November

 

“I can’t believe it’s snowing. What are we going to do?” Jessa gazed out the window of Addy’s with a look of abject horror. “It wasn’t supposed to do anything until Monday.”

Landon rubbed his hand in soothing motions on her back. “It will be okay.”

“How? There are already six inches out there, and another six expected by this evening. No one will be able to make it to the church.” She ran a hand through her hair. “What is it with us and surprise snowstorms?”

“God likes to keep us on our toes.” His confident smile reassured her.

Her anxieties eased, but they still needed to discuss this. “Do we postpone the wedding?”

He jerked his head, as though surprised she’d suggested it. “No. We’ll figure this out.”

“We can move the ceremony up a few hours.” She bit down on her lip, considered other possibilities.

“The church has another wedding before ours.” He clasped his hands together. “I’ve got it. Let’s have the ceremony here.”

“Here?”

“Yes. My family is already here, and you can call yours to come now before the roads get worse. The pastor lives two buildings down so he could walk if needed.”

“But…” Before she finished her protest, she realized he might be on to something. “You know what, let’s do it.”

He kissed her forehead. “It won’t be the wedding we planned, but we’ll have a great story to tell our kids.”

“All I want is to be married and start our lives together. If we have to adjust our plans, then we adjust our plans. I’m sure bigger obstacles will be thrown in our ways over the years. This is simply a test.”

“That’s my girl. What should I do?”

“Call the pastor and tell him the change of plans. Oh, and find Mrs. Addy and run this by her. You should probably do that first since this is her place.” She paused, creating a mental checklist. “I’ll call my family, and the few guests I know would come out in this weather. We can have a reception later on, to celebrate with everyone.”

“Consider it done.”

“We’re getting married today.” She grabbed his arms and squealed.

He laughed and winked at her. “Glad you’re excited.”

She ran upstairs and started making phone calls, pulling out her dress, shoes, makeup and jewelry as she spoke. The impromptu plans were coming together, and her heart filled with joy. A twinge of sadness came over her when she looked at the picture of her family atop her dresser. Everything else had been packed away, ready to move into her and Landon’s new home, but she’d kept that one photo out. She wished Hunter and Trixie would be there to see her get married, but she couldn’t let their absence mar her day.

The next several hours passed in a whirlwind of preparations. No one would allow her downstairs to see the progress, but they assured her everything was under control. She tried her best to sit still while Phoebe and Rachel styled her hair, but her nerves made her bouncy.

Finally, she was alone upstairs with only her father who would walk her downstairs at the music cue.

He lifted her veil to kiss her cheek. “You are a beautiful bride.”

“Thank you, Daddy.”

The music played, and he took her arm, escorted her downstairs and into the dining room which had been transformed into a magical setting.

Rachel stood right outside the door with the bouquet Jessa had ordered from the florist. “Surprise.”

Jessa’s eyes widened when she saw the florist had made the delivery of all arrangements. She’d have her dream bouquet of antique roses, thistle, astilbe, and eucalyptus after all. Handing Rachel the substitute bunch of silk sunflowers found in Addy’s attic, she took the live one.

Her entire wedding party—including guests—numbered less than thirty, but now that it was happening, Jessa wouldn’t have it any other way. She tightened her arm around her dad’s as they walked down the makeshift aisle.

She looked up and locked eyes with Landon.

This is love. Sharing life with those you care about, come rain or snow, trial or tribulations.

She came to the final row of seats. Dad released her arm when Landon came down to meet her. She took a single step forward, ready to say I do and begin the first day of the rest of her life.

 

 

Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as

God also forgave you in Christ.

Ephesians 4:31-32