Free A Bride Worth Waiting For by Jeanie Smith Cash Page B

in the fireplace, while across from them the colorful lights twinkled on the tree.
    “Last minute errands I would imagine.” Cole glanced at his watch.
    “Papa and Gram went to the airport to pick up my parents and granddad. But I would have thought some of the guests would have been in here. I hope Carla, Melanie, and Michelle made it home okay. I miss them already and they haven’t been gone but one day.”
    “I’m sure they did, Darlin and they’ll be back before you know it.” Cole smiled. “Now stop worrying and enjoy the fire.”
     
    Christmas morning Cole knocked on Bethany’s door and waited for her to open it.
    “Hi, come on in, Merry Christmas.” She smiled and gave him a kiss.
    “Merry Christmas to you, I have something for you before we go down to your grandparents.” Cole followed her into the living room and sat on the sofa beside her.
    He handed her a small box and as she unwrapped it she kept glancing up at him as if she suspected what might be inside.
    Cole loved the way her eyes lit up as she opened the box and saw the solitaire diamond ring inside. She looked up at him with a big smile.
    “Bethany, I love you. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me, Darlin?”
    “Yes, Yes! Oh, Cole! Nothing would make me happier than to be your wife.” She gave him a big hug.
    Cole took the ring out of the box and slid it onto her finger placing a kiss where it rested. “I love you, Darlin. You are my whole world.”
    “And you are mine, Cole. I love you so much. Thank you for not giving up on me.”
    Cole kissed her and then held her in his arms. “I wasn’t about to give up on you. I know in my heart that you are the mate the Lord has chosen for me and therefore your love was, a love worth waiting for.”
    “I’m so glad because I feel the same way about you.”
    Cole kissed her again and held her for a minute longer. “I guess we’d better go on down your family will wonder where we are.”
    Bethany grabbed her purse and they went down to her grandparents and knocked on the door.
    As soon as they walked in Bethany and Cole wished everyone Merry Christmas and then Bethany showed them all her ring. She was pleased that everyone congratulated them even her father. Cole loved his jacket and Bethany couldn’t remember ever having a happier Christmas. Later sitting in the dining room with all of the guests her father stood and made the announcement that his daughter was marrying Cole Beckman and everyone cheered and congratulated her and Cole.
     
    Christmas went by so quickly Bethany wondered where the time had gone. She couldn’t believe it was already time for their wedding. She and Cole had enjoyed the rehearsal dinner the night before and Bethany was so relieved it had gone well. Now here it was her wedding day and she was so nervous she’d already been through two bags of Peanut M&M’s. “Gram where is Mom?”
    “She’ll be here in a minute that was her on the phone. They had a flat tire, but they’re now on their way. Bethany sat on a stool in the restroom at the church with her Grandmother, Carla, Melanie, and Michelle waiting for her mother to arrive.
    “Bethany you’ve got to relax. You’re not going to make it through this day.” Melanie helped her into her wedding gown. “Your mother will be here she wouldn’t miss your wedding.”
    “Melanie’s right, Bethany, You’re a nervous wreck and you aren’t going to enjoy your own wedding if you don’t relax,” Carla said.
    Before Bethany could say anything more her mother came in the door. “I’m sorry, Honey.”
    “It’s okay, Mom. I’m just glad you’re here now. I’m so nervous.”
    “Honey, it’s natural for you to be nervous on your wedding day, but as soon as you start down that aisle and see Cole you’ll be fine.”
    Melanie and her mother helped Bethany put on her veil and fasten it securely.
    “Oh, my, you look so beautiful. “ Annie hugged her.
    “Bethany, this has your birth