Anna

1984

HIS NAME WAS WALTER CUNNINGHAM, A SUCCESSFUL real estate developer. He was six feet four inches tall, blond-haired and blue-eyed, and was about the prettiest man Anna had ever laid eyes on. She’d met him for the first time when snow still blanketed the ground on the Leonard ranch. She’d fallen in love with Walter by the time the first wildflowers appeared. He’d asked her to marry him on a warm August night as falling stars glittered across the heavens.

And today, the first day of autumn, was her wedding day.

Fifty-four years old and a bride at last. Who would have thought it? Not her. She’d long ago given up on falling in love again or ever getting married. She hadn’t minded. Not really. She’d had sweet memories of Miles. She’d had the joy of watching Richard grow up and then again the joy of watching Chet grow up. She’d had work she loved in a place she loved. She had many good friends. Her life had been full. So very full. And it was about to get more so.

It surprised her that she’d had the courage to say yes to Walter. Not only to marriage but to leaving the Leonard ranch, leaving Kings Meadow, leaving Idaho. A new adventure.

She smiled at her reflection in the mirror.

Life itself was an adventure. With God lighting the way ahead, she could walk bravely into the future, wherever it took her. The Lord had sustained and blessed her through the last fifty-four years. He would sustain and bless her through however many years were yet to come.