Jane took a deep breath and concentrated on watching Cass and Julian standing up at the altar together declaring their love for each other. It was beautiful, truly. The smile on the faces of both the bride and the groom declared to the entire assembly how deeply in love they were. Lucy was crying. Even big, strong war hero Derek looked a bit choked up. Jane had never been one to cry. Her stiff upper lip was something of which she was particularly proud, but listening to Cass and Julian take their wedding vows did tug at her heart.

The vicar’s voice boomed through the church. “Julian Nicholas James Swift, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”

Jane caught her breath. The back of her throat burned. She’d never experienced anything like it during a wedding. Lucy made a sobbing noise and Derek patted his wife’s knee.

Julian’s eyes shone with love and pride. “I will,” he intoned.

The vicar turned to Cass. “Cassandra Elizabeth Louisa Monroe, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”

Cass’s voice was strong and sure. “I will.”

Lucy pushed her handkerchief up to her mouth to absorb another sob.

Jane pressed her lips together, hard. Other than the obey part, that had been lovely. Truly lovely. And she’d never seen Cass so happy. Pure radiant joy shone from her face. All the years Cass had written Julian, hoped he’d come back from war safely, had culminated in this beautiful moment. Jane had to shake her head against the burn behind her eyes this time. A movement to the left caught her attention. She glanced over to see Garrett leaning slightly forward, smiling at her softly. He and his mother were sitting farther down the long row.

Jane returned his smile with a tentative one of her own before returning her attention to the ceremony. Garrett looked especially fine today in his formal morning coat. His dark hair brushed the collar and the black brought out the color in his eyes. They looked dark green.

Perhaps marriage wouldn’t be so awful after all. The thought came out of nowhere and struck Jane in the chest. She gasped. Lucy gave her a quick, questioning look but Jane barely shook her head to indicate nothing was amiss.