David leaned over pressing his lips to Susan’s and feeling her tiny gasp of surprise before she leaned in, wrapping her arms around his neck.
The kiss was sweet, full of hope and promise and all of the things he wanted to say and didn’t know how. A single kiss. A new beginning. A promise of adventures to come.
Epilogue
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
Susan turned in a slow circle looking down at the gorgeous gown wrapping her in swaths of satin and crepe. “It’s stunning, Gram,” she smiled looking at her grandmother.
“Well of course it is,” Susan’s mother looked up dabbing at tears as she gazed at her only daughter. “You would make anything look beautiful.”
October had arrived and the long hot days of summer had faded to the cool rich colors of fall. The mountains, bedecked in their autumn splendor were a dazzling back drop of gold and red to her peachy wedding.
“You certainly didn’t waste any time once you found your young man,” Mrs. Holmes grinned. “You rather took your father and me by surprise. All that time at college and no MRS Degree. Now, here you are getting married.”
“Mom,” Susan drawled on a giggle. “You love David, so does Daddy.”
“I know, but a little more time might have been nice. What’s the hurry anyway?”
“David finished his degree and is starting a new job in Athens. Besides what’s the point of waiting when you know someone is right for you?”
Alana and her daughter-in-law swooped in hugging Susan. “We can’t argue with that, can we, Brittney?” Alana asked.
“No, and I know God has brought the two of you together.” Again Susan’s mother dabbed at her eyes. “Come on, don’t dawdle,” she grinned thrusting a bouquet of pink and white roses into Susan’s hands. “Your father will have his tie off before you’re under the arches at this rate.”
Together the three women laughed, opening the door and stepping out onto a perfectly manicured lawn. Susan had decided that she wanted her wedding to take place at her ancestral home under a bright Georgia sun, much to her grandmother’s delight.
The entire house had been turned upside down, the large kitchen was now a caterer’s dream, and the backyard looked like something from a romance movie set.
Pots of late fall flowers held a white paper path against the slightest breeze. Several of her friends, draped in modern dresses of the palest peach waited at the end of the line, where a tall white arch took center stage.
Susan squeezed her father’s arm, her stomach full of butterflies. “I’m ready,” she whispered, looking up at the man who had given her his love and strength throughout the years.
“I’m not,” Mr. Holmes smiled, patting her hand. “I am happy for you sweetheart,” he added, leaning down and kissing her cheek. “You picked a real keeper.”
Susan’s light laugh echoed down the gossamer pathway lifting David’s eyes in her direction, and his brilliant smile outshone the sun. Even from the back of the line, she could see the love in his caramel colored eyes.
Today her whole world was changing. The old would pass away, and a new life waited on the other side of this moment.
Susan’s heart fluttered, taking in the handsome man in the black tuxedo, who only had eyes for her, as she fell into slow step with her father.
The sun was warm on Susan’s bare shoulders as her father slipped her hand into David’s, and the world seemed to turn, shifting and righting itself as David squeezed her fingers in his.
“Hi beautiful,” David whispered turning them both to face the preacher as a sense of peace engulfed Susan. She had given her whole being to God, and now, He had given her heart to the wonderful man at her side.
Susan smiled as the preacher began to speak, soaking in the joyous wonder of the day. The truth of the vows, their solid promise sealing her heart to David as words were spoken and rings exchanged. She never could have believed that a few questions about the mysterious painted ponies could have led to this day. What a wondrous and marvelous world.
The ceremony turned to the reception, a huge affair in the back yard that extended to the wide wraparound porch, graced with propane heaters, to ward of the chill for those more susceptible to cold.
Susan giggled as David took her hand leading her out onto a small wooden dance floor that had been erected for the occasion.
“I’m glad you’re happy,” he said, pulling her close as the music began.
“I am.” Susan looked up, her blue eyes full of love and joy. “I’m also laughing because half the people here are your cousins.”
David’s chuckle rolled through her as they began to dance. “I do have a lot of cousins.” The handsome man led her around the dance floor while others began to join them, moving to the music with light steps. “Is that your grandmother?” David looked over Susan’s shoulder, spinning her so that she could see.
“Oh my goodness, Gram is dancing with Mr. Coatins.” Susan gaped.
“They’re really cutting a rug too, if I remember my terminology right.” David chuckled again. “Do you think she likes him?”
“David?” Susan laughed turning her attention back to him. “My grandmother likes everyone.”
David twirled his beautiful wife as the music continued. He never would have believed this day would come. “She does have good taste,” he grinned again. “After all she loves me.”
“How could anyone resist such charm,” Susan slipped closer looking up into David’s eyes. “I couldn’t.”
David lowered his head as the world around him faded, leaving only the two of them on the earth as his lips met hers once more.
The whoops and loud cheers of their guests pulled the couple back to reality, and David laughed again at the bright blush on Susan’s face.
“Is it truly over?” Susan asked holding tight to David’s hand as they
