OCTOBER 1911
IN THE TINY ANTEROOM of St. Rita’s church, Brianna settled the tiara on top of Colleen’s fiery curls while Mama arranged the lace veil. When Brianna stepped back to see the full effect of her sister arrayed in a sheath of ivory satin and lace, she bit her lip to stop the flood of emotion.
My sister is getting married.
“Do not start crying now, Bree, or I’ll cry, too.”
Colleen’s mock sternness made Brianna laugh. “I can’t help it. I’m so happy for you and Rylan.” She took another long look at Colleen, then turned to adjust her own attire.
Today, in her satin bridesmaid dress, Brianna felt every bit as stunning as the bride.
“Your turn will be here before you know it,” Mama whispered behind her.
“It’s all right, Mama. I don’t mind waiting until the time is right for me.” She picked up a posy of asters from the small table near the door. “I can’t believe Daddy is allowing Colleen to marry Rylan so quickly. How did you manage to persuade him?”
Mama chuckled. “I still have a trick or two up my sleeve when it comes to your father. Facing his mortality has allowed James to see the important things in life. Like his daughters’ happiness.” She reached up to tuck a stray curl into place behind Brianna’s ear, where a pearl earring bobbed. “Seeing you in this dress may make Gil reconsider his offer to wait three more years. You look as beautiful as the bride.”
“Thank you, Mama.” Brianna drew her into a hug.
“God has been so good to us. If only Adam were here, everything would be perfect.”
The fact that Adam had ignored Mama’s plea to come home for the wedding was the one blight on this happy day.
A knock sounded at the door. Brianna straightened, shooing Colleen to one side. “I’ll get this. You stay out of sight.”
She cracked the door an inch, enough to see Rylan and Gil on the other side, resplendent in their tails. With their dark coloring and hair slicked back in the same fashion, the two were enough alike to be brothers. “What are you doing here? Don’t you know it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding?”
“I told you.” Gil thumped Rylan on the shoulder.
Brianna opened the door enough to wedge herself through the tight opening.
Gil’s eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open. “You are breathtaking.” He moved forward to grasp Brianna’s hand and bring it to his lips.
Brianna’s cheeks grew hotter by the minute. “And you both look very handsome.”
She pulled her attention to Rylan, who shifted from one foot to the other, fingers plucking at the cufflink on his sleeve. Her heart softened at his panicked expression. “Is everything okay?”
“Colleen’s taking so long. I wanted to make sure she hadn’t changed her mind.”
Brianna laid a soothing hand on his arm. “I’ve never seen a bride more certain of her decision.”
Rylan’s shoulders sagged as a relieved sigh whooshed out. “Praise be to heaven. I don’t know what I’d do without her. I love her more than I ever imagined possible.”
Brianna smiled. “Just a few minutes more and she’ll be all yours. You’d better go. Send Daddy back. It’s time for him to walk her down the aisle.”
She turned to Gil. “You, too.”
Gil grinned and bent to give her a lingering kiss before following Rylan down the hall.
Brianna returned to the anteroom, unable to erase the smile from her face. Gil looked so incredibly handsome in his suit it made her insides quiver. She’d never really allowed herself to believe the day would come when she and Gil could openly declare their feelings for each other, never mind be planning a future together.
“You look more lovesick than I do,” Colleen teased from her spot in front of the full-length mirror.
Brianna laughed and came to give her sister a hug. “Wait until you see your groom. He’s almost as handsome as my fiancé.”
The hug suddenly became tighter as Colleen clutched Brianna closer. “I’m so glad we’re finally acting like true sisters. And that you agreed to be my maid of honor.”
Brianna squeezed her back. “I expect you to do the same for me in a few years.”
“I’d be delighted.” Colleen pulled away with a loud sniff and reached for her bouquet of fall flowers.
Another knock sounded in the room, and her father poked his head inside. “Are you two ready? The crowd is growing restless—not to mention the groom and best man.”
“I’m ready, Daddy.” Glowing, Colleen went to meet him.
The sight of tears standing in her father’s eyes almost undid Brianna’s control.
“Ah, look at my two beautiful girls. God has certainly blessed this family.”
“Yes, He has.” Colleen slipped her hand through Daddy’s arm and nodded to Brianna. “Come on, Bree. Let’s go put our men out of their misery.”
A few minutes later, organ music filled the air, and Brianna pressed a hand to her stomach, willing the chorus of butterflies to settle down. She paused at the entrance as every head swiveled to watch her begin her march up the aisle. She took a moment to drink in the details of this sacred event—the familiar wooden pews filled with friends and neighbors, the rich scent of candles and flowers permeating the church, and dear Mrs. Shepherd plucking at the organ. Seated in the first row with Connor, Deirdre, and little Delia, Mama pressed a gloved hand to her mouth, and Brianna knew she was fighting a rush of happy tears. Behind her, a throat cleared—Daddy’s signal to get a move on.
As she glided in measured steps down the aisle, her gaze moved to the head of the church where Gil and Rylan stood tall and proud beside Reverend Filmore, love shining on their handsome faces.
At that moment, a bold ray of sunshine prismed through the stained glass window, flooding the altar area with a beautiful array of colors. Brianna’s smile widened, thinking that God’s happiness had made itself manifest in the sanctuary—His personal stamp of approval on this rather unconventional, yet holy, marriage.
Filled with gratitude for God’s great gifts in her life—the blessing of Gil’s love, her father’s long-awaited approval, as well as Colleen and Rylan’s faith-filled union—Brianna sighed with perfect contentment.
Today would indeed be a monumental day!