“Email, text, shout out the invites from the mountain top. I don’t care how you do it, or what it costs, but in two weeks I’m making you my bride.” With a wink, he shut the door behind him with a decided bang.
Faye Carmichael arrived with a happy Darren in tow. “Don’t know what you did with the old Faye,” he teased, “but I have my girl back—the happy one I married all those years ago.”
Matt smiled at Anna then struck up a conversation with his dad about the trip out.
Faye whispered to Anna. “Darren doesn’t know it yet, but he’s got a way better version than he’s ever had. Jesus is really changing me, and Darren is feeling loved by me for the first time in years.”
“Have you told him, Faye?”
“No, this is all too new, and I want to be sure I understand the basics before I start spouting off. I’ve been through New Age, Buddhism, Eastern Meditation, and numerous other strange quests in order to find peace, and I don’t want him thinking I’m on just another kick. Besides, none of those other attempts changed me from the inside out, but this truly is different. I felt it best to show him first, rather than tell him.”
Anna nodded in agreement. “That sounds like wisdom, Faye, I’m so glad you’re here. Can you stay the next two weeks and help me pull off this wedding?”
“Oh, Anna, I’d be delighted and honored to help you.”
The girls fell together. As they hugged and laughed, tears mingled in the mix. Anna took one look at Matt and Darren who stood with questioning looks. “Don’t ask.”
Faye laughed all the more. “Oh, Anna, I love you,” she said as she hugged her again.”
Anna slipped out to the back porch with an early morning coffee and her Bible in hand. She wanted to start her wedding day with her heavenly Father before the whirlwind of celebration began.
Dawn’s pearl-gray sky gave way to gathering light. The sun poked its head above the eastern ridge. Anna breathed in the wonder of a new day as the cloudless sky opened to depths of gentle blue. Warm lemony sunlight shimmered over the valley in a glow of dancing sunbeams that promised a glorious day.
Anna raised her heart in a prayer of thanks before her mind turned to her son Mark. He was the only one who refused to come to the wedding. His negative reply came swiftly via email with the excuse he was too busy at work and couldn’t in good faith support their union.
Anna loved her son. His decision caused deep pain, but she chose to pray and trust that in time, their relationship would once again be restored. Anna’s instinct was to fuss, fret, and fix. God’s wisdom was to love unconditionally and not allow bitterness. Leave the rest to him.
Peace flooded over her as she once again prayed for her son and soaked up God’s joy.
When Anna reached the Lakeside Resort, she breathed easy. Carla had seen to every detail and shooed her off to the dressing room to get ready. Her nails and hair were already done. She fiddled with a sprig of fresh flowers pinned just above one ear. Her waves flowed long and free down her back, just as the doctor ordered. It was Matt’s one and only request for the day.
Anna slipped on her wedding dress with confidence. The ivory gown of flowing tulle ran asymmetrically to the floor showing off a peek of her legs in the front at knee length then cutting diagonally down to brush the floor in the back. She swished in front of the full-length mirror loving the fact the dress was glamorous but not overdone. She had chosen it for its classic A-line simplicity with a splash of elegance. The petal sleeves with three overlapping panels of lace resembled a tulip in bloom, and the sweetheart V in both the front and back permitted a touch of sexy.
She groaned as she slipped on the dreaded high heels but knew they were a must to finish the look.
Lana barged in with a hand-tied bouquet of spring blossoms and Faye close behind.
“Oh my, Anna, don’t you look absolutely stunning.” Faye gushed in delight.
Anna smiled and kicked up one heel. “Lana how do you wear these things all the time? They are sooo uncomfortable.”
Lana laughed. “A girl has to do what a girl has to do. But I’m glad you don’t look this good every day, Anna, or they’d really think me the ugly stepsister.”
Anna swatted at her sister and then gave her a hug. “Let’s go, Sis. Since birth you’ve been my shadow and I yours.” She looped their arms together. “Come, walk me down the aisle.”
Rows of chairs covered in satin and bows led the way toward a flower-encased archway where Jason stood proudly beside Matt. Melody in Matt’s arms entertained the crowd with her loud squeals and happy waves.
The path of rose petals scattered upon the grass and gorgeous lake background blurred in Anna’s view. She had eyes for only one. He stood before her with a smile as wide as the sea and his dimple planted securely in place.
A ringing phone woke Anna and Matt from a deep sleep. Anna rolled out of Matt’s arms and fumbled to answer her cell.
“Anna, come quick.” Her twin sister’s pitch was a few octaves higher than normal. “Lorena’s in labor and wants you there. We’re on our way to the hospital. Things are going quickly.”
Anna jumped into gear and pulled on the set of clothes she had ready for this very moment.
Matt got up and kissed her lips. “Keep me updated. I’ll be there the moment the sitter gets here. I know I’m not supposed to be too excited just in case Lorena decides to keep the baby, but just the thought of being a dad for the second time thrills me.”
Anna grunted in return, annoyed that
