Chapter 39
Though Lauren wanted to sleep in, she found herself staring at the ceiling by six thirty. The previous two days had been filled with exploration and merriment. They hiked the grounds, swam in the pool, smelled flowers in the garden. The men learned archery and sword fighting while the women had their dress fittings, massages, pedicures, and manicures. The stone and hardwood castle floors didn’t prevent David from crawling from room to room trying to keep up with the older kids. The evening before, the couples enjoyed a gourmet cooking class while Richard and Tyler’s parents babysat the younger kids and the castle employees played games with the older ones. Lauren enjoyed preparing the pasta and sauce from scratch even more than eating it, especially with the comedic antics of Beth and Shelly in the kitchen.
Today is the day. She smiled at the sight of her wedding dress hanging in the open wardrobe across from her bed. The princess sweetheart neckline was cut high, the peasant sleeves completely lace. The embroidered floral design on the laced-up bodice also adorned the front of the dress. Her satin train spanned three feet behind. She would have been content with a barefoot wedding on the beach, but the moment she tried on the gown, Lauren realized the grand adventure she was about to embark on with Tyler by her side.
From her open bedroom door, she spied a dozen long-stemmed white roses in a crystal vase on the entryway table. Phone in hand, Lauren slipped on her white silk robe and slippers. Approaching the table, she could smell their fragrance before she reached the table.
Happy Wedding Day to the most beautiful bride ever, the typewritten card read. I love you, Angel. Here’s to another happily ever after.
Lord, he’s so thoughtful. Lauren took a rose from the vase with her to the antique royal purple chaise lounge.
Opening her Bible app, she clicked on Psalms, then chapter 118.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
Tyler read the psalm to her the night she was healed from depression. As she read it today, gratitude welled in her heart for all the Lord had done over the past year.
“When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place.”
She recalled the nights she cried out to the Lord, suffering from the emotional pain of losing Adam and then physical pain of preeclampsia. God was there, Lauren thought, bringing the peace that surpasses all understanding.
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
His hand was upon me even when others slandered me. She thought of how difficult it was to write truthful posts on social media of her struggles, yet God used them to inspire and touch others.
“The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.”
A smile danced on her lips. We defeated Satan, once and for all. Thank You, Lord, for teaching me to recognize the lies, my triggers, and hold on to the truth.
Snapping a photo of the white rose lying on the sofa beside her, Lauren uploaded it to social media and started a new post.
Never was I alone. God was there walking beside me, sustaining me, upholding me with His right hand. So was Tyler. He wasn’t always there physically, but he was persistent in his prayers, in believing God for my healing. Today I say “I do.” Today I become one with my best friend.
Father, thank You for all You have done. Thank You for this day and for Tyler’s love. Bless it from beginning to end with Your presence. And please bless every day after. You are good. I know Your love will endure forever.
Tyler woke after six o’clock with racing thoughts.
This is it, he thought. The day I’ve been waiting for. Taking a deep breath, thoughts of all they had done since arriving at the castle bombarded him. Shooting arrows and sword fighting the day before with the guys came in a close second to the evening cooking class. Watching and listening to Lauren, Shelly, and Beth made him laugh, but as he and Lauren chopped ingredients side by side, formed pasta, and created the sauce, he realized how amazing life with her would be.
He opened his Bible app to 1 John while Danny continued to snore. Tears came to his eyes when he reached verses fourteen and fifteen.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”
How many months ago had he asked for this—for Lauren to be his? And now it was becoming a reality.
A notification appeared at the top of his phone. One new mention from Lauren Riley. He could no longer hold back the tears after reading her post. “You are good, God,” he whispered. “Continue to bless our lives together as we follow You.”
The theme of the day became “avoid the bride.” He’d turn down one hallway to be pushed to another. While he was eating lunch, Beth grabbed his food from the table and told him he needed to take it to his room. His favorite was when Danny tackled him and dragged him into the closest bedroom at the sound of Lauren’s laughter.
“You’re killing me,” he said to Danny, then turned to see Beth behind them. “Both of you. This is ridiculous. I’m going to take a nap. I can sleep, right? Or is that a hazard because I might see her in my dreams?”
“Actually, you can’t, Prince Charming.” Beth patted his back. “Time to get suited up. Pictures for your family and the men are on the lawn at two.”
Tyler narrowed his eyes. “You like bossing me around, don’t you?”
“You’re about to inherit me as a personal assistant. Get used to it.”
Following a morning of sitting in her room and an afternoon of being told where she could go and when, Lauren was thankful to be the first dressed and made up. Since Tyler was outside, Beth and Shelly allowed her to explore the castle alone.
Peering through windows on the second floor, Lauren caught sight of the men on the lawn beside the garden, all dressed in medieval attire. Tyler and Danny were engaged in a sword fight, laughing each time one of them lunged and missed. Danny’s last attempt ended with a somersault and him on his back. Holding on to her dad’s fingers, David trudged through the grass to Tyler. Running straight for him, Tyler whisked David in the air, twirling him. Lauren laughed at the joy on her son’s face, imagining his giggles.
Continuing downstairs, Lauren walked to the chapel at the end of the hallway. Sunlight streamed through the stained glass, creating a rainbow of colors on the white runner. Imagining the wedding march in her mind, she proceeded down the aisle like she practiced the day before with her dad. Straight back, train flowing behind. White and red rose arrangements adorned the end of each pew. She stopped at the iron cross and open Bible on a wooden table in the front.
“Thank You, God, for Your Son.” She ran a hand over the cold metal. “Thank You for Tyler. Thank You for this crazy amazing life You have given me. I never imagined...” Tears choked out her words. She closed her eyes, not wanting to cry and ruin her mascara.
“There’s my beautiful bride.”
Shyly turning, Lauren found her dashing groom in the doorway. The black velvet coat he wore was trimmed in gold and the front embroidered with a paisley gold design. His hand rested on the handle of the sword strapped to his waist.
“I’m so glad you picked that one.” He took a step toward her. “It’s my favorite.”
“You’re not supposed to see me.” Lauren shifted her body and walked carefully to avoid her train.
“Silly tradition.” Tyler continued down the aisle. “Besides, I thought the girls would have you locked away somewhere. I finished pictures and came in here to pray.”
“That makes two of us.” She took his hand in hers when they met in the middle of the chapel. “How’d they go?”
“David stole the show. Like his mom.” He ran a hand down her arm. “How are you?”
“Good.” She averted her eyes.
Hand on the bottom of her chin, Tyler gently raised her head. “What is it?”
“I just...” She swallowed hard, pushing back the tears. “I feel so blessed. Too blessed.” She locked eyes with him. “You know?”
Tyler nodded. “I do. Felt that way every day since Valentine’s Day.”
“Is it too good to last?” Lauren whispered her greatest fear.
“No.” Tyler pulled her into his arms. “It’s God’s perfect will.”
He prayed for her, them, the ceremony, David to have a calm and happy heart. Everything she wanted to pray and more. It was true. He did complete her.
“How’d we get here?” She carefully dabbed her eyes so her mascara didn’t run.
“God brought you to my doorstep.” Tyler smiled at her. “And I finally decided to take no for an answer.”
Lauren chuckled. “You were pretty stubborn.”
“You were persistent. I’m sure your prayers had a lot to do with it.”
“And yours over the past year.”
Tyler nodded. Inching toward her, he paused, biting his lip. “Think we need to get going. I do want to save today’s first kiss for the altar. You looking this gorgeous is making it hard.”
“Thanks for the roses.” Lauren slipped her hand in his as they walked out of the chapel.
“Your bouquet? Did it turn out good? I thought red and white together would be classic—”
“The long-stemmed white roses that appeared in my room this morning. They’re beautiful.”
Tyler raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t send those. Did they have a card?”
“Yes. It said, ‘To the most beautiful bride ever. I love you, Angel.’” Lauren paused, looking into Tyler’s face. “‘Here’s to another happily ever after.’”
Tyler squeezed her hand. “I knew Mac would show up today.”
Her heart ached, yet it filled with joy. “You think he knew?”
“I think he was our biggest prayer warrior.”