ONE YEAR LATER
“Hold still. I’m never going to get this thing tied.” Walter frowned at Veronica. “She’s not going to run off. Why are you fidgeting?”
“We’re going to be late.”
“We won’t be if you hold still.” Walter yanked on the ends of her bow tie. “There.”
“Are we ready?” The minister peered at them over her glasses. “You have the ring?”
Walter patted his vest pocket. “Right here.”
It’s happening. It’s really happening. Veronica smoothed her hand down the front of her suit and pressed a trembling hand against her stomach. Get it together. Vomiting is not an option.
“Follow me. Just like we rehearsed.” The minister opened the door and Veronica and Walter fell into step behind her as she led them from the vestry.
Veronica gazed out over the pews. Dr. Kerr and Jaya Pomroy were in the second row right behind Veronica’s mom and dad. Her sister Violet and her husband held hands in the front row. She made eye contact with Veronica and raised her hand and waved. Benita, Tessa, and June had all made the trip from Skye, along with Martha, Myfanwy, and Lucia. As the first notes of the wedding march sounded, she looked to the back of the church. Millie walked down the aisle, escorted by Myfanwy.
Veronica curled her fingers into her palm to keep them from shaking. Millie stepped up on the altar. Veronica turned to face her and held her hand out palm up. Millie placed her hand in hers, and they turned as one to face their future.