Epilogue

 

Ten months later, Nila tried in vain to keep her bouquet still. No matter how hard she concentrated, it shook. She hadn’t expected nervousness. She’d been anxious for this day to arrive, and now she was just anxious. She peeked through the crack between the sanctuary doors.

The place was packed. So many people.

Her flowers shook so violently she was afraid they’d fall apart. She heard a faint rustle and louder whispers. She looked through the crack again.

Pastor Dave, Jason, and Will walked to their places at the front of the church. Her groom stood tall and incredibly handsome.

She sighed. Her heart fluttered.

“It’s time, sweetie.” Melody fussed with Nila’s headpiece of autumn flowers. “You look absolutely gorgeous. I can’t wait to see my son’s face when you walk down the aisle.”

After one more hug, Melody offered her arm to the waiting usher. As the double doors opened, she looked back at Nila and mouthed, “I love you.”

Nila blinked rapidly. No tears. Not today. She leaned down and kissed the top of little Jessica’s head as Faith took her daughter’s hand.

Her almost-sister-in-law in the role of Nila’s bridesmaid grinned. “This is it. Let’s do it.”

Nila knew she should watch Faith and Jessica, her flower girl, so she’d be ready when it was time to start down the aisle. But as soon as Will’s gaze connected with hers, everything else faded.

His look held her. His love filled her. This was their day.

The music swelled into “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”

The congregation stood.

That was her cue.

She took a deep, calming breath. And walked down the aisle to her man, her love, and her future.