Ready to Soar

Prologue

PROLOGUE

It was a glorious day, perfect for a wedding. In a few short hours, Kate’s twin brother Shane McKenna would marry Abigail Stevens, Kate’s best friend and the love of his life. Kate thought it was amusing that Shane was marrying a girl he’d spent his youth chasing and teasing.

Kate knew the couple was meant to be together. Several months before, Abby and Kate were enjoying lunch when Abby told her that before her mother died she’d told Abby that she would find a place to call home, a place where people cared about their friends and neighbors. And then tragedy struck: Abby lost both her parents and then her sister and brother-in-law, Kelly and Tim, who died in a car accident, leaving Abby alone in the world with the exception of her nephew, Devin. Abby’s wedding day would be bittersweet; she missed her family but she was officially becoming a part of the McKennas.

Abby stood in the kitchen doorway wearing a bewildered look. Devin was happily squishing a banana chunk in his chubby hands while the floor was littered with cereal.

Abby wore a sleepy smile. “Please tell me some of that mess made it in his mouth, too.”

“Good morning, Abigail. Shane wanted you to sleep in so he gave us a key and asked us to take care of Devin. And we made coffee.” Ellie beamed at the little boy. “And we’ve been having lots of fun, haven’t we, Dev?”

Kate poured Abby a mug of steaming hot coffee. “Take a seat. We’re starving, so what would you like for breakfast?”

“I’m too nervous to eat. Coffee is fine.” Abby giggled. “I didn’t expect to see anyone this early. I’ll admit it’s nice to wake up to calm, smiling faces. Let’s enjoy coffee and then, if you don’t mind, I’d like to run through the shower. What time do we have to leave?”

Ellie chimed in, “Abby, today is your day and there is no need to rush. I dropped the dresses off at Shane’s yesterday.”

“Mom, Grace, and Gram have everything under control at the lake. Our job is to get you and Devin to the wedding on time. Don will be over in a bit in case you’ve forgotten something that has to go out to the lake house today.”

The sisters shooed Abby out of the kitchen. “Devin is fine. Go soak in a bubble bath. You have three hours to primp,” Kate called as Abby floated on a cloud up the stairs.

“You’ve thought of everything!” Abby called over the banister. Once again, Shane’s family was making the day run smoothly. Her life had changed since moving back to her hometown. It had been a difficult decision to pack up, sell her parents’ and sister’s houses, and move from the eastern shore to the hills of western Massachusetts. In the beginning, her grief had been overwhelming, losing her parents and sister within a span of twelve months. Abby didn’t know how to take care of herself let alone a small child. That’s when fate stepped in. Abby and Devin had wandered into What’s Perkin’, Cari McKenna Davis’s coffee shop. Even though it had been years since she had seen her, in typical McKenna fashion Cari welcomed Abby and Devin with open arms.

Abby sank into a hot, fragrant bubble bath, her mind wandering back to those dark days after Devin’s grandparents kidn*pped him. Edward and Louise Martin had decided Abby wasn’t a fit parent. A custody battle ensued, playing out for many long, tense months. In the end, Abby retained custody and was now in the process of legally adopting the boy. The relationship between Abby and the Martins remained strained but tolerable. Today, putting the past firmly behind her, Abby Stevens was starting a future with the man whose heart beat in sync with hers. Shane’s family was an added bonus. Instantly, Devin had grandparents, aunts, uncles, and three cousins. Abby’s life was turning out just as her mother predicted. Abby pulled the plug on what was left of the bubbles and stepped out of the tepid water to begin the final primping process.

Abby scrutinized her reflection. Short, strawberry blond curls were enhanced with a crystal headband that added a dash of pizazz. Carefully applying her makeup to enhance her blue-gray eyes, Abby used shades of purple and gray eye shadow, dusted her cheeks with f airy pink blush and then a swish of dark brown mascara. Abby Stevens was ready.

Gingerly, Abby took the white garment bag from the closet, picked up the tote bag, and floated down the wide staircase. The moment she stepped into the kitchen a hush fell over the room.

“Abby, you look like a princess,” Ellie gushed.

Abby was radiant. “I’m ready.”

Don carefully took the garment and tote bag. “I’ll put these in the car and come back for Devin’s things.”

For now, Abby and Devin were moving into Shane’s home until they could decide where they would take up permanent residence. Abby loved being lakeside but enjoyed the convenience of town, so everything was up in the air.

“Okay, girls, let’s change my last name.”

The guitarist was ready and waiting. . .

Abby gave a slight nod. The familiar chords of the wedding march filled the air. Heads turned to catch their first glimpse of the bride. She took a deep breath and nodded to Kate and Ellie. Ellie went first, carrying Devin, followed by Kate and then Abby glided down the flower-strewn path.

Shane thought his heart would burst from his chest. Abby was exquisite. Her long white dress was simple—a scooped neckline, sleeveless—and the sun shimmering off the beading created a vague rainbow effect. Sterling roses completed the picture-perfect bride. If he hadn’t already fallen in love with this woman, he would have at that first glance.

Abby’s hand was in the crook of Ray’s arm. As they entered the gazebo, Abby’s eyes locked on Shane, handsome in a dark tux with a lavender rose boutonniere. The sun was dimmed by his brilliant smile. Ray placed Abby’s hand in Shane’s and took one step back.

The minister smiled at Shane and Abby. “Who gives this woman?”

Ray answered, “I do.” He took his seat next to Cari.

The minister moved smoothly through the ceremony while Shane and Abby gazed into each other’s eyes. When the minister announced it was time for the first kiss, friends and family cheered and clapped. Devin looked around at the happy faces and he gleefully joined in, clapping his little hands.

Shane and Abby turned to greet their family and guests. Devin strained in Abby’s direction so Ellie passed him to her open arms. Shane placed a protective arm around his bride and a steady hand on Devin.

The minister announced, “I’m pleased to introduce, for the first time, Shane, Abby, and Devin, the newest branch on the family tree.”

Kate watched her twin, his bride, and their adoptive son. She said a small prayer that they would be blessed to share the same bond in marriage she had with Don, the love of her life.