Page 22 of Starting Anew

There were plenty of people passing by them, but it wasn’t until someone stopped and crouched down in front of Mia that Lynn raised her gaze. Nathan smiled back at her.

“How are you two pretty ladies doing?”

He was probably just being polite, but his compliment still made Lynn’s cheeks warm. She’d spent hours with Sharon trying to choose the right dress to wear. She’d worried about showing up to the wedding and being too fancy. Or not fancy enough. Thankfully, she seemed to blend right in with the rest of the guests.

Whether he really meant the compliment or not, she didn’t know how to respond. So she chose to update him on his daughter.

“Mia’s doing well. Aren’t you, bug?”

The little girl babbled something Lynn couldn’t quite decipher.

Lynn took in Nathan’s black suit, white shirt, and tie. The guy sure did clean up well. In fact, it was a struggle not to stare. Especially right now when he kept watching her, a sweet smile on his face, and his piercing blue eyes drawing her in.

She mentally shook herself. “Shouldn’t you be with the groom?”

“I’m going back again, but I wanted to make sure you two were okay. If anything comes up, just wave me over. Seriously.”

“I’m just hoping and praying I can keep Mia happy and not ruin the wedding.”

Nathan chuckled. “I don’t think you have to worry about that.”

“I sure hope not. But you might be surprised just how much of a klutz I really am.” She hated the way she talked too much when she was nervous. And right now, between being in the front row for a wedding full of people she barely knew and the handsome man before her that kept getting her distracted, she had all kinds of reasons to be nervous.

Please, God, just help us get through this without messing something up.

Her nerves must have shone through because Nathan placed a warm, comforting hand over hers. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you being here. Mia’s fine. I think Chess and Brooke are just about ready. Thirty minutes from now, we’ll be taking pictures and then it’ll be time for some cake.”

Lynn nodded, suddenly feeling very silly for her reaction. If anyone ought to be nervous, it should be Brooke. “I’m sorry. We’re good here, you go help Chess. We’ll see you in a while.”

He squeezed her hand. Before standing, he leaned in closer and whispered, “I meant what I said. You look beautiful today.” With that, he was gone.

Lynn’s heart thudded against her ribs as his compliment took root and sent warmth to every cell in her body.

Maybe it was a good thing she was sitting in the front row after all—there were fewer people to see her face had turned pink. She looked down at the pale green dress and reminded herself to thank Sharon for the color recommendation.

Mia kept her busy as everyone took their places, including Chess at the front near the pastor with Nathan by his side. Mia pointed to her daddy who waved at her, earning him a bright smile. He offered Lynn one before turning his attention back to Chess.

Minutes later, music began and the guests turned to watch as Anna came down the aisle of the small church, her arms full of flowers and a happy smile on her face.

As soon as she reached her spot and turned, the music changed again and they watched Brooke slowly make her way down the center aisle, her arm tucked into Joel’s. Her white wedding dress was gorgeous, yet simple. There was no long train, yet the beads and lace created the perfect combination.

What Lynn noticed the most, though, was the way Brooke glowed. She all but floated down the aisle, her eyes on no one but Chess ahead. And when Joel transferred her hand to Chess’s, it was clear her intended felt the same way.

That right there was what Lynn wanted some day. To walk down the aisle and be worried about no one but the man she was in love with. For him to look at her—wait for her—with such love.

Joel took a seat on the other side of Mia. The little girl handed him the book she was holding before turning and climbing into Lynn’s lap. Lynn wrapped her arms around Mia and held her close as the ceremony began.

It was beautiful, short, and perfect. Lynn caught Nathan looking over at her and Mia twice. Most likely to see how his daughter was doing.

When the ceremony was over, everyone stood and clapped. Mia seemed excited to clap with all the adults. Anna went to the front of the church and raised her hand for attention. Once the room quieted, she spoke.

“Thank you so much for coming. We’re going to be taking some pictures of the wedding party. We hope that you’ll make your way to the dining hall where lunch will be served. I promise we will all join you before long.”

Nathan had told Lynn before the ceremony that they wanted to get a family picture or two that included Mia, but then Lynn would probably watch her for a bit while the rest of the photos were taken. Lynn remained behind as the rest of the guests filed out.

“You did so well!” Nathan scooped Mia into his arms and spun her around. “Thanks for being such a good girl for Uncle Chess and Aunt Brooke.”

Mia struggled to get down, but Nathan tightened his grip on her. “Not yet, little lady. Come let us take a few pictures, then I’ll bring you back to Miss Lynn.”

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