Chapter Twelve

“What a beautiful morning… for a wedding!” Angie opened her eyes suddenly. Yes, this was definitely not her room she noted as her eyes ran across the ceiling and down the expensive looking curtains.

Today was the day her dear friends were getting married. Between a convey of cars and a few booked out carriages on the train, they had all made their way upstate to the luxurious Golf & Country Club where the wedding was to be held—and after a fun night of pampering, the four girls had finally fell asleep in the large suite.

Sitting up Angie noticed Josey, who was already up and gazing out the window. “It’s your wedding day!” She screamed, waking up the other two girls with a start.

“I KNOW! Oh, girls it’s actually here, I don't think I can eat breakfast, and that’s a terrible thing for me.” She lamented. They all laughed at her.

“Sure, you can Josey, it’s only six in the morning, we can wait a few hours.” Evelyn teased.

“Relax yourself for a bit. Pray or read or something!” Gertie said to her. “That will help you stay calm.”

“Yes, you're right, I have prayed and committed everything to the Lord. Thankfully I’m not nervous or scared, just excited and ready for the day to start.” She smiled. “In all honesty, I don’t think I could manage to focus on reading a single stanza right now!” She replied with a laugh. “But maybe one of you could go and get us some coffee?” She finished with a soulful, puppy dog look, on her face.

“Ok, just because it’s your wedding day! “Evelyn replied. At that she pulled on her long overcoat and with Gertie in tow went in search for coffee and something tasty to munch on.

“Thanks!” Josey called after them as she shut the bedroom door. “Think I’ll get myself washed and ready for the lady to come and fix my hair. That means I can calmly enjoy my coffee when the girls come back and then you can all get ready.” She told Angie, who after waking so suddenly and alertly had somehow drifted back into that twilight stage.

She mumbled an encouraging reply. “That sounds like a plan!” And with that Josey went into the adjoining dressing room and Angie happily snuggled back under the bed covers for a few more moments of sleep.

The morning ran as clockwork with the event planner at the Country Club taking care of absolutely everything that you could imagine. “I wonder how Michael is doing, hope he doesn't have second feelings about this?” Josey shared her thoughts with Ms P and the girls.

“Now Josephine, don’t be worrying yourself with the likes of that. That young man is head over heels for you; I just spoke with his mother before I came up here. She says, he is overwhelmed that God picked you to be his wife”

“Aww Ms P, thanks!” Josey cried. They group hugged and giggled and cried a bit more.

“Get it all out now, you don’t want to be sobbing as you walk down the aisle!” Evelyn advised, and more laughter ensued.

Michael, Tony, (who was best man) and the rest of the groomsmen were getting ready in one of the guest cabins located on the grounds. With everything else taken care of the bubbly bride was able to focus on getting ready and enjoying the moment. Josey was truly thankful to Michael’s family for it was them who had made it all happen!

“The hair lady is here.” Gertie shouted as she opened the door and welcome the slightly startled lady in. Obviously, she wasn't amused and didn't quite know what to think at the strange and informal introduction, but thankfully Ms Potts properly welcomed and introduced her to Josey, as Gertie all the while playfully pulled funny faces in an effort to fluster Ms Potts.

“Never mind the young ladies Ms Heisenberg, they’re all in an excitement, as I’m sure you can imagine.” Ms Potts explained to the stiff lady, who seemingly ignored her and began to set up her different hair utensils in the dressing room. Josey giggled and took her seat.

An hour later and her work was finished; with a smile and polite goodbye she left them to it.

“Well, for all her lacking in social skills, I must say she did a marvelous job!” Josey face shining with delight, admired her hair and everyone else’s too, for she had fixed up Ms Potts who was honorary mother of the bride and the three bridesmaids.

“You are radiating dear. Now let me add a little touch of makeup.” Ms Potts pulled out a smaller purse. Every young lady has a right to a bit of help on her wedding day.” She smiled, as she applied some rouge to Josey’s lips and a dusting of light pink powder to her cheeks. “There you go and it looks like a natural healthy glow, if I do say so myself!” She nodded her head in self-approval.

“Thank you, Ms P!” Josey exclaimed.

With under an hour to go all that was left was for Josey to change into her dress. “Evelyn, could you run and get Mrs Rosie, Michael’s mother, please. I want her here, and I’m sure she would love to be with us for a first glance at the dress before we go to the ceremony.

“Sure thing Josey, I’ll be back in a minute or two.”

They looked at one another and laughed as they heard her charging down the hall like an elephant!

“Gosh, I’m gonna miss her!” Angie giggled. “Going to miss all of you; I think Mistysprings will seem pretty quiet for a while!”

Moments later Mrs O’Bryan entered the room and rushing over to Josey gave her a big hug and with tear filled eyes welcomed her into the family. “There’s no one else I would rather have to be the wife of my precious son than you, Josephine.” She shared. “From the moment, we met–and even before—by just observing the change in Michael, we knew you were his perfect fit and I am delighted to have you as a daughter!” With tears in their eyes, they embraced again.

“Thank you, Rosie, this means so much to me! I truly love your son and with God’s help, will be the wife he deserves!” Everyone hugged Mrs O’Bryan and then at Ms Potts ushering, Josey proceeded to change into her gown.

“Come on girls, let’s help her into this dress!” Evelyn instructed.

“You look absolutely beautiful Josey” Angie gasped as they stood outside the bedroom door watching her walk out.

“Thanks, you all do too!” Josey replied with a smile. “I’m so happy!”

“That’s good dear, and your dress fits you perfectly.” Ms Potts assured her.

Considering the hot weather, the girls were glad Josey had opted for an elegant looking lace dress with a beautiful flower garland upon her head that held the long veil in place.

The party made their way to the bottom of the stairs where Professor Green stood waiting to escort the Bride down the aisle.

“Oh, you look like an angel!” He praised her as she grabbed a hold of his arm. “Ready?” Josey nodded her head and they made their way to the chapel.

Once there, the girls ensured her dress and veil were sitting perfectly and the ceremony started. The procession continued until they were all in place and then the famous key change happened as the bridal march was played.

Everyone stood up and Michael turned around to see his bride walk down the aisle towards him. He gave the Professor a hug and gladly took Josey’s hand to walk her the last few steps to the altar.

The vicar started by welcoming everyone to the special and holy day. He went on to described the holiness of marriage before introducing Josey's aunt, who read a heartfelt passage about the love of God. Everyone said their amen and entered into a joyous hymn chosen by the young couple. Then the final and most important moment came; it was time for the exchange of vows. Angie stood with a look of admiration and joy on her face, watching her friends declare their faith in God and love for one another.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride!” The congregation cheered and the couple began to walk back down the aisle as Mr & Mrs Michael O’Bryan.

“Congratulations! I am so happy for you!” Angie hugged Josey and Michael as they all had a few moments of privacy for the signing of the official documents. The friends hugged one another and posed for the photos before joining the rest of the guests in the ballroom for the wedding reception.

“I hope there’s still some finger food left for us.” Gertie whispered to Evelyn and Angie. “I’m desperately hungry now!”

“Surely you must know that there’s not going to be a shortage of food at an Irish wedding.” Evelyn replied with a wink. “Come on let’s eat!”

What a celebration it was! There were speeches from many family members, as was Michael’s family tradition, and then after a sumptuous meal, the chairs and tables were cleared away to reveal a wooden dance floor. The Irish band set up their instruments and the keely began!

“Oh my, I don’t think I’ve ever moved as fast in all my life!” Angie shouted over the music to Gertie and Evelyn.

“I know, this is ridiculously good fun, even better than the last time!” Evelyn shouted back as she took a quick sip of her water before joining in the next folk dance.

“Oh Angie, this is the best day of my life!” Josey gushed.

“I know Josey and it’s going to get better. You and Michael will be the best teaching team that Chicago as ever seen!”

“Do you really think so?”

“Yes, I do! I know you were made for each other and the children will be blessed to have such kind hearted and loving teachers!” Angie replied.

“Thanks Ange, that means a lot. Everything is so new all of a sudden, but I know with God’s help we will adjust to the changes and fulfill His plan for us.” Smiling the beautiful bride continued. “I’m so thankful that you are in my life, and that this is only the end of a chapter and not the end of our friendship!” Angie hugged her tightly as Michael came and with a few words whisked his bride away for another dance.

Looking around Angie surveyed the happy scene. Evelyn was having the time of her life dancing the set pieces to the happy sound of the fiddle. Gertie was to be found chatting with a group of the cousins and obviously enjoying a very dramatic tale that was being illustrated before her eyes.

Chuckling to herself, Angie walked over to pick up some refreshments and take a seat beside Ms P.

“Come on dear, sit yourself down for a moment.” She invited while lifting her cup off the chair beside her. “I’m done for the night, couldn't dance another step even if I so desired!”

Angie giggled. “Me too! What a wonderful day it has been. A great end to this amazing time and a great start to the next.” She took a sip of her water.

“Yes, that is true Angie, the Good Lord is faithful and He has seen us through. I’m so proud of you, settling in like you did, making lifelong friendships and leaving an admirable impression upon the faculty—and graduating with excellence.” Her eyes filled up with happy tears as she finished and patted Angie's knee.

“Thank you. I love you, my dear Ms P, and am looking forward to the day that you and the Professor come stay with us in Mistysprings. I know my parents are most keen on that too.” “Thank you, Angie. We will most certainly make the trip!”

Shortly they were joined by the Professor himself, who came bearing wedding cake for them to sample. The evening wore on and both Gertie and Evelyn made their way over to the group, finishing out their precious time together with many stories of happy memories, funny encounters and even some awkward school accounts.

The evening turned to night and the guests began to bid their final goodbyes. Josey and the girls hugged, cried, laughed, and promised to write as they bid her goodbye. Then Michael came for his bride and the band played their final tune as the guests gathering round clapped and cheered them out of the room.

The girls and Tony sat down at the table to finish their sparkling grape and muster up the energy to make it upstairs to their rooms. At that the Professor and Ms P came over to say goodnight and make plans for the morning.

“Ok Angie dear, we will meet you in the lobby at 7am and take you to the train station. You have your ticket and carriage number, yes?” Ms P double checked before giving them all a hug goodnight.

“Yes, I’m all sorted, just have to pack my dress and such in the morning.” Angie replied and wished them both goodnight.

“Ok, let’s go, before we fall asleep under this table!” Evelyn ordered them. Angie turned and gave Tony a hug goodbye.

“Bye Ange, look after yourself, and stay safe in your carriage on that train!” Tony instructed her.

“Yes, I will Tony!” She replied and jokingly punched his arm. With a fun “See you later type moment!” They said goodbye to him and left the room.

Upstairs and huddled in bed the three girls reminisced about the wonderful day. They laughed, they cried, they talked about the future and of the days gone by.

“Remember that first day, when you burst into my room!” Angie laughed, “I knew from then that we would all be friends for life. Thank you so much for welcoming me into your friendships, as if I too had been with you from the start!” She said with a tear in her eye.

“Oh Ange, you slipped right in as though you had been.” Evelyn said.

“Yes, it was truly a God thing!” Gertie spoke up as they all shed a tear. “And that’s why I’m confident that this is only the beginning for us all” She continued. “Great adventures await and one day it will be our girls all helping one another get ready for a wedding!” She finished with a smile.

“You are right!” Angie laughed at her friend’s long-term thinking.

“Isn't it also remarkable that when September comes, each of us will step into our new positions. I am so glad about that!” Evelyn stated.

“Yes, it’s a blessing for sure, I know some girls who were unable to secure a teaching position for this upcoming year, and have to settle with either assisting or waiting until their spot opens up next year!” Gertie commented.

“Ok, let’s get to sleep; you have to be up and getting dressed in five hours Ange!” Evelyn sleepily muttered. They settled into the peaceful silence and soon enough all were fast asleep, dreaming of weddings and schoolrooms and such like.

The morning arrived all too soon. Angie was up, dressed and enjoying a coffee in the room with her two friends, who were still in the nightwear.

“Right, you better go! Make sure and write as soon as you make it home!” Evelyn instructed.

“Yes ma’am!” Laughing they hugged and bid their final goodbyes as Angie left the room and made her way to the lobby.

“Angie, there you are. Come on, George has organised the carriage to meet us at the front door and the assistant has already loaded your case.” Ms P ushered her along.

With her solitary small bag in hand, Angie climbed into the carriage and sat back sleepily as they made their way the short distance to the small country station.

“Here we are. Everyone out!” The Professor instructed as he reached up his hand to assist both ladies. He had already jumped out and directed a young charge to take the large case into the station loading area.

Once out and adjusted, Angie turned to them, “I love you both so much, thank you for being exactly who you are Ms P.” She warmly embraced her house mother, and thank you for looking after her so well, Professor.” She giggled.

“Come on, give me a hug girl” He smiled and pulled her in for a friendly hug. “On you go, don’t want to miss your train now!” He said as he patted her back.

“Bye, make sure and come to visit!” Angie shouted to them both as she walked away.

“Yes, we will dear!” Ms Potts answered. “And don’t forget to write me once your home safe and sound!” She finished.

“I will! Goodbye!” Angie turned around one last time to wave at them before entering the station.

“Well here goes it, homeward bound,” she said to herself as the train pulled in. Quickly she found her car and as soon as at the attendant made his way round, ordered a hearty breakfast.

Sitting in her seat watching the scenery pass by, Angie wished that Samuel could have made it for the wedding but he had his own graduation functions and medical conferences to attend before making his way home to Mistysprings.

She was looking forward to spending time with him, in person, that was for sure. True they had been together for almost two years now but both of those years could most definitely be described as long distance and Angie was ready for a normal relationship with nothing but a few miles at the most separating them.

Now that she sat there alone on the train she had time to think about the days ahead without any distractions. Samuel was coming back to live in a small apartment on the top floor of the medical building and she would be at her childhood home just outside of town.

“This is perfect, it gives us space and time to grow together, and also it means I get to spend another few months or so with my family, whom I have missed greatly.” Angie muttered as she gazed out at the scenery passing by. Upon hearing her thoughts, she paused, realising that she had very matter-of-fact scheduled a wedding in the not to distance future.

Giggling to herself Angie got up from her seat at the window for she could see no point in trying to sit there awake when it was a few hours until dinner and she had hardly slept the last two nights. With that she closed the curtains and got changed for bed.

“Ah, that feels so good!” She exclaimed as she stretched out on the bed and then pulled the covers right up to her chin; within a few moments she had entered that place of sweet sleep and was completely oblivious to anything else.

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The train ride seemed long and unexciting this time round. Although Angie enjoyed the scenery of a different route, she found that it took a lot of energy to engage in reading or sowing. Such pastimes that would have helped the journey on its way.

“I guess I’m just ready to get home, so that’s a good sign!” She thought while getting ready to eat her breakfast on the last day of travel. “Well, there’s only a couple more hours and it will be over!” She continued her thoughts.

After eating breakfast Angie got out her book settled down to read. A few moments later, she heard the train whistle and looked out the window as a small town came into view. She put her book down and enjoyed the scenery and particularly the crowded station as they pulled in.

“Oh, my! That gentleman looks so much like Samuel from the back!” She exclaimed as the man kept on walking the other way. “I wonder if it’s true and everyone has a double out there, must remember to ask him what he thinks about that.” She thought as she picked up her book again. With a loud whistle, the train chugged out of the station and into the wild expanse of the American countryside.

Moments later there was a knock at the door. “Hello, who is it?” Angie warily asked.

“Lunch order miss.”

“Oh, is it that time already?” She replied while getting up to open the door.

“Why, yes, it is!” An energetic Samuel burst into the carriage.

“Samuel! What are you doing here…? I thought that was you!” Angie talked over herself, as she hugged him tight.

“I missed you Ange, and just couldn't abide the thought of you travelling the whole way yourself again, so I rearranged my route to meet your train and spend the last few hours coming home with you!” She smiled and hugged him again, before, telling him to remove his hat and coat, and have a seat while she ordered them some tea. With a deep chuckle, he obeyed.

“So, you’re bossing me around already!”

“Naturally!” She laughed and sat down beside him. “There’s no one else I’d rather be with, in the entire world!” Angie contentedly said as she rested her head upon his shoulder.

Smiling he held her hand in his. “Me too Ange, me too.”