Marrying Chrissy (Brides of Clearwater Book 3) Read online

  “You’re serious.” Chrissy studied his face and saw the truth written in his eyes. Her breath caught.

  “The way things started between us might not have been ideal, but there’s nothing fake about how I feel.” He lifted a hand and gently cupped her face. “You’ve managed to take my entire world and turn it upside down.” He moved until his lips were only inches from hers. “I love you, Chrissy.”

  His touch, in combination with his words, turned her legs into jelly. Her heart raced as hope chased away the sadness beat by beat. The sounds of the fountain and people passing by faded away until they were the only two on Earth.

  Chrissy smiled into his eyes. “I love you, too.”

  Wyatt grinned moments before his lips were covering hers in a kiss that had her practically melting into a puddle. She slipped her fingers into the hair at the base of his neck as he pulled her closer.

  She had no idea how long they had kissed when he finally pulled away enough to look at her.

  “For the record?”

  Curious, Chrissy waited for him to continue.

  “It’s been torture not coming by the coffee shop to see you this week.”

  She definitely knew what he meant. Wyatt pulled her into a hug, and she kissed his cheek. “You know,” she began, “if you come by, not only will you get your coffee, but you just might get a kiss thrown in.”

  Wyatt grinned. “Are you kidding? Get my coffee fix, and my Chrissy fix, all in one swoop? Honey, I’m there.”

  He kissed her again, and this time it was filled with the promise of many more to come.

  Epilogue

  September: One Year Later

  Chrissy hugged Mom’s arm as they followed the path to the sandy beach below. The two lines of people became closer with each step. When she and Wyatt had first decided on a small, intimate wedding on the beach, Chrissy wondered if she’d regret not having something larger. This was perfect, though: just family and a few close friends who could make the trip to Corpus Christi.

  Mom leaned over as they walked and let her head briefly touch Chrissy’s. “I can’t believe my baby girl is getting married today,” she said, just above a whisper.

  Chrissy’s eyes misted. “I’m so glad you’re walking with me.” She had few memories of Dad, but it still didn’t seem right to not have him here. Mom had cried on the spot when Chrissy asked her to walk her down the aisle and quickly agreed.

  The sand gently gave way beneath Chrissy’s bare feet as they approached and began to walk down the aisle between rows of people. Raven and Heath smiled as she passed. Wyatt’s parents, while reserved, had made the trip along with all three of his sisters. At the end of the aisle, Emma watched with happy tears in her eyes.

  It made Chrissy’s happy to see them all, but it was Wyatt who had her heart doing somersaults.

  He stood at the end of the line next to Pastor Donovan, watching her with a smile on his face, and looking handsome in a pair of black slacks and a button-up white shirt.

  They paused when they reached the end of the aisle. Mom kissed Chrissy’s cheek, transferred her hand to Wyatt’s, and went to stand next to Emma.

  Wyatt maneuvered them so that they were standing in front of the pastor before taking both of her hands in his. “You look beautiful, Chrissy.”

  Chrissy glanced down at her simple ankle-length white gown and back up at him with a smile. “Thank you. You look pretty amazing yourself.”

  He flashed her a grin as the ceremony began.

  When it came time for Wyatt to say his vows, he held her hand and ran his thumbs over the tops of her fingers. “Chrissy, paying you to go on a pretend date with me may not have been the classiest thing I’ve ever done.” The sounds of laughter filled the air. “But it was the smartest move I’ve ever made. No matter what storms might come our way, I know we’re going to be fine because we’ll face them together. I will love you every day of my life.” He slipped the gold wedding band over Chrissy’s finger.

  Her heart swelled at his words, and she had to take a moment to swallow her emotions before she could speak. “Growing up, I used to imagine all the possible first dates I might have with my future husband. I have to admit that going to your grandmother’s birthday party hadn’t been one of them.” More laughter and they both turned to smile at Gran as she waved at them. “I’m so glad that God has a better imagination than I do, and that He brought us together. Being with you makes every day better than the last, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life walking beside you.” Chrissy carefully placed his wedding band.

  Pastor Donovan nodded approvingly. “Wyatt and Chrissy, we have witnessed the pledging of your love and commitment to each other. We have seen the sealing of your solemn vows of marriage by the giving and receiving of rings. It is, therefore, my joy and privilege to declare you husband and wife. What God has joined together, may no man put asunder. Wyatt, you may kiss your bride.”

  Wyatt rested his palms on each of her arms. Just when Chrissy thought he was going to lean in and kiss her, he glanced down at their feet. When he looked up again, she raised an eyebrow in question.

  He grinned. “I’m just making sure there’s no seaweed this time.”

  Chrissy giggled as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly before hugging her close. “I love you, Mrs. Tabor.”

  “I love you, too. Always and forever.”

  ~*~

  Thank you for taking the time to read Marrying Chrissy. I hope you enjoyed it and will consider leaving a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. I like hearing what you think about it, and your review will also help other readers discover new books.

  Read the rest of the books in the

  Brides of Clearwater series today!

  ~*~

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  Acknowledgments

  There’s a lot that goes into writing a book. Inspiration, of course, not to mention time and dedication. But then there are also the people in my life that not only encourage me to do what I love, but are there every step of the way.

  Thank you, Doug, for standing by my side. I’m stronger with you, and I’m so glad we get to experience this thing called life together.

  Franky, Kris, and Rachel, I appreciate you gals for taking the time to offer feedback on Chrissy’s story. Your insight and suggestions were exactly what I needed to make this book better and to keep me on track as I wrote it.

  There are a number of people who are instrumental in catching all the little typos that I somehow miss time and again. Steph, Mom (Suzanne), Denny, and Sandy, you ladies are amazing. Thank you for taking the time to read each of my books.

  The cover of this book is perfect, and it wouldn’t have come together without your amazing photography talent, Jennifer, or your design skills, Vicki. Thank you both.

  My schedule changed so much while writing this book. Many thanks to Heather Hayden for fitting me in and for her fabulous editing skills. I appreciate you!

  Most importantly, I’m thankful to my Heavenly Father for holding my hand during this particularly difficult season in life. I’m so glad that, no matter how things in life ebb and flow, He is always there to keep me grounded.

  About the Author

  Melanie D. Snitker has enjoyed writing fiction for as long as she can remember. She started out creating episodes of cartoon shows she wanted to see as a child, and her love of writing grew from there. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children, who keep their lives full of adventure, and two dogs, who add a dash of mischief to the family dynamics. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, crocheting, baking, and hanging out with family and friends.

  www.melaniedsnitker.com

  https://twitter.com/MelanieDSnitker

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  Books by
Melanie D. Snitker

  Stand-Alone Titles:

  Calming the Storm

  Love’s Compass Series

  Finding Peace (Book 1)

  Finding Hope (Book 2)

  Finding Courage (Book 3)

  Finding Faith (Book 4)

  Finding Joy (Book 5)

  Finding Grace (Book 6)

  Life Unexpected Series

  Safe in His Arms (Book 1)

  Someone to Trust (Book 2)

  Brides of Clearwater Series

  Marrying Mandy (Book 1)

  Marrying Raven (Book 2)

  Marrying Chrissy (Book 3)

  Welcome to Romance

  Finding Forever in Romance