EPILOGUE
“I’m going to murder my brother.” Virginia flounced into the anteroom at Holy Trinity Church. “A few hours’ notice is not sufficient time to prepare for a wedding. What was he thinking?” She draped a garment bag over a chair in the corner of the tiny room.
Grace looked up from the vanity mirror, still unable to believe she was about to be married. “You mustn’t blame Andrew. It was my decision to get married before we left.” Nerves buzzed in her stomach. She wasn’t about to let anything interfere this time. Even if the ship were to sink, at least she’d have the comfort of knowing she was Andrew’s wife.
Virginia grinned. “Can’t say that I blame you after everything you’ve been through. I’m glad I could come up with a suitable dress on such short notice.” She unzipped the bag and removed the gauzy ivory creation. “This was part of my trousseau for Europe, though I must say it doubles nicely as a wedding gown.”
Grace rose from her seat. “Are you sure about this?”
“Absolutely. There’s no one I’d rather see wear it.” She winked. “Come on. You’ll look fabulous.”
With Virginia’s aid, the dress slid into place with a whisper. As Virginia fastened the tiny buttons at the back, Grace risked a glance in the mirror. “Oh, my. Is that really me?”
She’d never seen a more gorgeous dress. Its softly draped bodice, edged with embroidered lace and pearls, met a high waistband and flowed down in a sea of satin.
The door opened. Mrs. Chamberlain stepped inside and stared. “Grace dear, you look like an angel.” She came forward with two bouquets of flowers. “These are from Mr. Lafferty.” She laid them on the table. “And this note is from Andrew.”
Grace’s hand trembled as she took the paper.
“Go ahead. I’m sure it’s a love letter.” Virginia laughed as she picked up the veil and spread the netting around.
Mrs. Easton had been kind enough to offer Grace the use of her veil that she’d preserved all these years for Virginia. What better blessing could she receive on her marriage to Andrew?
Grace sat on the stool in front of the vanity and opened the note.
My darling Grace, you’ve made me the happiest of men by agreeing to marry me tonight. I promise to spend the rest of my life loving you, cherishing you, and ensuring your happiness. Together we’ll share the privilege of becoming Christian’s parents. I cannot wait to begin our lives as man and wife. All my love forever, Andrew.
Grace closed her eyes and pressed the paper to her chest. Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and grace, and for granting me the love of such an amazing man. I promise to do everything I can to be worthy of such a gift.
A knock sounded on the door. Mrs. Chamberlain went to answer it.
“That was Andrew’s father,” she said. “Reverend Burke is ready any time you are, dear.”
“Thank you, Mrs. C. And thank you, Virginia. I don’t know what I would have done without you both.”
“I’m just grateful to be here. Grateful my parents have accepted my marriage to Collin.” Virginia fastened the veil to the crown of Grace’s hair with pearled combs. “And it’s all thanks to you.”
“You opened my father’s eyes to how wrong he was about Frank and Rose and helped him see that it’s not so terrible to follow your heart.” She smiled. “Who knows? By this time next year, my parents could be welcoming another grandchild, or even two, into their lives.”
Grace turned to pull Virginia into a warm hug, her heart filled to overflowing with gratitude. “I’m so glad you’re my friend, and that now you’ll be my sister too.”
Mrs. Chamberlain bustled over and handed Grace the flowers. “No tears allowed. We don’t want a puffy-eyed bride.” She adjusted the veil around Grace’s shoulders. “Now, go marry that man.”
At the foot of the altar, Andrew shifted from one foot to the other. If the women didn’t hurry, he might jump right out of his skin.
A warm hand squeezed his shoulder. “Relax, son. Women always take longer to get ready. Though considering Grace only had a few hours, it will be a miracle if she’s ready at all.” His father’s easy laugh loosened the bands of tension in Andrew’s chest.
“Thanks, Dad. I’m honored you agreed to be my best man.”
“I’m only sorry it took me so long to see the light.” He cleared his throat. “I don’t want to ever lose you, son. Or your sister. You and that young lady of yours have shown me the true value of family. I promise to do my best not to forget that in the future.” He reached into his pocket and drew out an envelope. “This just arrived today. I was going to save it for later, but go ahead and open it now.”
Andrew couldn’t imagine what his father was giving him. He pulled out a slim brass plate. Engraved in flowing script were the words Andrew Easton, Vice President. Dumbfounded, he looked at his father, who smiled.
“I figured this promotion could make up for missing out on Ottawa.”
Andrew couldn’t speak against the lump in his throat. “Thanks, Dad. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
The organ music swelled, and the doors at the back of the church opened.
“Time to get married.” His father winked and took the envelope. “I’ll have this installed by the time you return. I wish you every happiness, son. You deserve it.”
Virginia appeared in the doorway, wearing a pink flowing gown. She held a bouquet of pink and white roses, no doubt arranged by her husband. She started up the aisle, and seconds later, Grace came into view.
Andrew’s breath tangled in his lungs. No bride could have looked more beautiful. She glided toward him, her arms filled with an array of multicolored flowers. Despite the late hour, the church glowed with the light of a hundred candles, giving the building an ethereal effect. Almost like looking up at the stars.
Grace reached the foot of the altar, and Andrew stepped forward to meet her. The blinding smile she gave him made his chest swell. She took his arm, and together they turned to face Reverend Burke.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here tonight in the sight of God and these witnesses to join together in holy matrimony Grace Agnes Abernathy and Andrew Gerard Easton.”
The minister’s opening words flew by, and minutes later, Andrew turned to face the woman he loved. With great solemnity, he pledged his life to hers. From the corner of his eye, he saw his mother in the front row with Christian on her lap, wiping her cheeks.
Andrew gazed deeply into Grace’s warm brown eyes and smiled, certain that Frank and Rose were looking down on them with love, thrilled at the merging of their two families—this time in perfect harmony.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined, let no man put asunder.” The minister paused and smiled. “You may kiss your bride.”
Andrew lifted the veil and pulled Grace close for their first married kiss. A holy union, binding their troth.
“I love you, Mrs. Easton,” he whispered. “And I’ll spend the rest of my days proving it.”
A smile bloomed on her lips. “As long as you keep up those kisses, Mr. Easton,” she teased, “that shouldn’t be a problem.”
Then, not caring who might object, Andrew kissed his wife once again for good measure.