Page 113 of From Ice to Home
I barely have time to catch my breath when I see her.
Hannah.
She’s being led onto the rink by some staffers, her boots slipping slightly on the ice before she finds her footing. Her golden hair is shining from the overhead lights as tiny pieces of confetti start to stick to it. Her eyes are searching the crowd and as soon as she sees me, her face transforms…with a smile.
A smile that’s filled with love, pride, adoration, and something even deeper.
She hurries toward me, almost stumbling. I meet her halfway, unable to wait another second. She throws her arms around my neck, and I wrap mine tightly around her waist, lifting her just slightly off the ice like I’ve done a million times before in my dreams.
Then I kiss her.
Not for show, not for the media or the fans who’ll undoubtedly spin a story out of this.
But just for her.
Because this woman, this fierce, faith-filled woman, has been a constant in my life for the past seven years. Even when we were apart, she was still in my heart. God gave her back to me and for that I’ll forever be grateful.
“You did it, Luke,” she whispers softly against my shoulder. Her green eyes are shimmering with unshed tears. “You really did it.”
As much as I love this moment, a bigger part of me is extremely happy God gave Hannah back in time for me to share it with her. Imagining this moment without her…it wouldn’t have meant as much.
“I’m just glad I get to share it with you,” I murmur. “God knew exactly what He was doing when He brought us back together the way He did.”
She runs her fingers along the back of my neck gently, her touch grounding me like nothing else ever has.
“Thank you for sticking with me through all the chaos, Sanders,” I say with a small smile.
She lets out a soft laugh, and it’s like music over the distant roar of the crowd. “I’m sure there’ll be more chaos to come. We’re just getting started.”
“That’s true.” I press my forehead to hers, the moment still and sacred despite the people around us. “But as long as I have you, I can face anything.”
And it’s true. I mean every single word.
With Hannah by my side, and God’s covering over us, our life will be blessed no matter what comes our way.
Because we’ll never have to face anything alone.
EPILOGUE
HANNAH
This is exactly what I’ve always imagined my wedding day would look like.
My dad walked me down the aisle in the church I grew up in, before he stepped up to the altar to marry me and Lucas himself. The church was filled with family and friends, old and new. My dad’s message was more than a ceremony, it was a true blessing over our union. One that felt like we’re being covered in love and protection as we’re stepping into our life as husband and wife.
Instead of doing the reception in our backyard, like my mom wanted to, we decided on doing the rehearsal dinner there instead. Which is why we’re now all on Walker Family Farms for our reception. Right now, as the sun sets over the golden fields and fairy lights twinkle inside the wooden structure, it feels like God’s hand has been over every detail. Laughter and music float through the air, blending with the warm scent of Carolina summers and garden roses.
I look across the barn and find Essie swaying to the music, her light blue maid-of-honor gown flowing around her as sheswishes. Her dark curls fall over her shoulder in soft waves and she looks so grown up.
“Are you happy, little one?” I ask her, moving beside her. “Is this what you imagined?”
Essie pauses, turning to me with a softer expression. “I know I was hard on you when I first found out about your Vegas wedding,” she says honestly. “But this was never about me and what I wanted, Han. It was what I wanted for you…what I know mom and dad wanted for both you and Lucas.”
Then she wraps her arms around me. “Are you happy?” she asks, her tone light like she already knows the answer.
“There are no words for what I’m feeling,” I say, slipping my arm across her shoulder as we both look out over the dancefloor.
Lucas is across the room, talking to his coach and to Harry. We invited him too and honestly I was a bit surprised that he actually showed up. Not because he’s not supportive of Lucas, but it’s never felt like weddings, or even marriage, is really his thing.
