Flawless Surrender (The Surrender Trilogy, #2)(59)
Zoey shrugged, “Not exactly, I mean, mom and I weren’t ever close. I’m managing. The guys have kept me distracted, and so has my new job. Keeping up with the backlog of cases the State of Texas has has been a challenge. There are so many kids out there in need.”
“It breaks my heart to think of them not having family to spend Christmas with. I remember wishing I could steal you away from your parents’ home and bring you to spend Christmas with us, if I had known how bad it really was, I would have. You were always such a sweet child. I’m so sorry I couldn’t do more to help you back then. No one should have had to live in those circumstances.”
Zoey shook her head, “If you had, then everything would be different. I’m happy with how my life has turned out. I have three men who love me to death, and a family of friends. I feel extremely blessed.”
“You’re right. We all have to experience a little of the bad in order to accept the good with gratitude when it comes our way. Now, let’s call Rachel Brooks and see if we can come up with a plan for tomorrow. Maybe you should stay the night over there tonight?” Nina’s words had no sooner left her mouth, than all three Keegan brothers growled and protested. Zoey laughed as her mother-in-law took charge of the herd of men like a general, and before long, Zoey was packing an overnight bag for her best friend’s house.
Tanner drove her to Rachel’s against his own wishes, but Zoey promised him a reward for his sacrifice after the wedding. The next twenty-four hours passed in a blur of nervous energy and happiness.
Zoey walked down the makeshift aisle between hay bales to Carrie Underwood singing “I’ll Stand By You.” Tears weren’t necessary to express the emotions that rippled through the foursome, as they pledged their love and loyalty in front of the glowing tree as the sun set. The glow of the fireflies was extended by the hundreds of candles and torches that surrounded the small gathering.
Rachel stood holding Juliet behind Zoey surrounded by the four Brooks brothers and Mack and Ryker Thompson. Dottie dabbed at her eyes with a tissue next to Minnie and Walt White, and Lance and Nina. There was no need for anyone else. Everyone who was important to them was there, and the moment seemed more intimate because of it.
As Zoey repeated her vows with Tanner, making them legally married, and then pledged her commitment to his two younger brothers, she felt the cool Texas winter breeze brush over her face blowing her black hair out behind her. In that moment she knew her mother was there with her, and proud of her. For despite her own flaws and weaknesses, Zoey had managed to grow into a strong woman whose love was bigger than one person.
It was as though accepting herself allowed her mother to be at peace, and the last lingering fingers of doubt that had held her heart, released. No matter where she was in her life, she would never forget where she came from, but her past wouldn’t define her future. She would begin a new life this Christmas with her new family and more love than she ever dreamed possible.
The End