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THE WEDDING WAS AS unique and beautiful as Willow and Nick’s love for each other.
Willow was a ray of colorful sunshine in her rainbow dress. Nick wore a T-shirt with a picture of Solomon proclaiming his love to one of his brides. Kennedy couldn’t remember the exact quote from Song of Solomon, but it had something to do with comparing his beloved to a cow.
If the Copper Lake pastor was surprised by the unconventionality of the ceremony, he didn’t show it. Kennedy figured that informality must somehow play into Alaskan culture, since even Pastor Reggie showed up in jeans and flannel. Baby Rylee was the most dressed up out of everybody in a white baby gown that had once belonged to Willow’s grandmother. Unfortunately, she slept through the procession, and Willow never did get the flower girl she’d been hoping for.
Pastor Reggie kept the ceremony short and simple. Willow and Nick had written their own vows, and after they exchanged the rings, Pastor Reggie led them in a heartfelt prayer. After he asked God to bless their union, they signed the marriage license, and Pastor Reggie went home, taking several dishes full of leftovers to share with his family.
“Well, now,” Willow’s dad announced, “it’s taken me twenty-one years to say this, but I finally have a son to call my own. Welcome to our family.” He gave Nick an embrace large enough that it nearly swallowed him up.
Willow and her mom were both wiping tears off each other’s faces, and Kennedy felt more than a little out of place.
Judson cleared his throat. “And now, a toast to the happy couple. Willow, I know that you’re a grown woman, fully confident in your capabilities, fully assured of yourself, but there’s a part of me that’s always going to look on you as my Willow Willow Armadillo, the little girl who tried bungee-jumping off the chicken coop when she was seven and had to wear a leg cast for two months one summer. And now you’re in a cast again, but you’re not letting that slow you down. And I’m sure at some point you’ll look at your feet and wish that you could get all ten toes manicured so you can show them off in those cute little sandals you like to buy, but instead of feeling sad or ashamed, I hope you’ll always realize how proud we are to have a daughter who would sacrifice herself not only for her friend but for a perfect stranger who needed you. Little Rylee may not have survived if it weren’t for you, and we have no idea how long she’s going to be part of our family, but she’s already made it so much richer. It’s been over two decades since we had someone this little to share Christmas love with.
“As for you, Nick, I mean it when I say I couldn’t wish for a better, more suitable spouse for my daughter. You and Willow complement each other so well, and I’m not ashamed to admit that you’ve taught this old dog a few new tricks. I had no idea there were Christians who were so committed to social justice and freedom. You put every single liberal who makes sweeping generalizations about how all Christ-followers are bigoted racists to shame, and I’m glad you proved them and me wrong.
“As for you, Willow Willow Armadillo, I’m speaking for your mother and me both when I tell you that we are so happy you’ve found a relationship with the divine that has obviously made you so happy and fulfilled and given your life a new purpose. And whatever crazy adventures the universe throws your way, I want you both to know you always have a home for you here in Copper Lake.
“Which is why we want to talk to you about your wedding present. You’re down-to-earth, folksy kids. My guess is as long as you have food and shelter and Willow has a little pocket money to spend on her hair dyes and manicures, you won’t have a care in the world. But your mother and I have talked it over, and we’ve decided it’s time. We’re splitting up the homestead. Willow, you’re getting your grandpa’s old cabin and half of the hay field, including the income it generates. Nick, I don’t know how good you are with tools, but if you don’t mind a little sweat and blisters, I guarantee you that over the summer we can make it not only livable but a place you can truly call home. But it’s yours to do with whatever you like. Your mom and I mean that. You can sell it and go abroad for a few years, you can rent it out and finish up college, you can stay here and raise goats or chickens or grandbabies or whatever. It’s entirely up to you. Our only stipulation is that you are both in perfect agreement with each other with whatever decision you make.”
Willow wrapped her arms around her dad’s neck and gave him and her mom noisy kisses on their cheeks, while Nick looked almost as shocked and woozy as if he’d just seen a needle coming straight at him.
“You guys are the best,” Willow said and picked up her glass. “To the most wonderful family in the world.”
“You sure you’re supposed to be the one giving the toast?” Mr. Winters asked.
“Just drink with me,” Willow laughed, and everybody obeyed.