I just needed the right nudge.”

“It’s a perfect fit,” she mutters, staring down at it, and then looks up at me. “You’re my perfect fit.”

“And you’re mine.” I take her face in both of my hands and lower to her level, planting a quick kiss to her lips. Sealing this day as the most perfect one yet.

Epilogue

Nova

Watching Dad’s face as Mom walked down the aisle was the most heartwarming thing I’ve ever witnessed. Their marriage has grown leaps and bounds over the last few months. With a lot of prayer, counseling, and intentional communication, their failing relationship has made a complete one-eighty.

The vow renewal ceremony at the Rocosa Community Church went off without a hitch. I stood as Mom’s maid-of-honor, Reese and Roxy as her bridesmaids. Chris was Dad’s man-of-honor, Holt and Des the other groomsmen. My research on vow renewals didn’t show many ceremonies with a wedding party, but after talking with my parents, they told me they wanted us all included.

Now we’re at the Denver Performing Arts Center, which is decorated to the nines…and then some. White tulle is draped across the ceiling with hundreds of twinkle lights. Flower arrangements of varying colors and styles decorate the tables covered in white linen tablecloths. Each chair has its own silver cover with an expertly crafted bow.

Over two hundred guests mill about, eating, dancing, and talking. Mom, Dad, and I have eaten our fill of this place’s catered delicacies and the wedding cake that took Mom and me five days to choose.

“I knew you were amazing and creative, but you have completely outdone yourself,” Holt says in a low voice in my ear as he leads me around the ballroom’s dance floor.

“It was a good test run for next month, I think.”

Holt hums low in the back of his throat. “Just three more weeks until I can call you ‘wife.’” His hot breath in my ear sends a shiver racing down my spine.

I look up into his handsome face and trace his scar with the tip of my finger. “I don’t think I could be more proud to be your wife. My hero.” I overflow with gratitude, and I tuck my face against his chest. Holt leads me around the dance floor, humming along to the song “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. My insides turn gooey at his sweetness.

As the song “Perfect” fades away, “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle starts playing. Holt looks behind me, a gentle smile on his face.

“I think this dance is for you two,” he says, twirling me into Dad’s arms.

Dad nods his thanks, and we sway to the song I listened to countless times and played in my room in hopes that one day my relationship with Dad could heal.

“Do you like the song?” Dad asks.

I pinch my lips closed, trying to hold back the waterworks that are ready to flow down my cheeks. “I love it.”

He smiles down at me. “I do too.” Dad placesa kiss on my forehead. The broken girl inside of me heals a little more.

“Did you pick it?” I ask.

“I may have made sure the DJ had it on today’s playlist.”

“Thank you.”

Dad shakes his head. “No, Nova. Thank you.” He removes his hand from mine and motions around the ballroom. “For all of this. I don’t think the most expensive event planner could have pulled off what you did today. It couldn’t have been more perfect.” Dad wraps both arms around me and we sway to the song. “I couldn’t be more proud of the woman you’ve become.”

“You’re going to make me cry.”

Dad gently tucks my head against his chest. “It’s okay to cry sometimes, Nova girl. I was wrong to ever say otherwise. And I’m sorry I ever did.”

I don’t think my heart could be more full. “Butterfly Kisses” fades into “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Daryl Hall and John Oates. Dad releases me, and I dance my way over to the biker table, motioning for the whole group and Reese to come out onto the dance floor.

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