Bridal Veil Page 16
Polly met Laurel’s wagon at the church. “I pinned the boutonnieres on the grooms’ lapels after they both tried and managed to stab themselves.”
Daddy carried Laurel into the back of the church so her hem wouldn’t get dusty. Before setting her on her feet, he whispered, “Your mama and I prayed for the right man for you. We’re sure God’s listened to our prayers.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
Greta and her family arrived. Soon the pianist started the processional, and Greta’s sisters and Laurel’s cousins walked in to serve as bridesmaids. Rather than have the “Bridal March” played twice, Greta and Laurel had decided to have their fathers escort them down the side aisles of the church simultaneously. Clutching her flowers and her father’s arm, Laurel walked along as if in a dream.
Last night, after telling her he loved her, Gabe had promised, “I’ll meet you in the middle tomorrow.”
Now he did just that. Daddy led her around the edge, up to the middle of the front of the church and placed her hand in Gabriel’s. They spoke their sacred vows and shared communion. Parson Abe invited Gabe to greet his bride. Laurel shivered in anticipation as Gabe reached for the edge of her veil. Their kiss held the promise of a blessed future.
Later, as they all ate at the wedding feast, someone asked, “Are you going on a honeymoon?”
Gabe nodded. “I’m taking my bride to Wawona.”
Paxton laughed. “I think that’s called returning to the scene of the crime.”
Johnna poked him. “You be nice. Yosemite’s beautiful. I’ll bet nothin’s purdier than Bridal Veil in the early autumn.”
Gabe turned to Laurel and dipped his head. He whispered in her ear, “Almost nothing. I’ve discovered a different bridal veil on a unique beauty. She stole my heart.”
Laurel turned toward him. “Heart and soul—now we can be one.”
“Whooo-ooo-ie. Lookit the lovebirds,” one of the Mac-Phersons shouted out. “Go on, give yore gal a kiss.”
“Don’t mind if I do,” Caleb said loudly.
Gabe reached up and kissed his fingertips as Laurel did the same. Their fingers then met in the middle as their laughter carried the anticipation of many years of happiness.
About the Author
CATHY MARIE HAKE is a Southern California native who loves her work as a nurse and Lamaze teacher. She and her husband have a daughter, a son, and two dogs, so life is never dull or quiet. Cathy considers herself a sentimental packrat, collecting antiques and Hummel figurines. In spare moments, she reads, bargain hunts, and makes a huge mess with her new hobby of scrapbooking.
A note from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Cathy Marie Hake
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PO Box 721
Uhrichsville, OH 44683