Epilogue

 

Four months later

 

 In the double-wide trailer that masqueraded as Tranquility Group’s office, Christy shivered beneath her ivory velvet bridal gown. Late October was just about the hottest month in Calabasas, but here in northern Colorado, autumn had roared in and winter wasn’t long off.

 Sighing mistily, Kelley fastened her mother’s wedding pearls around Christy’s neck. Mrs. Martin, busy with a crochet hook, attached the tiny covered buttons up Christy’s back.

 “Daddy would have wanted Kenn to have this,” Her mom said in a breathless whisper. She handed Christy the slim gold wedding band Daddy had worn.

 Christy’s heart thumped with the grief felt by all brides whose fathers have predeceased their wedding day. It was the same twist of regret she’d felt when Kenn asked her mom for her hand in marriage because she knew well Daddy would have loved to bestow his blessing. The significance of the gift warmed her through.

 “Mom, it’s beyond special,” she said, meaning it. “But Kenn and I talked. With all his duties on the ranch, he can’t wear a ring. It might get caught and cost him a finger.”

 “Nonsense. He teaches school much of the time.” Mrs. Forrest sniffed. “He can surely wear it the classroom.”

 “And he needs one for the ceremony,” Elaine Martin boomed. Her friendship with Christy’s mom had blossomed since taking root that day on the phone last summer, particularly with Mom living in the big ranch house until her new condo was finished. She’d shared a room with Christy who would be moving into a small bungalow on the ranch with Kenn after their quick honeymoon to Lake Tahoe.

 Kelley’s long brown velvet dress sleeked softly around her fit frame, and she grabbed her spray of orange and yellow gladioli.

 “You’re so beautiful, Christy.” Kelley sniffed. “I knew from the moment I saw you. You were The One. For Kenn, I mean.”

 “Thankfully so did your brother,” Christy replied, basking in love and joy. She embraced her maid of honor.

 “All buttoned up,” Mrs. Martin announced.

 “Thanks. Thanks for everything,” Christy said, eyes filling with happy tears. Plans for Posy’s Grove as well as her new job with Tranquility Group had taken so much of her time last summer she’d been relieved to leave the bulk of wedding coordination in the two mothers’ capable hands. In addition to landscaping Hearts Crossing Ranch’s new planned community, Woodside Meadow, she also managed to tend things at Forrest for the Trees with the Internet and weekend trips.

 Although Christy’s heart pittered when she recalled Posy’s lovely grove, Kenn, true to his word, had wanted a church wedding. Woodside Community Chapel was only just framed, but it would work just fine for its very first wedding. When Pastor Hale had broken ground, the site had become consecrated soil. Pike had wound the rough beams with strings of white twinkle lights and garlands of spruce and fir. Rachel had spent the morning attaching clumps of fall flowers and herbs.

 And Kelley, of course, had created a masterwork of a cake: triple stacks of chocolate stuck all over with maple sugar leaves and two tiny covered wagons on top.

 “Come on. I hear the string quartet,” Mrs. Martin ordered.

 “‘Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus.’ Mrs. Forrest said. “So fitting. Five generations of my family’s brides had that song at our weddings.”

 “I know, Mom. It’s so special.” Christy drew her mother close. “I love you so much. And I feel Dad’s love with us today. That hymn’s your cue, Mother Martin.”

 “Oh, goodness. Mother Martin makes me sound like an old hen.” She dumped a quick kiss on Christy’s cheek. “Elaine will do.”

 Christy’s heart did a freefall in her chest as she picked up her nosegay of yellow roses and oak leaves, stems bound with copper-colored satin ribbon. It was time.

 Then the group moved toward the door to exit. Cautious, she peeked, not wanting Kenn to catch one single glimpse of her before she started up the aisle. The short train of her simple, elegant gown glided behind her. Fortunately, “Elaine” could sew like a dream. She’d made the dresses in just a few days while her surgery healed. The brothers all wore their Sunday best, with bolo ties and the crucifixes given by their father, and gerbera daisy boutonnières. Bragg, of course, was best man for his brother.

 As Christy’s mother offered her arm, tears flowed. They’d walk up the aisle together. Among the congregation seated on folding chairs around her, she watched as Jennie Blake dabbed her eyes, surrounded by Paul and their handsome sons.

 But it was Kenn at the altar, standing proud with Pastor Hale, that held Christy’s gaze as she began her slow processional to Bach’s lovely Air on the G String. Her husband, friend. Her future, her strength. The Lord’s wonders could hardly be contained on this most glorious day.

 This is a day the Lord has made. Let is rejoice and be glad.

 As she gazed deep into Kenn’s dark eyes, Christy’s breath caught as she took his hand. With a broad smile, he squeezed tight, and Christy Forrest came home to Hearts Crossing Ranch for good.