Hundreds of white orchids flown in from halfway around the world filled the sanctuary. Hand-sewn crystals sparkled on the pale blue bows decking the pews and floral pedestals. More crystals spelled out the bride’s and groom’s initials on the blue aisle runner. The church was jammed with Dean’s friends and teammates, who’d flown in for the February ceremony, plus the new friends they’d made in Garrison. Thanks to Dean, the Stars had only fallen one game short of the AFC Championship, an incredible feat, considering their slow start.

Jack stood next to Dean as his best man. His tuxedo was immaculately fitted like his son’s, but Jack had accessorized it with silver and jet earrings. As Blue’s matron of honor, April’s long, ice blue gown was more formal than the sundress she’d already chosen for her upcoming Hawaii nuptials. That wedding would be a family-only affair, although April and Jack were letting Riley bring her best friend from school so she had somebody her own age to hang out with. Dean had already given his parents the land around the pond for their wedding present, and they’d be tearing down the cottage soon to build their own vacation house.

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

Nita rose from the front pew. She was majestic in a flowing blue caftan. “I do,” she said in a voice that left no room for debate. Nita had walked Blue down the aisle, which seemed perfect to both of them. Virginia was still in Colombia, standing up for those with no voices. Dean had shipped her a disposable cell phone, and she and Blue had been talking more frequently, but Blue knew the phone would soon end up at an orphanage or helping out a medical care worker.

Riley rose from the front pew. She looked beautiful and happy in her pastel blue gown with white rosebuds in her dark hair. Jack picked up his guitar to accompany her on the ballad they’d written together for the ceremony. Riley’s amazing voice filled the church, and when Jack joined her on the chorus, tissues rustled everywhere.

It was time to speak their vows. Dean gazed down at her, his eyes shining with tenderness just as she suspected her own were. Everything beautiful surrounded them: the candlelight, the orchids, their family and friends. Blue eased to her tiptoes. “Thanks to April,” she whispered, “you have the wedding you’ve dreamed about ever since you were a little girl.”

Dean’s boom of laughter was one more reason she loved this man with all her heart.

They spent their wedding night alone at the farmhouse. Tomorrow, they’d leave on Jack’s plane for their honeymoon at his house in the south of France, but for tonight they were content to lie naked and sated on the bed of comforters they’d made in front of the living room fire.