When Maggie and Travis faced each other to make their vows, Megan had to wipe away the tears that were smearing her stage makeup. They’d been through so much, those two—the long wait until Maggie finished her term as mayor, the ups and downs of the ranch, then Travis’s accident and the loss of the church. But nothing could have kept them from this moment, when their vows and rings would make them one in the eyes of the world.

Megan could read the emotion on Conner’s face. He cast furtive glances in the direction of the stage, as if expecting to see her there. She was well hidden, but the fact that he was looking for her tore at her heart. If she wanted a life with him, she would need to love him as much as Maggie loved Travis, as much as Tracy loved Rush. She would need to sacrifice her foolish pride and give everything to that love, with an open heart.

But first she needed a way to let him know.

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Tracy’s face broke into a delighted grin as Travis took Maggie in his arms and gave her a lingering kiss. As they joined hands and made their way back down the aisle, amid cheers and congratulations, Conner stepped forward.

“That’s it, folks. I know you’ll all want to give your best wishes to the new Mr. and Mrs. Morgan. But first, let’s move these chairs back where they belong! It’s party time!”

* * *

Within minutes, the chairs were carried back to their places around the dining tables and the dance floor. As the Christmas music resumed on the PA system, the buffet table was uncovered and people began lining up to fill their plates. The wedding had put everyone in a good mood. It was as if the whole town had been rooting for Maggie and Travis to become wife and husband.

The bride and groom were given a table, and one of the teenage helpers brought them their meals. Rush and Tracy, with Clara, had joined them. There was an empty chair for Conner, too, but he didn’t feel much like sitting, let alone eating.

He roamed restlessly, picking out faces in the crowd. Daniel and Katy were standing in the food line, but Megan’s parents didn’t appear to be here. Given her mother’s health, that wasn’t surprising—especially if Megan wasn’t going to sing. Maybe Conner’s worst fears had come to pass. Maybe she’d gone back to Nashville, to her career and her boyfriend.