Today was the long-awaited and highly anticipated wedding of Gunnar and Selene.

Leading up to the blessed day, God's goodness and faithful Hand settled Selene's case with fame and slander.

The lawsuit against her parents and Maggie was successful, Thomas sent a long and heartfelt apology to her, which she accepted graciously.

The magazines and websites that slandered Selene's name were sued by Honeydew's father and they were shut down and had to pay a hefty settlement to Selene as recompense.

Thomas also publicly apologized and denounced Maggie's statements, and told the truth about Selene's father, resulting in Zachary being blacklisted by the media.

In his apology letter, Thomas informed Selene and Gunnar of his decision to go to rehab for his mental health, a Christian rehab. He admitted his undeniable urge to learn about the man Gunnar spoke about, how to be a better man, and the rehab would show him that and more.

It was a wonderful thing to read about. Selene held no negative feelings towards the man, she only prayed that he clung to God's Truth with his entire heart.

Gunnar prayed that he would be made whole and live to show God glory.

They were glad.

And now, they stood under an altar of flowers, surrounded by their loved ones.

A small gathering, but one with evident love in the heart of every attendee.

"I remember first hearin your voice, sounded like a pillow made of clouds, then I saw you, Lord, Selene, my dove, Galia, crown of beauty, I was smitten." He chuckled and looked up to keep his tears from falling. "I never been a man to follow after beauty, even before I knew better, I liked the inside. And you, I sound like a fool, but I don't think you know how much of a blessin you are to me."

"I prayed for months, knowin that God had someone for me, and it got hard. I knew I was gon see you, but not knowin when made it hard. Seein everybody lovin, but then I spoke to you. You ain't want nothin to do with me, but I wanted us enough for the both of us," Everyone laughed and Selene blushed shyly.

"Even that didn't matter, I knew if God said so, it would be. I did everything I could, and one day you let me see you. Them eyes were bright, I saw where a smile could be, I could see us dancin and having each other, it pushed me to keep going even when you didn't want me. I would get to love you, that was my drive, along with God's Word."

"And then, you said ok, yes, or somethin. I did what I could to show you I was about you, and I will always do that, I love you, Selene Galia. And I will love you always, it may not come easy every day, but today and forever, I choose to love you. So many people say, I will love you like Christ loves the Church, but they don't even understand His love. I promise to love you through it all, to be patient, listen, slow to anger, loving, whatever you need. I can't do it on my own, but through Christ alone. I will be honest with you and listen. God knows I love you, and I am blessed for the rest of my days to have you, dear Selene Galia, my dove."

Selene giggled through her tears.

He was sweeter than a lollipop.

"This man always has something to say, and it always makes me feel loved. I pray that I can make you feel special, to make you feel like you're my only one. I don't know a lot about this love, this pure love, something green as I would say before knowing this virtue. But I vow to learn and be gracious with you always. To respect you as my husband and listen. I trust you to lead me, but because I trust the One who put us together. And because I know you follow His lead, I love you, Gunnar. I love the way you seek out ways to help anyone, your heart is the most beautiful love I've experienced outside of God's love. You loved me, you didn't call me names, you didn't even allow me to call myself names, you were with me when I faced the past, and I know that you'll be with me any time you can,"

She breathed slowly and wiped her tears.

"You showed me how to breathe. I was afraid to take a second to breathe because when I would slow down, my thoughts would haunt me, but with God, I can breathe again. And with Gunnar, I know that I can take a second to breathe without feeling vulnerable and unprotected." She took his hand and kissed it.

"Gunnar, even with this," She motioned to their hands. "You helped me learn that touching was meant to be positive and loving. I cried because I thought you didn't want me, only because I was so used to everyone taking what they wanted. But you, you are the most loving gentleman that I know."

"When I was younger, I dreamed of a life far far away. I wanted something so different that I thought it'd have to be on another planet." She laughed.

"But now, and God knows that I wish I could tell little Selene this, but now that dream is a reality. And it's because of God. He brought me out of darkness and showed me the way. The Word of God says that Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life. Never take those words lightly. If you need anything, Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life. I know this is supposed to be about us, but to you all, before you go and buy a book to help your life, seek the Book of Life, the book that shows the Way, Truth, and Life. He is meant to be our everything, but we've rendered Him useless to help with everything. Please, don't box in the infinite God, when I found that He was in fact limitless, my entire life changed."

"And Gunnar, because of our God, we will have a future in Him. We will remain faithful to God and each other. I love you. I never thought I'd say those words and mean them, I didn't know the meaning of it, but now I do and I love you."

Pastor Rob handed her tissues, which she took and dabbed her face.

She looked at Gunnar and his face was red, his eyes were watering.

It made her cry even more.

"Such beautiful vows, we know they're from the heart and we all pray for a marriage wealthy and healthy in the eyes of God. Bless you both in the name of Jesus Christ, today, February 12, 2022, what God has blessed, let no man tarnish. Blessings of the Father in Heaven for Mr. and Mrs. Hendrik, you are now man and wife, kiss your bride,"

Gunnar hugged his wife and kissed her briefly.

He understood that private intimacy was something they both cherished

"Thank you for loving me,"

-

One Year Later

"Thank you for loving me,"

Selene wiped her eyes and kissed Gunnar's cheek. "That's always my favorite part to watch,"

Gunnar smiled. "I meant it too, dove. My lovey dove,"

"Seriously? What happened to the discreet and private people on the video? Dad, seriously, you're gross. Mom, don't ruin my eyes,"

Selene kissed Gunnar's cheek again and kissed Peter's head. "We love each other, Peter. And we want you to know what that looks like, something healthy, but not overbearing and inappropriate," She explained to the ten-year-old boy.

Peter's cheeks grew warm and he hugged her tightly. "I was only kidding, momma. It's nice to see parents love each other, arguing is scary," He told her and buried his face in her neck.

"You know that we'll never do that in front of you, I don't ever want to do it at all." Gunnar told his son firmly. "Speaking of parents and family, the Carpenter's are almost here. Get your room tidy and make space for Jace,"

Peter jumped away from Selene but kissed her cheek before running upstairs.

"That boy loves them," She noted and sat on Gunnar's lap. "I love you, Gunnar."

Gunnar kissed her on the lips. "I love you, Selene. My queen, my heart, my love, my darling, my super love, my wife, Mrs. Hendrik," He pecked her lips with every name.

She giggled. "My handsome gentleman, I'm ready to see little Malina and Mora, those are the cutest babies I've ever seen," She gushed while thinking of Honeydew and Beau's twins.

They were both named after a fruit, only not as obvious as Honeydew.

Malina meant Raspberry and Mora meant Blueberry.

"They just about the most giggly babies too, just cute,"

They loved the twins. And Selene felt no envy towards Honeydew for having twins.

She couldn't.

Not when they had sweet little Peter.

He was initially their foster child, but after his home life got worse, they adopted him. That happened two months after they got married, he was a blessed addition to their family.

He loved and appreciated them with his whole heart and they felt the same.

"How would you feel if we fostered more kids?"

Gunnar kissed her shoulder. "I'd say, how many? Ten?"

"Really? We could have ten? Don't mess with me, Gunnar," Selene brushed his cheek lovingly.

She loved having Peter around, but she knew that there were countless kids out there in need of love and stability.

Something she longed for years of her life.

And she wanted every kid to have a chance to have love.

"I ain't, dove. We got the space, Peter'd love it, I love it, you love it, we can do it,"

Selene hummed. He was right. "You're right, and Jace would love the extra cousins to play with,"

"Call Bruce and we'll tell him the news,"

Selene hugged Gunnar tightly.

Fostering many children wouldn't be easy. They could have kids in and out of their home, but their hearts were ready to handle it.

"Thank you, those kids deserve love."

A tear ran down her cheek.

This was for her Cherub. And for little Selene.

-

Five Years Later

"Dad, how'd you beat me? You're old! I'm young! It doesn't make sense!"

Gunnar chuckled and drank his Powerade. "Kenton, your old dad is in great shape. You ain't, end of discussion," He winked.

"I-i, whew, gimme a second to breathe. We can't go on like this! I'll turn into a puddle of blonde mud, my mom and dad would be devastated," Jace complained as he leaned against a wall to calm his heart.

Gunnar eyed the sixteen-year-old boy. He would never grow out of his silliness.

"You're worse than Malina and Mora, they make me carry them through the house and steal cookies for them! Those girls are greedy and selfish, mom never makes a few dozens just for me, I always have to share," Jace continued his complaint

Peter rolled his eyes.

"Says you! You need more veggies in your diet, Jace."

"Luke! Finish strongly, your ma's got some good dinner cookin. She mentioned somethin bout some chicken noodle soup," Gunnar called out to the slow-running boy.

They were lazy.

All of them.

So he made them run with him to stay from getting in trouble, or just being idle.

They were all good kids, but playing video games rotted their brains.

"Dad, we aren't training for an Ironman run! Please, ease up next time," Luke panted as he neared the house. "I can't do this," He slid down the wall and poured water over his head.

The screen door opened from the deck and out came Selene.

Lovely dove.

She was holding little Grace.

She was only five months and looked just like Selene.

Beautiful.

A surrogate carried the sweet baby girl, blessed Selene with a baby of her own.

Before her surgery, the Doctors froze a few of her eggs, which resulted in Grace coming to be.

God was good.

"Alright, boys! Come shower and sit at the table for dinner!"

Luke jumped up and ran into the house, kissing both Selene and Grace's heads.

"Yes ma'am!" The rest of the boys said and walked into the house.

Gunnar followed behind them and kissed Selene briefly as he walked in.

"Hey, sweetie," He cooed to little Grace. "Daddy missed his little Gracie. Kissy, kissy," He pecked her cheeks and enjoyed the sound of her giggles.

"I love you, dove." He kissed Selene's cheeks. "I talked to the boys and girls, they'll be home for Thanksgiving. I got em all on a flight Monday, they'll leave Sunday,"

They currently had eight adopted kids through fostering.

In order of when they came Peter, Jonathan, Luke, Mickey, Abigail, Kenton, Shawna, and Holly-Ann.

They ended up fostering fifteen over the years, but they all kept in touch as they aged out of the system.

Some went back to their parents, some stayed till they turned eighteen, all of them were loved thoroughly.

It was a blessing.

The Hendriks had family and love.

Something Gunnar and Selene longed for years ago.

God's faithfulness never failed to amaze them.

And their love for each other never faltered. They never argued as promised to Peter years ago, but also to each other.

"And what about Genesis? Will she be joining us? I really want to see little Katie!"

Genesis was married to a man named Samuel Dillings and they had a two-year-old, Katie Jean.

Gunnar cried when he saw the little darling and found that Genesis named her after Kaitlyn.

It was a precious moment.

And speaking of precious moments, since Thanksgiving was coming up, the Hendriks and Carpenter's always had dinner with each other.

This year, the Hendriks were hosting and everyone would be there.

Selene always enjoyed seeing everyone all together.

Even Honeydew's parents came from time to time.

It was a family affair.

"She's coming sooner, they oughta be here tomorrow,"

Selene beamed. "Oh, how wonderful!" She giggled as Grace kissed her chin. "My sweet Gracie Joy!"

"I love you," Gunnar told his wife. He loved her and it got better every single day.

Selene hugged him and Grace kissed his chin. "I love you too, now go get showered. Gracie and I don't like all that sweat and man smell," She scrunched her nose and pulled away from him.

"You know I don't believe you, dove. You love all of me,"

Selene gently shoved him. "Okay, I lied. Just get clean," She rolled her eyes and walked back into the house.

-

Jace groaned in anguish and made a pain-stricken face at Honeydew.

Honeydew shook her head and elbowed Beau. "Talk to your son, he's being silly,"

Beau didn't have to look to know what Jace was doing.

He hadn't grown out of his special quirks and everyone accepted that fact.

However, he could be immature at times.

"Jace, we'll eat when Hunter and Brylee get here. Get some soda for now, you'll be fine, bud."

Jace's frown turned into a smile at his dad's advice. "Okay, but if they aren't here in five minutes, I won't be responsible for eating the entire turkey," He wiggled his brows and ran to the kitchen.

"Mommy, why come Jace gets to eat the turkey and we don't?" Malina asked with a pout.

Selene cooed at the cute little girl, she had no clue how Honeydew and Beau could say no to either of them.

Gunnar walked into the living room with Grace in his right arm and Katie in his left arm.

"Ain't these just the cutest little ladies on this side of the Mississippi? I love my girls," He kissed their cheeks and Katie giggled.

"Mama! Paw Paw is silly!" Katie said to Genesis, who watched with a sentimental smile.

"Lemme see Grace," Beau reached for the little darling and Gunnar placed her in his arms. "I swear, I never thought you'd make cute babies, Gunnar. Selene, you got a lovely daughter," He winked at Gunnar and tickled the baby girl.

"Dad! Why'd you invite us all home if we still have to share a room? At least add on to the house," Mickey complained as she walked into the living room, the rest of her siblings followed.

Gunnar looked at Selene, who looked back at him.

"Mickey, you been home for three days. Why complain now?" He asked calmly.

She shrugged and kissed his cheek. "Because I know that you'll listen! Where's Hunter and Brylee? I'm starved," She passed out on the couch between Honeydew and Selene.

"Mom, I'm trying to keep my stomach from caving in. You know, I didn't eat dinner last night or breakfast this morning to make space for dinner today?" Luke commented and sat beside Gunnar. "Gimme thirty bucks, I need pizza!" He begged his father.

Jonathan chuckled and threw Luke a granola bar. "Eat this and hush, please."

Luke rolled his eyes at his brother but opened the bar happily.

Complaining always worked.

"All of your worries are over! Hunter Carpenter is here!"

Jace ran from the kitchen and jumped on Hunter. "Finally!" He yelled in his ear and hugged him tightly. "I missed you,"

Aww.

Brylee walked in beside him and waved at everyone with her right hand. "Sorry we're late, traffic was terrible,"

-

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

There was peace in the heart and mind of every person at the table.

God was with them and they all knew it well.

Their lives were all living proof of God's faithfulness.

Those without parents could say they were adopted, just as Selene did when God saved her.

Love was what kept them all together.

Love that covered a multitude of sins, which they indeed needed.

But it was something more than that.

They all lived with the knowledge of their redemption through Christ. They all lived to serve the One that saved them.

It was beautiful.

And as they went around the table finding things to be grateful for, they all had one thing in common.

"We'll start with the youngest, Grace can't talk, but I know that she's grateful for her family, love, peace, joy, and God's love. I remember when she was just born, I would read the Bible to her and she loved the Gospels more than anything. She would show her little gums and I'd keep reading," Selene looked down at the blessing in her arms.

Grace Joy.

"I-i love my little Gracie," She still got emotional when thinking of how her baby came to be. This was her first Thanksgiving.

Gunnar placed his hand on top of hers and nodded in understanding. "She loves you too, dove."

Selene laughed airily and rocked her baby gently.

What a blessing she was.

"It's Katie Jean's turn," Genesis said. "What are you thankful for?"

Katie looked at her daddy and tugged his hand. She whispered in his ear and he hummed.

"Katie says she's thankful for love and happiness, and for the way God keeps scary monsters out of her dreams." Samuel announced, making everyone smile.

She was a cutie.

"My turn!" Malina said. "I'm thankful for everyone in the world who isn't being evil, but loving and being kind. But not letting people be rude to them, people who are kind and strong. I'm thankful for my mommy, daddy, Jacey, Hunter, and everyone else here! And my sister, Mora, I love her so so much. And I love God and Jesus, they're my best friends! And Mora too!" She recited proudly and hugged Mora.

"Now me!" Mora waved at everyone. A dramatic pointer Jace taught her to catch attention.

Jace winked at her. He was proud.

"I'm thankful for everything Malina is thankful for, but also for my teacher! I love Mommy, Daddy, Jace, Hunter,  and everyone too! And Malina! And Baby! But he's not a Baby anymore, he's a old dog, but he's still named Baby. And God and Jesus