“I know. But not everyone judges others with such broad strokes.” She hated to admit that she had done that.
“You have good reason.”
“Maybe but it’s time to grow up and face my past and not automatically think the worst of people.” It would still be hard for her in some social situations but now she was aware of her shortcomings so maybe she could make some changes.
“What brought on this reevaluation?” He sounded as if he really wanted to know.
“Would you believe that the most popular girl in my high school class came to me for help? It turns out the beautiful people of the world all have problems too. I realized after she left that I was the lucky one.”
“Why?” Tanner turned and they headed back toward her house.
“Because my issues were ones that I could control. I just had to be willing to do it. I went back to my eating disorder class. I’m even going to become a facilitator. I want to help others through my experiences.”
“That’s great. I know you’ll be good at that. You’ve certainly taught me a thing or two.”
She looked at the handsome face she’d missed so much. “Have I, now? I can’t imagine me teaching you anything.”
Tanner stopped and brought her into his arms. “You’ve done something no one else could do.”
“What’s that?”
“Shown me how to love and be loved.” He kissed her gently.
“Do you really love me?”
Tanner grinned. “Did you hear me say it?”
“I did, but I’d like to hear it again.”
“I love you, Whitney.” She had no doubt he meant it.
“And I love you with all my heart.”
Tanner pulled her close. “That’s more than I’ve ever deserved. Now, if you don’t mind I’d like to go back to your house and show you just how much I love you.”
Whitney rested her head against his chest. “I can’t think of anything that I would like more.”
EPILOGUE
IT HAD BEEN nothing but blue sky and sunshine at the Garonne Winery and Château. Whitney couldn’t have asked for a more perfect wedding day. She had walked between two rows of grapevines to where Tanner stood on the exact spot where they had shared their first real kiss.
They had chosen to share their own vows. Tanner’s were so full of love that Whitney hurt with the poignancy of them. For a man who’d said he knew nothing about love, he was a quick study. Once he’d learned to feel and say the words, he never stopped.
She was surrounded by her family and friends, all smiling and enjoying a good time in the cellar of the winery where the reception was being held. Marie and Malcolm had insisted on taking care of the wedding details when she and Tanner had told them they wished to marry at the winery. Marie had tastefully taken Whitney’s wishes and created a day to remember.
To both her surprise and Tanner’s as well, his parents attended. There was a tenseness to their meeting but otherwise there was nothing but blessings for the bride and groom. Tanner had asked his brother, Mark, to be best man and he had accepted. They had grown closer during the weeks before the wedding. For that, Whitney was grateful.
“What’s the bride doing over here by herself?” Mr. Wilcox asked.
“Just thinking about how happy I am.”
The band started up a new tune.
“May I have this dance, Mrs. Locke?” Mr. Wilcox made a slight bow her direction.
She liked the sound of her new name. “I’d be honored.”
He led her in a box step around the open area surrounded by tables. “I told you I would be dancing at your wedding.”
Whitney smiled. “You did but I didn’t believe it.”
They made one more turn before Tanner tapped Mr. Wilcox on the shoulder. “Mind if I break in? I’d like to dance with my beautiful wife.”
Mr. Wilcox gave her hand to Tanner and kissed her on the cheek. “Life and love are fragile things. Treasure them. Not all of us get a second chance.”
“So I have learned.” Tanner looked into her eyes. “Now that I recognize it, and have it, I’m never going to let it go.”
* * * * *