On December 31 in a candlelight service at Buffalo Gap Community Church, Mia Granger married Caleb Grant. It was supposed to be a small, private ceremony, but who could say no to Mayor Marsha’s constituents’ desire to see her son tie the knot to the community’s most delightful newbie? Unfortunately the event was running late because of the bride’s lawyer.
“Harlan bought Riverbend because the mineral rights go with it,” Bella told Mia as she held the bride’s slim white heels. “That means that all royalties of oil and anything else they find go to you. Harlan commissioned a survey before he died. There is a vein with a precious metal in it. For as long as you live, the money will go to you. After your death, rights revert to the crown. You’re a very wealthy woman, Mia.”
“In many ways.” She hugged Bella. “Thank you for telling me. Caleb and I will talk about it later. Right now I’m a little preoccupied with getting married. Can you straighten my veil?”
Bella complied, then took her place in a pew beside Mayor Marsha and her husband. The bridal party was small. Lily walked down the aisle first with no sign of a limp, resplendent in a creamy velvet dress with royal blue feathered trim. She held a dainty bouquet of out-of-season lilies that perfectly matched her eyes.
“Okay, Uncle Caleb?” she whispered loudly when she arrived at the front of the church. His thumbs-up made her smile.
The congregation rose when Hilda suddenly changed keys on the organ and began playing a familiar old hymn that had been Caleb’s mother’s favorite. Mia stepped into the aisle, her arm wrapped in Joel’s.
Dressed in a hand-crocheted lace jacket and a long tulip skirt, she walked slowly toward Caleb, her green gaze beneath her long trailing veil concentrated on him. Her magnificent hair was held off her face with a silver band. She carried lilies in a sheaf mixed with cedar greens and tied with a silver band to match Caleb’s eyes.
Once Joel had given her hand to Caleb, the couple turned toward Pastor Don to say their vows.
“I will love you forever, Caleb.” Mia touched his cheek. “You will always be my beloved husband, a gift from God that I willingly accept. I can’t wait to be your wife.”
“I don’t deserve you, Mia. But I thank God that He’s blessed me with your love. You are the part of me that makes every day a blessing.” Caleb’s next words were for Mia alone. “When I was lost you came and drew me with your love so I could fully experience God’s forgiveness. I love you. I always will.”
Pastor Don said a few words, then with his blessing Mia and Caleb kissed.
“That’s my mom and dad,” Lily hollered, grinning from ear to ear as Mr. Fudge came sliding down the aisle. “We’re gonna be a family.”
The bride and groom embraced Lily, holding her dog, and Joel and Hilda. It was clear to everyone that they already were.