“Thank you both for being my bridesmaids.”
Willa gave each of them a small jewelry box, and Lily and Beth both opened them to find exquisite pearl bracelets that Willa had chosen because the meaning behind them touched her soul.
It was said that they were made from angels passing through the clouds in Heaven. They meant love, and Willa wanted Beth and Lily to know how much they meant to her.
“I wanted to thank you for my dress.” Willa straightened her shoulders, staring at the women who had tried to be her friends over the years. “Both of my parents are dead. I was an only child, I used to beg my mother for a sister or brother. I accepted the dress because, if I had a sister, I would buy her one. I’m not explaining it right.” Willa tried to make another attempt, but Lily caught her hand.
“That’s why we bought it, because we felt like your sisters, too.”
Beth nodded at her sister’s words, and then they hugged each other. Lily was the first to break away.
“It’s almost time.” Lily handed Willa her red rose bouquet, pushing her toward the door.
“We have fifteen more minutes before I have to be downstairs.” Willa tried to pull back.
“I told Lucky that I would bring you to the side door.”
“It’s bad luck to see the groom before the ceremony,” Willa protested.
“He’ll be careful. Come on. We’re losing time,” Lily encouraged.
Beth picked up the bottom of her dress and veil as she followed Lily’s pale rose figure down the steps. She opened the side door that was an extra exit from the entry of the church.
“Stand here.” Lily positioned her next to it, facing sideways.
After Lily opened the other door and held out Willa’s hand, Lucky’s hand grasped hers from the other side. It was the most romantic touch Willa could have ever dreamed of. She could see no part of his body, only feel the loving clasp of his hand from the other side of the door.
“Will you pray with me, Willa?”
“Yes.” Tears clogged her throat as she lowered her head.
“Dear Father, thank You for this beautiful day, fulfilling Willa’s and my desire to join our two souls together with Your holy blessing. Hand in hand, we come before You, giving our hearts to You, and in return, we trust our faith to guide us through the journey You have set forth for us.
“Make our marriage as flexible as this cord I wrap around our wrists so that our love will continue to grow through the years. Make our marriage as strong as the diamond I placed on her hand. I promise to give Willa a smile for every smile, a kiss for every kiss, to hurt every time she hurts until our bond is as unbreakable as our devotion to You. Amen.”
Willa almost went around the door to Lucky. Placing her free hand on the door, she felt his love coming through as though she could actually touch him.
“Amen,” she whispered back.
“I love you, Willa. I’ve never felt luckier than I do at this moment.”
Her hand tightened in his. “This isn’t luck; this is a blessing from God. When He created you, He created a man who serves Him, a man who brings joy to my heart and a love that I will always cherish. Today, I give to you all that I am: body, heart, and soul.”
In the background, they heard the cellist begin to play.
“You have to go. The ceremony is beginning.”
“I’ll be waiting.” Lucky released her hand.
She heard him walking away to the side of the church that would put him at the front of the podium.
Willa turned back to Lily and Beth who were standing by the door that led into the chapel. Both were wearing their pearl bracelets as she was wearing the same one around her own wrist.
The saleswoman who had “helped” her and Lucky previously at the jewelry store had glowered at her angrily when she had asked for someone else to wait on her. Willa didn’t feel guilty giving the commission to someone else for the expensive bracelets while the saleswoman had stood, watching enviously.
“Are you ready?” Beth asked with tears of happiness that were mirrored in Willa’s own eyes.
“I’m ready.” Willa smoothed down her dress for the final time.
“Pastor Sparks is already up front,” Lily told her.
The pastor from Jamestown had agreed to perform the ceremony for them.
The ushers opened the door.
“Here we go,” Lily said softly, stepping forward.
Beth followed behind her sister.
“He’s there,” Willa whispered, seeing Lucky waiting for her beside the podium.
“Was there any doubt?” Angus asked.
Curling her arm through his, she didn’t take her eyes off Lucky. “None at all.” She crossed two of her fingers that were holding the bouquet. “None at all.”
*
Willa paced back and forth in the small bathroom, knowing Lucky had to be wondering what was taking her so long. She sat down on the edge of the tub, feeling as if she were hyperventilating.