Forbidden Falls (Virgin River #9)(107)

She tilted her head, peering at him. “That’s really something, Noah. You must have great willpower. God must be so proud of you.”

“I’m pretty sure I fall short more often than make him proud.” He gave her a little kiss. “I’m sure you made similar promises…”

She shook her head. “I’m sorry to say, I’m not as devout as you. I wasn’t thinking of promises or commitments at all—just that I loved you. Really, I tried not to. I thought it might complicate both our lives. But I hadn’t felt anything like that in such a long time, I just gave in.”

“I’m not sorry you did,” he said, smiling. “You’ll see, Ellie. It’s going to work out for us. And you can have the pastor’s assistant’s job for as long as you want.”

She was quiet for a moment, then she said, “Why, Noah, you might be the most generous man I know….”

Early on Friday morning, Ellie dressed very carefully in the nice pantsuit and conservative pumps Vanessa had loaned her. She straightened her hair so it wouldn’t be wild and wore light makeup. Her nails were shortened and done in a clear polish. And her stomach was upside down.

She walked down to the church and used her key to go in the front entrance rather than the side door she usually used. She walked up the steps to the wide foyer and pushed open the double doors to the sanctuary. Then she walked slowly down the aisle.

The October sun was barely rising above the tall trees at 7:00 a.m., but the inside of the sanctuary was resplendent in shining hardwood, glittering altar accoutrements, including the gold candelabra and cross she had polished herself. She and Noah had worked until past eleven a couple of nights, making sure all was ready for the wedding rehearsal that would take place late Friday afternoon. She had spent hours the day before making sure every last speck of workman’s dust was wiped from the floor and pews. Tomorrow morning Shelby and her family would attach floral arrangements to the end of each pew for the afternoon ceremony. Ellie had promised to help. Shelby and Luke had decided on 5:00 p.m. to exchange their vows.

Ellie was so proud she could burst. She’d helped make all this happen. She’d worked hard. She gave thanks every morning that she’d had the chance. “Little melodramatic of you, messing with my motherhood to force me into the position,” she said to the holy stained-glass image before her. “I know—I can’t be sure that was your idea. But I can let that go if you just settle down on the big life lessons. Really, I’m so damn tired. Gimme a break, couldja?”

“Ready?” a voice said. Noah stood in the hall door that led to his office. He was wearing a very sharp dark suit, blinding-white shirt and royal-blue tie. It brought out the sheen in his black hair, which had finally been trimmed, and his magnificent blue eyes glittered.

“Whoa,” she said, stunned. “I didn’t even know you had good clothes! That’s amazing—you look so handsome,” she said. “If this minister business doesn’t work out for you, you could be a model.”

“You worried I’m going to fall on my face?” he asked. “I’ve actually done this before, you know. I know how to get people married. Only once, but I’ve even been complimented on my performance. And you look pretty—”

The sound of a door opening and feet on the stairs cut him off, quieted them. Then Brie was standing beside Noah. “Morning,” she said. “Everyone ready?”

Ellie’s stomach took another flip. “Ready,” she said.

It was a long ride to the Eureka courthouse. Noah made small talk while he drove Ellie’s car. He told the story of Lucy and the pups yet again. He explained to Brie who George was and that he’d be in town by early afternoon; George wasn’t about to miss the very first service Noah performed in the new church. Noah wouldn’t leak the secret vows Shelby and Luke had agreed on but said, from what he’d heard, the rehearsal dinner party that would take place at Walt Booth’s house would be one gala night. And the wedding reception would take place in Walt’s pasture under tenting and complete with linen, crystal, space heaters and a dance floor. It would put the Taj Mahal to shame. “I doubt any president has done it better,” Noah said cheerfully.

Ellie wished he’d just shut up. She was a wreck. A sick worried wreck.

When they pulled into Eureka, Brie said, “Ellie, we’ve already talked about this, but one more time—the judge has had all the paperwork pertaining to your case for over a week—the motion, the temporary restraining order, arrest report, paperwork from Child Welfare Services, the letter from Reverend Kincaid verifying your employment—everything. He may have all he needs for a decision. Or, he might have a few questions for you. Answer honestly and politely. And, Ellie, no matter what happens, hold your emotions in check. By all means, your temper. If we hit a bad patch and things don’t go well—a very very remote possibility—please let me handle it. For your own good.”

“I will,” she said quietly.

Brie repeated all this several times in very soft tones while they waited right outside the courtroom doors until the bailiff called Ellie’s name. And while they waited, familiar faces began to appear. Her friends and neighbors—Jack and Mel, Preacher and Paige, Vanni and Paul, Walt and Muriel. Even Hope McCrea. Of course, Jo Fitch arrived before they were called. All Ellie could do was smile tremulously and nod. Yes, she told someone in a uniform, they were all approved to be present in her closed hearing. Closed because it involved juveniles.