Cassidy held her father’s arm tighter than she intended. Thomas stood in the center of the new suspension bridge over the Susitna waving at her, and she watched the bridge sway.
When Allan told her his idea to get married across the river and up on the ridge, she thought it sounded terribly romantic. But now as she faced crossing the wooden planks in her white wedding gown, she wasn’t sure she’d been thinking straight.
But she did love him. More than she’d thought possible. And she’d follow him anywhere. Even across a footbridge and up a mountain so they could stand in the shadow of Denali and take their wedding vows.
“I’m so glad Grandfather and Grandmother could be here for the wedding. It means the world to me that we’re all a family again.”
Her father nodded. “It would mean the world to your mother as well. I like to think she knows.”
Cassidy nodded and squeezed his arm. “I do too.”
For several seconds they said nothing more. Then with a smile, her father pulled her forward. “Well, they’re all waiting for us. Now, if we can just keep Thomas from bouncing too much on this thing, we might make it across without mishap.” Dad had a twinkle in his eye.
“It is a bit disconcerting, isn’t it? Knowing there’s nothing in the middle holding us up?” Cassidy wasn’t sure how she felt about the gently moving bridge and she leaned over the railing to look down. “But today of all days, I’d rather not give the bridge a hug.”
Dad laughed heartily. “Me neither, sweetheart. Although that would be a story you could pass down to your grandkids one day.”
“Oh, there will be plenty of those.”
Her dad looked at her. “Grandchildren or stories?”
“Both.” She patted his arm. “You can just tell them about all my clumsiness.”
Cassidy took a tentative step. She knew on the other side of the bridge and up the ridge her groom awaited her with friends and family who wanted to be a part of their wedding.
With each step, her courage grew. God had indeed blessed her.
The walk up the ridge trail wasn’t easy in her pretty dress, but Cassidy kept reminding herself it was worth it. They had plenty of time and she enjoyed the conversations she shared with Dad and Thomas.
Grandmother had sewn her dress—a stylish drop-waist satin creation, with layers of filmy white chiffon below the wide satin sash forming a beautiful handkerchief hem. It was the most beautiful dress Cassidy had ever seen, and she loved it even more since it was created by her grandmother.
So many memories to cherish today. She didn’t want to forget any of it. Not the sway of the bridge, the smell of the flowers, the sunlight sparkling off the river, or even the climb up the ridge. Because she knew, at the top, she’d see Allan.
Thomas raced on ahead to let everyone know they were almost there.
Dad stopped and took her hands. “This is it, my daughter. You have my blessing and I love you with all my heart.”
Blinking away tears of joy, Cassidy swallowed hard. “Don’t you dare make my cry, Dad.” She breathed in deep. “Thank you. For your blessing, and for your love. I love you too.” She turned forward again and could see the last twenty steps or so leading to the top of the ridge. “Now, let’s get moving. I’m ready to get this shindig under way.”
He laughed and held out his elbow to her.
Thomas stood above them, turned, and nodded real big.
As Cassidy took the final steps, she heard the words of the doxology wash over her. The whole wedding party sang it together, and it echoed over the ridge in beautiful harmony. As she reached the top, she looked to her groom. He was all smiles, and it lit up his whole face.
To the west was the most glorious sight. Denali stood in all his majesty—not a cloud in view.
The crowd continued to sing until John brought her to stand beside Allan.
“Who gives this woman to be married?” Their pastor from Tenana had come all this way to perform the ceremony.
“I do,” Dad answered with a slight break in his voice.
The pastor continued on.
Her soon-to-be-husband leaned over to whisper to her. “I hope the journey was worth it.”
She giggled. “Oh, definitely. And you’ll be proud—I didn’t hug the ground even once.”
Before she knew what was happening, Allan wrapped his arms around her and kissed her with a passion she wasn’t expecting. Then he pulled back and chuckled. And then he kissed her again.
The crowd applauded and laughed.
The pastor cleared his throat. “We’re not to that part yet, young man.”
More laughter surrounded them.
Allan straightened, tucked her hand into his elbow, and pulled her closer. “I’m sorry, sir, I couldn’t resist.” He breathed in deep. “I’ll behave.”
Cassidy tried to cover her laughter. She looked at Allan, his face now serious and focused on the pastor. Oh, the joy to be with this man.
She tried to keep a straight face, but she just couldn’t help it. Her smile generated from her toes today.
The pastor leaned in, a twinkle in his eyes. “May I continue?”
“Yes. Please do.”
Now her dad started chuckling as well. At least it was a joyous occasion. And one they would all remember for the rest of their lives.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the shadow of Denali, to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony . . .”