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Josh and Maggie never did make it back to Honey Tree Farm before they returned to Atlanta. In their condo Maggie unpacked while Josh sorted through the pile of mail they had picked up from the post office.
“Maggie, here’s a letter from Florida. It's postmarked Arcadia.” Josh handed it to her.
She tore the envelope open and took out the single sheet of paper. Tears welled up as she read the short note. Unable to speak, she handed it to Josh.
As he read it, his voice shook with emotion.
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Dear Maggie and Josh,
I’m sorry to tell you that my Grandma passed away during the night the day you left.
The next morning, when I went to check on her she was in her rocker on the porch. It was sudden and peaceful. She had the most wonderful expression on her face. She always said that her Jesse would come home to her, and I believe that he did that night.
I know she enjoyed her company and her story. She would want you to know.
Sincerely,
Travis Sullivan
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“Oh Josh,” Maggie sniffed, “She was such a sweet woman.”
Josh held Maggie in his arms.
“I was thinking,” Josh began. “Do we have to wait until Thanksgiving and have a big church wedding here in Atlanta? What if we had a small church wedding in a month or so?”
“Josh, have you been reading my mind again?” Maggie smiled.
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In early May, Josh and Maggie stood on the steps of a little white church in Myakka. There before parents, friends, Barry and Deidra, Travis and his family, they heard the preacher say, “I now pronounce you man and wife and you may kiss the bride.”
