On a spring day in Bear Lake in Pastor Walker’s church office, Alisa smiled as Jolene, her matron of honor, zipped up her cream-colored wedding dress. The simple boat neckline and a calf-length skirt, in contrast to her usual slacks and sweater, made her feel like she was going to a dress-up party.
Her wedding! She could hardly believe the day had finally arrived.
Mama, looking beautiful in a violet dress, handed Alisa the bouquet of spring flowers she’d carry down the aisle. Mama had worked herself silly for the reception to be held in the diner banquet room. There were big pots of mushroom soup, trays of paprika chicken and dumplings, authentic goulash, side dishes of sauerkraut, creamed peas, carrot-and-apple salad and apple strudel for dessert waiting for the guests.
There was a knock on the door. Dr. McCandles appeared and the sound of organ music drifted into the room.
“It’s time for us to be seated, Ingrid.”
Smiling, with just a trace of tears in her eyes, she kissed Alisa on the cheek. “Be happy, my little Alisova.”
“I will be, I promise.” So much joy filled her heart, she was sure it would last her a lifetime with Nick and beyond.
A few minutes later, Nick’s friends Ned Turner and Ward Cummings arrived to escort Alisa and Jolene down the aisle.
Taking Ned’s arm, Alisa walked with him to the back of the church and waited while Ward and Jolene made their way down the center aisle.
Ward whispered, “Nick’s a lucky guy.”
“So am I.” Her gaze traveled to Nick, wearing a white dinner jacket, standing tall and strong beside the pastor. Sweetly, Nick asked Greg to be his best man. Rags, freshly bathed and wearing a bow tie for a collar, sat proudly at Greg’s side.
Nick hadn’t totally tamed the memories of that terrible day in Afghanistan, but he had found ways to accept that he had survived for a reason.
As the music changed, the congregation stood and Alisa took the first step toward the man she loved. She was sure the Lord had brought Nick home to her.
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Keep reading for an excerpt of Reunited for the Holidays by Jillian Hart!