Epilogue
MAY 1920
The faint scent of lilacs covered the village of Wheatley on the morning of Emma’s wedding. She peered out of the open window of her bedroom with a smile, inhaling the sweet fragrance. How she loved her new living quarters. The renovations had been completed just prior to Christmas, and now she and Jonathan would have their own private area off the back of the dress shop.
A knock sounded on the main door of the flat. Emma tied the sash on her robe and went to answer it.
“Who is it?” If it was Jonathan, she wouldn’t open the door, not willing to incur any bad luck on this special day.
“It’s Trudy. I have your dress ready.”
Excitement bubbled through Emma’s system. She could hardly wait to see the finished product. Trudy had been working on the dress for weeks now, and after the last fitting, Emma was not allowed to see it until her wedding day.
Business had certainly picked up for Trudy’s Dress Designs over the past nine months, and with a rash of upcoming weddings, Trudy had been kept hopping—so much so that now she was considering specializing in nothing but wedding attire.
Emma opened the door and Trudy bustled in, arms full.
They walked through the living area and straight to the bedroom, where Trudy laid the garment on the bed. “Happy wedding day, my dear. I’m so excited for you, and more than that, I’m thrilled to officially welcome you into our family.” She reached out to squeeze Emma in a tight hug.
“Not as happy as I am.”
“Before you get into your dress, a telegram arrived for you this morning.” She pulled a piece of paper from her pocket.
A sudden flare of alarm chilled Emma. Telegrams usually meant bad news.
“I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.” Trudy patted her shoulder. “Likely a note of congratulations.”
Emma’s fingers trembled as she broke the seal. “Dearest Emma and Jonathan. Blessings on your wedding day. With you in spirit. Love, Mrs. C.”
A lump of emotion rose in Emma’s throat. “Wasn’t that thoughtful?”
Yet she couldn’t help the pang of sorrow that arose. Why hadn’t her father or sisters bothered to wish her well on this momentous occasion? She’d sent them an invitation as a gesture of goodwill, knowing they’d likely not come. But for them to not at least acknowledge the day in some way hurt more than Emma had thought possible.
She swallowed hard and laid the telegram on her vanity table, alongside the other good wishes she’d received from Grace and Quinten. She would not allow her father to ruin one minute of this special day. “Let’s get this fabulous gown on, Aunt Trudy. I don’t want to keep Jonathan waiting.”
Aunt Trudy insisted they take a taxi to the church. Emma was more than happy to accept her offer, and now as she got out in front of the stone building, she lifted the hem of the white satin high above her ankles to keep the material pristine.
Once inside the vestibule, she released the volumes of fabric. The pungent scent of fresh roses met her nose. From the open doors at the back of the church, Emma could see that small bouquets of flowers adorned every pew. A smattering of guests gathered near the front of the church, some seated, some talking in the aisles.
Emma turned to see what was keeping Trudy. The minister would want to start the ceremony on time.
A man in a charcoal-gray top hat and tails entered the church doors. He came to a stop and smiled as Emma’s eyes met his familiar blue ones.
“I understand there’s a bride here requiring an escort.” Randall gave a nervous laugh. “I’d like to offer my services—if you’d allow me the privilege.”
Emma’s throat seized. She couldn’t seem to draw air into her lungs. Her father had actually come all the way to England for her wedding?
“I’ll understand if you refuse, since I haven’t done much to deserve the honor.” Regret radiated from his features as he extended a hand toward her.
She couldn’t speak, couldn’t think. But somehow she managed to take a halting step toward him and place her hand in his.
They stood, gazes locked for several seconds, until Randall cleared his throat. “I hope you’re not mad. Jonathan wrote to me about the wedding. I told him you’d sent an invitation, but I doubted you really expected me to come. Yet he seemed to think you might want me here. I wasn’t sure, but I decided it was about time I took a risk for you.”
Silent tears slid down Emma’s cheeks. He drew her to him in a gentle hug.
She laid her head on his shoulder. Her eyes closed, and she released a deep sigh. “Thank you, Randall. I’m very glad you’re here.”
He drew back with a smile. Then he held her at arm’s length to look her up and down. “You’re breathtaking, Emma. Jonathan is a very lucky man.”
At last, the adoration she’d waited for all her life glowed in his eyes.
Yet, for Emma, it couldn’t compare to the look of love Jonathan gave her every day.
“Oh, I almost forgot.” Randall held up a finger, then disappeared around the corner.
Emma’s heart sank. Had he brought Vera with him? If so, she’d try to be gracious.
When Randall returned, however, he had two beautiful girls on his arms. Corinne looked stunning in a long pink gown, her blond hair piled high. But it was her younger sister who made Emma gasp.
Supported by her father, Marianne walked toward her, one arm in a metal brace attached to a cane, a big smile on her freckled face. “Hi, Emma. Are you surprised?”
Warmth spread through Emma’s chest, tightening her throat. Marianne was out of her wheelchair. “Surprised? I’m stunned.” A laugh gurgled up through her tears. “Look at you. You’re walking. And you’re here.” She bent to kiss Marianne’s cheek, then gathered her in a tight hug. “This is the best wedding present I could have received.”
The girl hugged her back, and when Emma straightened, Marianne grinned. “Corinne helped me with the exercises until Dr. Hancock said I was ready for braces.” She lifted the hem of her dress to reveal the metal bands on her legs.
“That’s wonderful. I’m so proud of you.” Emma turned to Corinne. “And Corinne. You look gorgeous.” Emma kissed her other sister. “I can’t believe you came.”
“We wouldn’t miss it,” Corinne whispered, her eyes dancing with pleasure.
“Speaking of which,” Randall said, “we’d better get started. Jonathan must be dying a thousand deaths up there. Corinne, will you help Marianne to her seat? I have a bride to escort.”
Aunt Trudy bustled forward then with Emma’s bridal bouquet. Sniffing back tears of her own, she gave Emma a hug and kiss before arranging the lacy veil in front of her face. “Congratulations, my dearest girl. You know I’ve always considered you the daughter I never had. Now we’re truly a family.”
Emma squeezed her hand. “I love you, Aunt Trudy.”
The organ music started. Randall offered his elbow, and on his arm, Emma fairly floated up the aisle. Halfway to the altar, she caught Jonathan’s gaze and mouthed, “Thank you.”
He beamed at her, tears glinting in his eyes.
In his tailored morning suit and striped tie, Emma had never seen him look more handsome. Her heart swelled with such love, she feared it might burst from her chest.
As best man, Reggie Wentworth stood tall beside the groom. Jonathan had been thrilled that his friend could make the trip. He’d even come a week early so he and Jonathan could spend time together before the wedding. Jonathan had enjoyed showing Reggie his hometown, especially the hallowed halls of Oxford.
When Emma reached the altar, her father lifted her veil and handed her over to Jonathan. His fingers wrapped around her trembling hands, steadying her with their strength as they always did. She smiled up into his beloved face, the one she knew better than any other.
Theirs would be an everlasting love, she was certain. One forged from a common childhood, solidified by friendship, and strengthened by the challenges that had come their way. A love refined through many tests and that would withstand many more to come.
The minister welcomed everyone and began to read a passage from the New Testament. “‘Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.’”
Jonathan squeezed her hand, his eyes brimming with emotion, and Emma smiled at him through her tears. She knew without a doubt that God had taken all her hopes and dreams and given her the gift of this wonderful man. A man who would provide her with the family she’d always desired.
On a wave of pure joy and gratitude, Emma pledged her life to her best friend, to the one who would hold her heart and keep it safe for all the years to come.